DOYLESTOWN, Pa. - Eastern Women's Basketball lost a tough road game at Delaware Valley Saturday afternoon 77-64. The Aggies used a 43 point first half to take control of the game and never looked back as they cruised to the easy victory. 

"They played a better game," said Houston. "They hit shots and played very exceptional defense throughout the game. They simply just wanted it more today than we did." 

Delaware Valley (9-10, 5-3 MAC Freedom) got off to a quick start taking a 24-12 lead after the first quarter. After Regie Robinson hit a layup to give the Eagles (9-10, 3-5 MAC Freedom) a 6-5 lead the Aggies offense got rolling. Delaware Valley closed the quarter on an 18-6 run scoring eight points in a row at one point. 

In the second quarter, Emily Lavin was able to pull Eastern within nine points at 28-19. The Eagles, however, could not manage to sustain their offensive momentum as the Aggies offense went another scoring run, this time, outscoring Eastern 15-6 to close out the quarter to take a 43-25 into the locker room. 

Overall for the first half Eastern went 10-of-32 from the field shooting (.312) including a 0-of-8 performance from 3-point range. Meanwhile, Delaware Valley went 18-of-37 from the field shooting (.486). The lone bright spot for the Eagles in the first half was Lavin, who scored 14 points and added six rebounds. 

"The reason for our slow start in the first half is still unknown to me," continued Houston. "I am still trying to figure that issue out and have no answer right now. We have the talent to play hard for 40 minutes but just don't do it. I really couldn't tell you what the problem is."

Eastern did manage to outplay the Aggies in the second half outscoring them 39-34 but simply could not do enough offensively or defensively to make up the deficit. The Eagles did record a 22 point fourth quarter but never got any closer than 14 points during the quarter until the final six seconds when Amanda Riiff hit a 3-pointer to deliver the final score of 77-64.

Lavin was the only Eastern player to tally double-digits and also posted a double-double scoring 18 points and recording 12 rebounds. Eastern finished the game 24-of-46 from the field shooting (.364) and went 6-of-21 from 3-point range. 

"We need to get in the gym and start putting up more shots," said Houston. "We need to learn how to move the ball quickly and play with a purpose or this will keep happening." 

Five Aggies finished the game with double-digit points led by Eireann Anastasi, who scored 18 points while also recording six steals. Kelsey Kilpatrick scored 16 points going 6-of-10 from the field. 

"We need and have to be mentally tough," concluded Houston. "We are going to find out how tough this team really is down the final stretch of this season." 

Eastern hosts Wilkes University on February 3rd for a 6 pm tipoff.