Eutectics Snatch Victory from Owls

ST. LOUIS, MO. – The Eutectic women's basketball team hosted former American Midwest Conference (AMC) rival William Woods University (2-10), from Fulton, Mo., on Thursday for the teams' first matchup since the WWU Owls left the AMC after last season. After five ties and four lead changes in the game, the Eutectics found the upper hand, winning 72-67 for their eighth-ever victory in 22 matchups versus WWU.

GAME HIGHTLIGHTS:

UHSP 72, WWU 67

• After a slow offensive start from both teams, UHSP's Aryanna Bull made back-to-back layups (assisted by Reece Halley and Montasia McAllister) to put the Euts up 10-6 with three minutes left in the first quarter. Taylor Hitchcock drained a three and a free throw before the end of the period to give the Euts a solid 14-11 lead going into the second quarter.
• The Owls improved their shooting percentage from first-quarter's 25% to 40% in the second quarter, while also stepping up their defense to force 10 UHSP turnovers in the second period. Their efforts allowed the visitors to pull ahead in the final minutes of the half and hold a 30-27 lead at intermission.
• The Eutectics, however, responded in the third quarter by tightening up their offense, limiting turnovers to four, and going 8-for-13 from the floor (61.5%) including nine points from McAllister. By outscoring the Owls 21-16 in the period, the Eutectics regained the lead at 48-46 as they headed into the final 10 minutes.
• The Eutectics maintained a small lead in the fourth quarter until WWU's Jersee Wren drained a triple from an assist by Abby Alvernia at 6:27 to spark an Owl hot streak. WWU pulled ahead by as much as five (62-57), but the Eutectics snatched the lead back at 66-65 with a minute left off a jump shot from Alise Milenberga, assisted by Sara Hameed. A steal by McAllister gave UHSP possession and the Eutectics drained all six free throws (four from Hameed and two from Alina Bowden) in the final seconds to secure the win at 72-67.
• The Eutectics finished the game shooting at 46.4% overall, including 5-14 from the arc, and scoring on 15 of 24 free throws. The Owls were 36.5% from the field, going 9-26 from the arc and 12-16 from the line. The Eutectics outrebounded the Owls 42-33, while both teams struggled with turnovers: UHSP had 21, WWU had 19.  
• Aryanna Bull notched her fourth double double of the season with 17 points and 12 rebounds, along with two blocks. Montasia McAllister picked up 17 points and eight rebounds. Sara Hameed dished off five assists to go with her eight points, while Alina Bowden recorded eight points and nine rebounds. Alise Milenberga (8), Taylor Hitchcock (7), Reece Halley (6), and Ceili Ramirez (3) also scored for UHSP.
• Last week's NAIA Defensive Player of the Week Mariah Prince scored 18 points and pulled down 12 rebounds.

UP NEXT:

The Eutectics, now 5-7 overall and 2-0 in the AMC, will take a break for the holidays before returning to St. Louis for an exhibition game at Saint Louis University on Sunday, Dec. 28, at 5 p.m.