Eagles victorious in final non-conference game

CHENEY — The Eastern Washington Eagles took care of business Monday as they defeated Bushnell 78-37 in the team's final game before conference games begin on Saturday, according to a statement by EWU athletics. Head coach Joddie Gleason said it was a good tune-up before they see their Big Sky competitors.  

“We had five days off for the holiday break and we only have one game in the first week of conference play. It would have been a huge layover, so we're grateful to schedule Bushnell to come up here and play this game,” Gleason said. “I think it really helps us get ready and not have any letdowns in the game on Saturday against Idaho. I'm happy with the way we prepared for this game and executed the goals defensively in each quarter.”  

Eastern recorded a season-best 54 rebounds and had a plus-26 rebounding margin against Bushnell. EWU's scoring in the paint was significant, holding a 42-to-20 advantage over the Beacons.   

“One of the main focuses for the week was to get the ball inside. Our guards do a good job of reading the Eagles and getting it into the paint,” Gleason said. “If there is a double, they try to find the skip pass or a high or low option and we did a nice job of feeding it inside. Jaecy (Eggers) and Kourtney (Grossman) went to work after they got the ball or distributed it when a double team was coming.”  

Kourtney Grossman led the Eagles with a game-high 17 points, adding 11 rebounds for another double-double. It was not the only double-double of the night as Jaecy Eggers posted her first career, with 15 points and a game-high 13 rebounds.   

“I think walking into each game and building off of each game with confidence, but seeing each game with a new chance to get better,” Grossman said. “Knowing my role and knowing what I can do to help my team is important. It's about being consistent to help my team because I know they count on me in my role as I count on them to pick me up. It's been super fun for Jaecy and I to play off each other. It's really nice to know that if Jaecy gets the rebound then I can be the first post down and post up; then if I get the rebound, I can be the first post down, post up.”  

EWU finished with four players scoring in double figures, recording 15 assists on 30 made field goals.   

“Another one of our goals was to get 15 assists and they did a nice job in that area,” Gleason said. “We got it on one of our last baskets and it was exciting to see some of the players that don't get as many minutes be able to execute and reach our goals. They do a nice job for us in practice and work hard. I'm happy to see everyone play and move the ball. We did a better job getting inside-outside threes set up. We really tried to focus on that the past few weeks.”  

The score stayed close in the first quarter, with the Beacons leading 4-1. Bushnell got off to a fast start with layups from Sabrina Flowers and Ciena Tumoine and closed the first quarter with a three-pointer from Ellis Mastel to trail just 12-11 after the opening ten minutes, according to a statement by Bushnell athletics. 

The Eagles responded with a 7-0 run to go in front, powered by 5 points from Jaecy Eggers. EWU was up 12-6 at 4:12 on a made three from Kourtney Grossman. Bushnell did not fade away, scoring the next five points and Eastern led 12-11 after the first. They shot only 21.1% from the floor.  

Out of the gate in the second quarter, the Eagles separated from the Beacons, putting together a 10-0 run. Four different players scored during the run to help build the lead. EWU heavily improved its shooting, going up to 47.8% in the quarter. Elyn Bowers was 3-for-3 in the second, finishing with eight points, while Caitie Gingras followed with six points on 2-of-3 (66%) shooting from three. Eastern built a 38-22 advantage going into halftime.   

In the third, EWU expanded its lead, shooting 53.3% in the quarter and outscored Bushnell, 19-8. Eggers led the scoring again with six points, while Ella Gallatin had five points, followed by Bowers and Grossman with four each. The Eagles held the Beacons to 20% shooting during the third. Eastern's lead was now 57-31. 

The Eagles poured it on in the fourth quarter, scoring 21 points and holding Bushnell to six. EWU shot 50% from the floor for the second consecutive quarter, going 3-of-5 (60%) from three. Grossman helped close the door with six points in the quarter and Eastern won the game 78-37.  

The Beacons were led by Tumoine and Maddie Gerhart, scoring six points apiece, while Flowers, Ayden Krupke, Mastel, and Dayvis Key each scored five. Krupke added a team-high seven rebounds. 

For the game, Eastern shot 42.3%.

    Ella Gallatin (2) shoots a three-pointer against Bushnell Monday. Gallatin had 10 points, two assists and two blocks in the Eagles win on Monday.
  

and held the Beacons to 28.8 percent. The Eagles begin conference play on Saturday as they host Idaho at 2 p.m.   

BOX SCORE:  

BU: 11-12-8-6: 37  

EWU: 12-26-19-21: 78