Area women: Eastern knocks off first-place Montana

Hayley Hodgins’ 14 points led a balanced scoring attack as the Eastern Washington Eagles held off Big Sky Conference-leading Montana 65-64 Thursday night on Reese Court in Cheney.

Jade Redmon scored 13, Delaney Hodgins added 10, and starters Melissa Williams and Lexie Nelson added nine points each as the Eagles (12-8, 5-4) defeated the Grizzlies (15-6, 8-2) in Cheney for the third straight time.

After a late turnover, the Grizzlies had a chance for a tie, but Kelly Rubel shot a jumper from inside the 3-point arc as time expired, handing Eastern the victory.

Montana State 76, Idaho 65: Despite 26 points and 15 rebounds from Stacey Barr, the visiting Bobcats (10-11, 4-6) defeated the Vandals (9-11, 3-6) thanks to their bench outscoring Idaho’s 30-15. UI’s Brooke Reilly had 12 rebounds.