by Wichita, Kansas – The Eastern Washington University women’s basketball team used a balanced scoring effort to defeat Wichita State 67-62 on the road, in a game that was decided in the final minutes, on Tuesday night, Dec. 15.
Win-Loss Records
EWU improves to 6-4 with the win, while Wichita State falls to 1-7 with the loss.
Turning Point
The first half saw both teams perform well on offense, as Eastern continued their impressive three-point shooting by draining 8-of-12 from beyond the arc. The offense was highlighted by senior Hayley Hodgins and junior Ashli Payne, both leading the team with 12 points after the half. Overall the Eagles shot 51.9 percent from the field, staying ahead of Wichita State at 43.8 percent shooting.
The EWU defense made a huge statement to start the second half, keeping the Shockers offense to only eight points in the third quarter, contributing to a lead Eastern would not surrender the rest of the game. A late surge brought Wichita State within reach in the final seconds, but two clutch free throws from junior Tisha Phillips (Nez Perce Tribe) secured the win. Overall WSU was held to 31.3 percent shooting from the field, and 2-of-9 shooting from three in the second half.
Top Performers
Sophomore Delaney Hodgins recorded her first double-double of the season with 12 points on 4-of-8 shooting, and 12 total rebounds. On defense she recorded four blocks to lead the team.
Hayley Hodgins led the team in scoring with 23 points on 7-of-15 shooting from the field and 3-of-6 from three. She also sunk 6-of-8 free throws and led the team in assists with four. On the defensive side she tallied three blocks and two steals.
Tisha Phillips scored 15 points on 5-of-9 shooting, and filled the rest of her stat sheet with eight rebounds, three assists, two blocks, and two steals.
Ashli Payne reached double digit scoring as well with 13 points, while grabbing six boards.
Key Statistics
The Eagles shot 46 percent from the field, and 45 percent from three-point range, while Wichita State shot 37.5 percent from the field and 38.5 percent from three.
EWU controlled the boards well, pulling in 39 rebounds, over 31 for the Shockers.
Eastern’s defense made impactful plays all game, blocking 10 shots and stealing the ball six times, compared to zero blocks and 10 steals for WSU.
The Eagles had some trouble controlling the ball, turning it over 18 times, while allowing 25 points off their miscues. Wichita State turned the ball over nine times, resulting in 12 points off their mistakes.
Up Next
The Eagles return home for a game against Abilene Christian on Friday, Dec. 18. Tip-off is at 6 p.n. PST at Reese Court.
