CENTER VALLEY, Pa.– Eastern University Women's Basketball gave the top-seeded and defending Champion DeSales University Bulldogs all they could handle, but a big run to start the fourth quarter proved to be the difference as the hosts pulled away to a 69-54 win. The Eagles trailed by two heading into the final quarter, but the Bulldogs scored the first 13 points of the final period to win their 13th straight game and advance to the MAC Freedom Championship game for the fifth consecutive year. Minika Glenn led the Eagles with 18 points.

How It Happened:
The Eagles trailed 29-25 at halftime, but after Glenn hit a free throw early in the third, neither team led by more than three points for the entire third quarter. The Eastern defense contested shots all over and Jaelyn Harris hit a pair of 3-pointers to help the Eagles outscore their hosts by a 15-13 margin in the frame. The Eagles led 39-38 on a Harris 3-pointer with 1:40 on the clock before Rylie Rittenhouse scored on a put-back basket and converted the three-point play. The teams each split a pair of free throws to end the quarter and the Bulldogs took a 42-40 lead to final frame.

The Bulldog defense, which has been that team's calling card the entire year, kicked it up another notch to start the fourth. The Eagles did not score until Viki Kneis converted a pass from Minika Glenn in transition with four and a half minutes to play. That lay-up pulled the Eagles to within 13, and the Bulldogs responded with a 3-pointer at the other end.

The Eagles made shots down the stretch, but they were not able to close the gap from the big run to start the period. DeSales (22-4) made 9-of-10 free throws and 4-of-5 3-pointers in the fourth quarter. For the game, the Bulldogs got 28 points off their bench.

Glenn finished the day with 18 points and five rebounds. She now has 995 career points. Harris scored 12 of her 14 points on 3-pointers. She holds the Eastern single-season 3-point record with 72. Kay Wulah had 11 points, eight rebounds, five blocks, three steals, and three assists. She wraps up her rookie campaign with 327 points, 237 rebounds, and 59 blocks.

Coach Houston Says:
"This was tough. We fought hard the whole way. I am very proud of the way we played today and very proud that we battled our way into the tournament. Each of these players should hold her head high after their effort tonight. DeSales is a very good team and we gave them a test tonight."

Up Next:
The Eagles will move to the other side of the MAC for next year. The entire team is eligible to return and to form new rivalries as a member of the MAC Commonwealth. DeSales will host King's in the MAC Freedom Championship game on Saturday.