CENTER VALLEY, Pa. – Eastern University Women's Basketball struggled to get stops in the odd-numbered quarters and fell 81-58 at DeSales. The MAC Freedom-leading Bulldogs shot 29-of-60 from the game to secure the top spot in the post-season Tournament. Minika Glenn led the Eagles with 14 points.

How It Happened:
When Jaelyn Harris hit a 3-pointer on the first possession of the game, it looked like the recent shooting woes might be a thing of the past. The Eagles (12-12, 7-6 MAC Freedom) could not keep the momentum going and the hosts built an 18-7 lead with two minutes left int he first period. Eastern cut the deficit to 20-13 with late baskets from Glenn and Harris, but the Bulldogs ended the period with a put-back basket for an nine-point lead after one quarter.

The Eastern defense tightened up in the second, but the Eagles were only able to make 5-of-20 shots and trailed by 11 at the break.

After closing out the half on a 5-to-0 run, the Bulldogs (20-4, 12-1 MAC Freedom) started the second half on a 20-to-5 run. The Eagles then started to trade baskets, but they were only able to cut the DeSales lead to 16 with a run in the fourth quarter.

The Eagles made only 2-of-12 from behind the arc adn 23-of-61 shots overall. The Bulldogs shot just under 50 percent for the game and were 19-of-26 from the free throw line.

Jaelyn Harris finished with 12 points and Kay Wulah had nine points and nine rebounds. Rylie Rittenhouse led the Bulldogs with 21 points and 10 rebounds.

Coach Houston Said:
"We did not execute well and our effort was not what it needed to be. To play against a team that competes for 40 minutes, you have to have effort for all 40 minutes. We control our own destiny going forward and have to be ready for Saturday."

Up Next:
The Eagles, who are now tied with Stevens in the MAC Freedom standings, will play Misericordia at home on Saturday. After losing to King's, the Cougars are currently a game ahead of King's in the standings. The Monarchs are at Stevens on Saturday and could move into second if Eastern beats Misericordia and they beat Stevens. Eastern locks up the third seed in the MAC Freedom tournament with a King's win or a home win over Misericordia. DeSales is the top seed.

The MAC Freedom Tournament starts next Wednesday. No school will host both men and women in the opening round.