Grizzlies roar past Eastern by 25 points

Four weeks ago, Eastern Washington University gave perennial Big Sky Conference basketball power Montana everything it could handle in Missoula.

It’s hard to imagine how after Thursday’s game at Reese Court.

The Grizzlies shot 57 percent in the second half and demolished the Eagles 67-42.

In losing their third straight game, the Eagles had their lowest offensive output of the season, thanks to 32 percent shooting and 23 turnovers.

It was the kind of loss that led to a long postgame meeting and silence from coach Wendy Schuller, who still does not have a win in nine meetings with the Grizzlies. Montana is the only Big Sky team the Eagles have not defeated in Schuller’s four years.

Despite its struggles, Eastern (14-10 overall, 6-5 conference), only trailed 24-16 at the half. That was despite a 13-2 run by the Grizzlies (17-7, 10-1).

But the second half started with a 16-2 run that decided the outcome.

Katie Edwards, who had 18 points when the Griz won the first meeting 72-65, but was scoreless at halftime on Thursday, opened the second half with a quick 3-pointer. Then Hollie Tyler, who struggled against the Eagles the first time, scored eight straight points. In the process, the 6-foot-3 Tyler, who finished with a game-high 19, forced Eastern leader Felice Moore to quickly pick up her third and fourth fouls.

After a basket by Jody McLeod, Edwards ended the run with another 3-pointer. She finished with 11 and reserve Johanna Closson added 13.

Brittney Osborne came off the bench to lead EWU with a career-high 13 points. She was the only Eagle to hit more than two shots.

The Grizzlies also had a 15-8 edge in assists, with Lynsey Monaco getting five. Montana had a 37-29 rebounding advantage, with Tyler and Juliann Keller getting six apiece.

The Eagles play Montana State (3-8, 9-15) at 2 p.m. Saturday in the last home game for senior Stephanie Ulmer. Ulmer hit one 3-pointer and is one short of tying the school record. A win would clinch Eastern’s berth in the Big Sky tournament.

UC Irvine 71, Idaho 60: At Irvine, Calif., Ashley Biggins scored 20 points and had eight rebounds as the Anteaters (5-19, 4-11 Big West) handed the Vandals (16-9, 11-5) their third loss in four games.

Arizona 89, Washington State 60: At Tucson, Ariz., Shawntinice Polk scored 17 points and had 12 rebounds as the Wildcats (19-9, 11-6 Pac-10) defeated the Cougars (6-20, 2-15).

Arizona State 69, Washington 48: At Tempe, Ariz., Kristen Kovesdy and former Post Falls star Aubree Johnson each scored 14 points to lead the Sun Devils (19-8, 11-6 Pac-10) past the Huskies (12-15, 8-9), snapping Washington’s three-game winning streak and holding on to a share of fourth place in the Pac-10.