The first half was plagued with turnovers, as the Redhawks committed 11 to EWU's six. The Eagles took complete advantage of SU's fumbling the ball and were able to take a sizeable double-digit advantage. In addition to stealing the ball seven times, Eastern prevented SeattleU from getting any offensive rebounds and held them to 13 defensive boards to their 19.
After a shaky first half, the Redhawks look rejuvenated and composed. They communicated with one another and began to control the tempo of the game. They immediately cut down Eastern's lead to 10 at the 14:05 minute mark behind a three from Elle Kerfoot (Surrey, B.C.). They followed by chopping down the Eagles lead to seven off a pair of converted free throws from Maggie McCarthy (Burlingame, Calif.) and a three from Cassidy Murillo (Yakima, Wash.). With momentum on their side, SU looked pace to continue to breakdown the Eastern offense and continue to work to garner a point advantage.
After a minute of scoreless play, EWU's Chene Cooper knocked in a jumper that led to a Jessica Huntington beyond the arc basket to reestablish the Eagles' double-figure lead. Tatiana Heck (Mountlake Terrace, Wash.) countered with a three-point play, after making a jumper and her and-one basket.
For the subsequent two-and-a-half minutes, Eastern Washington's lead bounced between single-digits and double-figures, but the Redhawks were unable to bring the score within more than eight points.
With just over five minutes left in the game, the Eagles regained their double-digit lead and were able to preserve it. During that time, the Redhawk offense was stymied enough to keep them from gaining enough momentum to sport a come-from-behind run.
On the night, Heck headlined SU's offense with 15 points. It was the sixth consecutive game she scored in double-figures. She also added five boards and two steals. Following was Ashley Brown (Kirkland, Wash.) and Murillo, who each had eight points. Kerfoot led the team's rebounding efforts with six defensive boards and she added seven points.
The Redhawks were nearly perfect from the free throw line in the game, as they were 13-for-14 from the line. They shot 33.3 percent (16-for-48) from the field, to Eastern's 47.4 percent (27-for-57).
Looking forward, SeattleU will return home to host South Dakota on Saturday, Feb. 6, at 2 p.m. It will be the second meeting between both squads this season. The game will also mark SU's Pink Zone initiative, where the Redhawks will work to raise breast cancer awareness and work to raise money to put towards research and prevention. All fans are encouraged to wear pink, as they will gain free admission into the game.