Eastern Oregon Defeats Willamette, 69-39

By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110 and Sara Brooks, Assistant Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6219

LA GRANDE, ORE. -- Eastern Oregon University held Willamette University to just 23.0% shooting, as the Mountaineers defeated the Bearcats, 69-39, on Saturday, Nov. 21. Eastern Oregon was led by Alyssa Garro with 18 points and five rebounds. Alex Zennan (Jr., Sammamish, WA/Eastlake HS) topped Willamette with 12 points, five rebounds, three assists and four steals.

BOX SCORE

Willamette competed with Eastern for the first half, trailing just 25-17 at halftime. However, WU was unable to keep it close, as EOU quickly stretched its lead to 20 points early in the second half.

Three-point shooting proved to be a deciding factor in the game. EOU attempted 40 three point shots and connected on eleven. Willamette was 0-12 from behind the arc.

Despite the Bearcats' strong defensive effort in the first half, WU could not find a way to score. The Bearcats shot 23% from the field (14 of 61) and 39% from the free throw line (11 of 28). Eastern Oregon shot 34.7% from the field (25 of 72) and made 8 of 16 free throws (50.0%).

WU was led by Zennan, who was named to the All-Tournament Team for her performances over the weekend. Keilyn Fujikoa (Jr., C, Kailua, HI/Iolani HS) contributed five points, six rebounds and two blocks. Sophomore Kaileigh Westermann (P, Belfair, WA/North Kitsap HS) pulled down 10 rebounds and netted six points. Senior post player Nicki Clowdsley (Sammamish, WA/Skyline HS) tallied seven rebounds in 22 minutes.

Willamette fell to 0-2 on the season. EOU, which competes in the NAIA, improved to 4-2.

The Bearcats will compete in the Bruce Henderson Memorial Capital Classic on Nov. 27 and 28. WU will face William Jessup University on Nov. 27 at 5:30 p.m. (PST) and Bethany University on Nov. 28 at 3:30 p.m. (PST). Both games will be played at Corban College in Salem, Ore.

William Jessup and Bethany University compete in the NAIA as part of the California Pacific Conference. William Jessup is 3-4 overall this season. Bethany is currently 0-5 overall.