CHENEY, Wash. -- The Montana Lady Griz women's basketball team ran its win streak to five games on Saturday, rallying past, and then holding off, Eastern Washington for a 65-62 win.
Abby Anderson had another big game, recording a double-double of 16 points and 13 rebounds to lead the Lady Griz. Anderson helped key a pivotal 8-0 run in the fourth quarter that grew UM's lead from 53-52 to 61-52 with 2:21 to play. Anderson had six points and a blocked shot during the two-minute stretch.
Eastern Washington rallied and got within 64-62 on a Maisie Burnham layup with seven seconds remaining, but the Eagles wouldn't get another shot off in the game.
Carmen Gfeller (14 points) and Sophia Stiles (13) also finished in double figures for the Lady Griz, who shot 32.3% from the field but made 17 of 21 free throw attempts. EWU attempted only 10 free throws in the game.
The Eagles also struggled from the floor, making just 36.2% of their field goal attempts. They stayed in the game from behind the 3-point line, making 12 of 28 triples. Kennedy Dickie made five 3s on her way to a game-high 19 points, and Burnham added 16 points for the Eagles.
The teams played close for much of the game, with Montana leading 20-19 after the first quarter and 30-27 at halftime. Eastern Washington took the lead going into the fourth, 45-43, but the Lady Griz outscored the Eagles 22-17 in the final frame.
It's the fifth consecutive win for Montana (12-7 overall, 9-5 Big Sky Conference), which also defeated Eastern Washington (6-5, 5-11) on Thursday, 65-53. The Lady Griz are back in action next week at home against Idaho State. Eastern Washington, which has now lost six consecutive games, is off next week before closing out the regular season at Idaho State on March 3 and 5.
