The game was tight throughout. With seven and a half minutes to play, Tanisha Starkes stole the ball and converted a lay-up togiv the Eagles a 49-46 lead. The visiting Valiants pressure defense and depth then took effect as they put together a 16-0 run over the next four minutes to seize control of the game.

Throughout the opening 33 minutes of the contest, the Eagles showed great patience against the Manhattanville press. Lizzie Wilson would finish the game with just one turnover despite being hounded throughout by several Manhattanville defenders. Bekah Roland and Shaneen Brown did a good job controlling the boards, and the game remained close throughout. 

With the Eagles playing without a pair of key reserves, the Valiants extended their pressure further, and  they subbed in waves to keep the pace of the game high. Though they gave up a few easy baskets early, the cumulative effect of the pressure eventually took it's toll in the final seven minutes.

Roland finished with 17 points and 14 rebounds to lead both teams in both categories. Starkes connected on 5-8 shots from the field for eleven points and Brown finished with nine points and nine rebounds. Olivia Nastasi and Carey Hickey each had 16 points to lead the balanced Valiant attack.

Eastern returns to action Monday night with a home non-conference game against Lancaster Bible College. That game will begin at 8:00 pm.

Box Score