GU women welcome Eagles

It’s certainly one of the highlights of Eastern Washington’s nonconference women’s basketball schedule, but today’s 6 p.m. game at Gonzaga isn’t the only time the Eagles have stepped into the fire.

EWU (2-4) lost to 10th-ranked California 91-58 on Nov. 23 in a game that was close until the Golden Bears opened the second half with a 13-0 run.

“We view our nine nonconference games as getting us ready for our 20 conference games,” said Eastern coach Wendy Schuller, who is in her 12th season with the Eagles.

What GU (6-2) can provide more than Cal is a raucous atmosphere. Eastern’s game at Berkeley drew 1,140 fans, while the Bulldogs’ smallest attendance this season has been 5,561.

“(GU coach) Kelly (Graves) does a phenomenal job, year in and year out,” Schuller said. “It’s a great environment for us to get prepared.”

“I’m really excited for the opportunity to play a team like this,” said EWU sophomore guard Lexie Nelson, who competed against GU two seasons ago while playing at Montana.

For GU, it’s a quick turnaround from Sunday’s 69-41 loss to No. 1-ranked Stanford.

“We have one day to prep for Eastern and Eastern always plays us tough here,” Graves said. “But we have a chance to get right back on the horse” tonight.

Chris Derrick