Eastern Washington women move into position for top-four finish in Big Sky

There’s nothing like winning two games on the road to boost your confidence.

A week ago, the Eastern Washington women were reeling from a 27-point loss at Idaho. It was the Eagles’ second loss in three games and set up a crucial road trip to Weber State and Idaho.

“We talked about it and tried to regroup – not only basketball-wise, but mentally,” EWU coach Wendy Schuller said.

The Eagles (16-11, 11-5) won both games and now sit in fourth place in the Big Sky Conference with two games left.

“I thought the team was really good at doing what was necessary,” said Schuller, whose team could still finish as high as third or as low as sixth depending on how it does in Wednesday’s home game against Southern Utah and Friday’s Senior Day matchup with Northern Arizona.

A top-four finish would give Eastern a first-round bye in next week’s Big Sky Tournament in Reno, Nevada. Eastern will be heavily favored in those games – the Thunderbirds are 1-15 in conference play and NAU is 4-12.

That pleasant scenario was set up last week in a 70-42 romp at Weber State and a crucial win at ISU, which went into the game tied with EWU in the standings.

“I thought we made some big plays late in the game, and I thought a lot of players stepped up,” Schuller said.

Guard Tisha Phillips and forward Ashli Payne will be honored on Senior Day.