Eastern Falls Short At Big Sky

Jodi Hinrichs scored 10 of her 16 points in the first 10 minutes of the game as Montana raced away from Eastern Washington 72-45 Friday night in the first round of the Big Sky Conference women’s basketball tournament.

Montana (24-6) hosts Montana State (15-12) tonight at 6 PST for the tournament title and a berth in the NCAA Tournament.

“I think Montana came out and played very composed,” EWU coach Heidi VanDerveer said. “They’ve been here several times. Our players hadn’t, and neither had I.”

Hinrichs had half of Montana’s first 20 points as the Grizzlies overcame a 6-2 deficit to take a 25-8 lead on Malia Kipp’s rebound basket with 8:50 remaining in the first half.

Hinrichs picked up her third foul midway through the first half. The Eagles enjoyed a mild revival with Hinrichs on the bench, pulling within 36-23 by halftime on Lori Napier’s three-point play and two free throws.

Napier led Eastern (12-15) with 15 points. The closest EWU could get in the second half was 38-29 after a basket by Tina Smith with 16:31 left.

The Grizzlies held a 45-29 rebounding advantage.