by Cheney, Wash. – Trailing for just one minute early in the game, the Eastern Washington University women’s basketball team registered a commanding victory over visiting CSUN, 70-59, on Sunday afternoon, Nov. 22.
Win-Loss Records
Eastern improves to 3-1 after the win, while the loss drops CSUN to 0-4.
Turning Point
Led by some stellar first quarter play from sophomore Delaney Hodgins, who had eight of the Eagles’ first 12 points, Eastern found itself up 33-29 at the half. Despite shooting just 34.2 percent from the field and only 16.7 percent from three-point range, EWU’s defense stepped up in the first half, forcing 12 CSUN turnovers that resulted in 12 points for the Eagles.
The second half was a different story for the offense, as EWU improved their shooting percentage to 46.9. This was aided by some lights-out play from senior Hayley Hodgins, scoring nine points in the third quarter. After extending their lead 52-42 in the third, it was smooth sailing for the Eagles as they continued to match the Matadors basket for basket, allowing no room for a comeback.
Top Performers
Delaney Hodgins lead all scorers with a career high 20 points on an efficient 7-for-12 shooting from the field. The rest of her game was highlighted by seven rebounds, including four offensive, and four assists.
Junior Tisha Phillips (Nez Perce Tribe) finished the game with 12 points, and led the team with eight rebounds and five assists.
Hayley Hodgins had another good scoring night with 18 points, including two makes from behind the arc. She made her biggest impact on the defensive end tallying five steals and two blocks.
Key Statistics
Controlling the offensive glass was a deciding factor of the game, and the Eagles excelled grabbing 19 offensive rebounds, resulting in 18 second chance points, compared to nine for the Matadors.
Eastern shot 40 percent from the field, while CSUN shot 43.4 percent. EWU also added 11 free throws on 16 attempts.
The Eagles controlled the ball, finishing with a season low 10 turnovers, while their defense forced 18 CSUN turnovers. EWU ended with 18 points off of turnovers while the visitors scored 10.
Quoting Coach Schuller
“Offensive rebounding was the key for us today; we didn’t have a lot of things going very well and missed a lot of shots that are typically shots we knock down. So I thought the fact we were able to go get offensive rebounds helped us extend our lead and pull away down the stretch.”
“Delaney is just so solid; she just gets her points quietly and in so many different ways. She was huge on the offensive glass, and she steps out and hits jumpers, shots, and is really good defensively, just a great stat line. I’m really pleased with her getting better and better every game.”
Game Notes
Dating back to last season, Hayley Hodgins has now scored in double figures in 20 straight games.
This game marked a career high in scoring for Delaney Hodgins with 20 points. Her previous high was 19 against Montana back in Feb. 28, 2015.
Tisha Phillips also scored a career high in points today with 12, and a career high of five assists.
Hayley Hodgins is averaging an outstanding 4.5 steals per game on the season.
Up Next
Eastern will be put to the test this upcoming week as they travel to Austin, Texas, for the Lone Star Showcase. The Eagles will play three opponents, Northwestern, East Carolina, and Creighton. The first game against Northwestern tips off at 3:00 p.m. PST.
