ST. DAVIDS, Pa.– Eastern University Women's Basketball saw yet another comeback effort fall just short in a 76-68 home loss to the DeSales University Bulldogs in the MAC Freedom opener for both teams. The Eagles, who trailed by 15 with a minute to play in the third quarter, cut the deficit to 66-63 with two and a half minutes to play, but the visitors scored ten of the next 12 points to secure the game.

The Eagles made 4-of-7 first-quarter 3-pointers and 8-of-15 total shots to lead 21-13 after ten minutes. The Bulldogs (6-6, 1-0 MAC Freedom) respond with torrid shooting in the second quarter. DeSales hit 11-of-17 from the floor with four 3-pointers to lead 41-33 at half.

"We did not do a good job closing out on their shooters in the second quarter." Head Coach Eric Houston said after the game. "We knew who their shooters were, and they were able to get the shots they wanted."

Led by a 5-of-7 effort from Amanda Riiff, the Eagles shot well enough in the first half, but the Bulldogs took advantage of six Eastern turnovers in the period to grab the lead for good.

The Bulldogs led 59-44 late in the third before the Eagles started their comeback. Taylor Price hit a tough jumper and then Regie Robinson hit her second 3-pointer of the game in the waning seconds of the third to pull the Eagles to within 10 with ten minutes to play.

Taylor Azer opened the final quarter with a 3-pointer to spark and 8-2 run. Riiff made three free throws to cap the run and pull the Eagles to within four with 6:24 on the clock. DeSales answered with a 5-0 run on a three-point play, a turnover, and an inside basket. The Eagles scored the next six points, but could get no closer and the Bulldogs made their free throws down the stretch.

Riiff led all scorers with 23 points. The senior guard made five 3-pointers and took only 11 shots int he game. Robinson Finished with 14  points, nine rebounds, and seven assists, and Taylor Price had 13. Price, who has 1046 career points, moved ahead of former teammate Kaitlyn Dougherty and into tenth place on Eastern's career scoring list. Acer and Brianna Young-Harris each finished with nine points.

Leandra Sterner scored 19 points and Kaitlyn Kelly scored 18 on six made 3-pointers to lead the Bulldogs. DeSales' guard Morgan Bimerlin finished with 11 points and 11 assists for  a double-double.

The Eagles will host King's on Saturday at 1:00 pm.