By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

CALDWELL, IDAHO -- Eastern Oregon University committed 13 turnovers in the first half, but made only five turnovers in the final 20 minutes, allowing the Mountaineers to rally past Willamette University for a 68-48 victory on Saturday, Nov. 29 in the second round of the Lady Yote Classic at the College of Idaho. Eastern Oregon improved to 4-1, while Willamette fell to 1-3.

Willamette held a 31-29 lead at halftime. The Bearcats shot 51.9% (14 of 27) in the first period, but were limited to 38.9% (7 of 18) by the Mountaineers in the second stanza. EOU also forced Willamette into 14 second-half turnovers. Eastern Oregon was 13 of 28 from the field (46.4%) in the second half, including 3 of 6 on 3-pointers.

The Mountaineers also made 10 of 14 free throws in the second half to finish 14 of 18 at the line. WU was 3 of 6 at the line in the final period, as the Bearcats went 4 for 8 at the line overall.

Molly Fillion (Sr., G, Silverton, OR/Silverton HS/Linn-Benton CC) led Willamette with 13 points and hit 6 of 10 field goals. Alex Zennan (So., PG, Sammamish, WA/Eastlake HS) supplied the 'Cats with 11 points, two assists and four steals. Nicki Clowdsley (So., C, Sammamish, WA/Skyline HS) scored 11 points and grabbed seven rebounds. She was 4 for 5 from the floor and 3 for 4 at the charity stripe.

Ashlee Michelson topped Eastern Oregon with 15 points to go with three assists and three steals. Brianna Smith contributed 14 points. Selena Leavitt earned 11 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals. Jenny Fiso finished with 11 points, seven boards, five assists and five steals.

The first half featured nine lead changes and six ties. Maya McFadden (Fr., F, McMinnville, OR/McMinnville HS) recorded a steal for Willamette late in the period to set up a layup by Zennan with five second left, as WU moved in front, 31-29.

Two more tied occurred early in the second half, including 33-33 with 18:14 left. Eastern Oregon scored the next seven points before a jumper by Fillion pulled WU within 40-35 with 13:51 remaining. A 14-4 surge by the Mountaineers increased the lead to 54-39 with 8:23 to go.

In the other second round game at the Lady Yote Classic, host College of Idaho defeated Linfield College, 87-57. College of Idaho and Eastern Oregon each went 2-0 in the tournament, while Willamette and Linfield each finished 0-2.

Willamette will return to action on Thursday, Dec. 4, with the first home game for the Bearcats this season. WU will be hosting Warner Pacific College, with tipoff at Cone Field House scheduled for 7 p.m. (PST).