Eastern 2-0 in Big Sky

The Eastern Washington women’s basketball team is off to its best start in conference play in four years, beating Sacramento State 69-64 on Sunday in Cheney.

Julie Piper led the Eagles (7-8, 2-0 Big Sky) with 21 points, eight rebounds and two steals. Piper hit 7 of 12 from the field and 7 of 9 from the free-throw line. Kyla Evans and Nicole Scott added 12 points each for Eastern.

With the game tied with five minutes remaining, the Eagles went on an 8-0 run. The Hornets cut the deficit to 64-61 with 1:02 left, but Eastern put the game away by hitting five three throws in the final minute.

Junior hockey

The Spokane Braves peppered Castlegar goalie Andrew Walton with 60 shots, but he made 56 saves as the Rebels won 5-4 in Kootenai International Junior Hockey League action at Eagles Ice-A-Rena.

Paul Heiskell, Chase Wharton, Dylan Tappe and A.J. King scored for the Braves. Spokane goalie Cash Ulrich made 20 saves.