Jan. 30, 2003
Box Score
Cheney, WA--A 14-point second half lead nearly evaporated for Eastern Washington, but a furious rally by Idaho State fell four points short as the Bengals dropped a 64-60 decision to the Eagles in Big Sky women's basketball action Thursday night at Reese Court.
Kathleen Nygard, who led all scorers with 17 points, put the Eagles up by 14 at 55-41 with 9:24 left in the game. Then ISU, as has been the case often this season, made a late rally to get back into the contest.
Ashley Toner started the rally with a short jumper off a pass from Cristal Fernandez to cut the lead to 12. Tiffany Williams cut the lead to 10 with a jumper, before Nygard put the lead back to 12 with a shot of her own. But that would be the last basket for the Eagles for over three minutes.
Williams then ignited the Bengal comeback when she picked Michelle Demetruck's pocket and laid the ball to cut the lead to 10 again. Fernandez followed with a trey to cut the lead to seven. Three free throws in four attempts by Williams cut the lead to four points with 3:56 left. ISU had a chance to cut the lead further but a Williams turnover led to a Stephanie Ulmer basket to increase the lead to six points. ISU would cut the lead to four points three more times, but couldn't get any closer.
Elisha Allen led the way for ISU with 14 points on 6-of-9 shooting. Toner posted her third double-double of the season with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Williams had 11 points, a career high and the first time that she has scored in double figures in her career.
The Bengals fell to 5-12 overall and 1-4 in Big Sky play. EWU improved to 12-5 and 3-1. Idaho State will travel to Portland, OR, to take on Portland State in a pivotal Big Sky game Saturday night at 8:05 p.m.
