McMINNVILLE, Ore. –
Paige Graham sank four three-pointers on her way to game-high 19 points yet the Linfield Wildcats couldn't quite get over the hump, dropping a 59-55 nonconference decision to Eastern Oregon Saturday at Ted Wilson Gymnasium.
What it means
With its third straight win, Eastern Oregon improved to 9-2 for the season. Linfield dropped its third contest in four outings to slip to 3-4.
How it played out
Linfield led just once, taking a 2-0 lead in the opening 90 seconds. A 9-0 EOU run after the Wildcats' initial bucket enabled the Mountaineers to take the early upper hand. Though they trailed 19-9 after one quarter, the 'Cats came roaring back in the second, outscoring the visitors from La Grande 14-7, pulling within three points, 26-23, at the intermission.
Audrey McMillan scored six of her 11 points during a low-scoring first half. EOU's Jillian Albright recorded all eight points her points before the intermission, successfully converting 4 of 8 shots from the field.
The third quarter belonged to Eastern Oregon as the Mounties outscored the 'Cats 18-11 to lead 44-34 heading to the fourth quarter.
With her team down eight points with a minute to play, Graham suddenly found her shooting touch, swishing a trio of three-pointers in the span of 40 seconds to bring Linfield within two points at 57-55. But Maren Herrud's two free throws with seven seconds to play sealed the win for Eastern.
Linfield's stat lines
Graham went 4-for-7 from outside the arc on her way to a season-best 19 points.
Kory Oleson pulled down a team-high nine rebounds while scoring eight points.
Bailey McDevitt went 4-for-4 from the free throw line on her way to eight points. McMillan and
Jade Everage were each credited with three assists.
Eastern Oregon summary
Three Mounties scored in double figures, including 15 points each from Herrud and Maya Ah You-Dias. Stormee Van Belle added 12 points and a game-high 10 rebounds.
Next
Linfield welcomes UC-Santa Cruz to Ted Wilson Gym for another nonconference matchup starting at 2 p.m.