WILKES-BARRE, Pa. - A slow start in both the first and third quarter downed Eastern Women's Basketball as it fell to host King's College 63-52. Regie Robinson and Amanda Riiff combined for 32 points, but it wasn't enough to help the Eagles claim the road victory.    

The Monarchs (9-5, 3-1 MAC Freedom) began the game on an 11-4 scoring run that helped dictate the tone for the remainder of the afternoon. Eastern (7-8, 2-2 MAC Freedom) had an almost nonexistent offense for a majority of the first quarter. During King's scoring run the Eagles missed ten shots and committed two turnovers over that stretch. Regie Robinson scored all five points for the Eagles in the quarter. 

"We came out flat, and shots weren't falling," said Head Coach Eric Houston. "We had some good looks but just simply just couldn't finish."

In the second quarter, Eastern managed to find its offensive rhythm and opened the quarter on a 9-4 run that pulled the Eagles within three at 19-17. Both teams traded baskets throughout the remainder of the quarter with Eastern going on a 5-0 run late in the half to take a brief, 24-22, lead with just under two minutes left to play in the half. 

Overall the Eagles outscored the Monarchs 19-11 in the second quarter to pull even at 24-24 heading into the locker room. Robinson and Riiff combined to score 13 of Eastern's 19 total points with Riiff going 3-of-6 from 3-point range shooting (.500). 

"It's her [Riiff] confidence and playing to her strength's," continued Houston. "She is starting to get into a nice rhythm, and it is a real testament to how hard she works day in and day out."   

After taking a 30-27 lead in the third quarter, King's managed to close out the quarter much like how it started the game on an 11-2 run to take a 38-32 lead heading into the final quarter of play. Eastern did manage to pull within five ,40-35, at the 8:43 mark of the final quarter but couldn't quite find enough momentum to get back in the game. 

Overall the Eagles finished the game 19-of-71 from the field shooting (.268) while going 9-of-20 from the free throw line shooting (.450). 

Riiff finished the game with 16 points going 5-of-11 from the field and 4-of-9 from 3-point range shooting (.444). Robinson finished the game posting her fifth double-double of the season scoring 16 points while grabbing 18 rebounds. 

"Regie was very aggressive today attacking and crashing the boards," said Houston. "She still has a lot of work to do, but she played very well on both ends of the floor. She just needs to continue to trust in her ability and teammates." 

Jennifer Fabian led all King's scorers with 17 points while also recording 11 rebounds. Tara Zdancewicz rounded out the double-digit scoring for the Monarchs netting 15 points of her own. 

"We need to play together and believe that we can do it," concluded Houston. "We have the talent and players to do it, but we just need to believe in ourselves. We have to show it for a full 40 minutes." 

Eastern travels to Manhattanville on January 20th for a 6 pm tipoff.