LA GRANDE — After a hectic first half, the Eastern Oregon University women’s basketball team utilized a strong second-half effort to defeat Walla Walla 76-58 on Saturday, January 6.

The Mountaineers were led by Brie Holecek, who recorded a 25-point double-double. The victory improved Eastern Oregon’s record to 8-4 on the season and 4-4 in Cascade Collegiate Conference play.

The game was close out of the gates, but the Mountaineers built a solid lead late in the first quarter. Eastern Oregon closed the frame on a 9-2 run to take a 23-12 lead after the first 10 minutes. In the second quarter, Walla Walla got into a rhythm offensively and mounted a massive comeback effort to retake the lead, 39-33, at halftime. Jaliyah Casem was big for Walla Walla, scoring 14 points — meanwhile, Chariah Daniels added 11 points and six rebounds. Holecek scored 12 points for the Mountaineers in the first half, along with four rebounds, while Beverly Slater tallied seven boards.

The third quarter was a turning point for Eastern Oregon, who eventually outscored Walla Walla 43-19 in the second half. The Mountaineers held the Wolves to 7-35 (20%) in the second half and shot 17-27 (63%) from the field. Holecek added 13 pounds and eight boards in the second half, while Bayley Brennan totaled 16 points and four rebounds — she finished with 20 points on the day. Eastern Oregon outscored Walla Walla 24-9 in the third quarter and 19-10 in the fourth quarter.

After going 1-1 on the home stand, Eastern Oregon is set to travel to the west side of the state next weekend. The Mountaineers will face Bushnell at 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 12 and Corban at 3 p.m. on Jan. 13.