RICHMOND, Ky. – The Eastern Kentucky University women's basketball team was firing on all cylinders Wednesday night, putting together a complete performance to defeat Evansville, 83-60, inside Baptist Health Arena.
The Colonels took control early, scoring 34 points in the first quarter, the fourth-most in a single quarter in program history and second-most against a DI opponent.
EKU (2-1) bounced back in impressive fashion, placing six players in double figures. The Colonels shot 47.7 percent (31-of-65) from the field and hit nine 3-pointers.
Sophomore Liz Freihofer led EKU with 13 points, while freshman Kenleigh Woods added 12. Guards Althea Kara Angeles and Madison Lewis each scored 11, while Joseana Vaz and Ndidiamaka Ndukwe chipped in 10 apiece.
Freihofer's performance was her 21st career game in double figure scoring. She's scored 10 or more points in all three of EKU's games this season.
Entering Wednesday's game, EKU's defense ranked among the nation's top 60 in fewest points allowed, field-goal percentage defense, and 3-point defense. The Colonels have now held all three opponents this season to 60 points or fewer.
EKU opened the game on a 12-0 run with two layups, two 3-pointers, and a pair of free throws. The Colonels extended their lead to as much as 21 points, 32-11, following a six-point burst from Freihofer and a fast-break layup by junior Kailani Lindsey.
Midway through the second quarter, EKU pushed the lead to 27 points, 48-21, on layups by Woods and Lewis. A 3-pointer by Ndukwe just before halftime sent the Colonels into the break ahead, 57-31.
EKU reached a game-high 30-point advantage three times in the second half. Seniors Angeles and Ella Bradley played key roles in the third quarter, hitting 3-pointers, and making key efforts on both side of the court.
In the fourth, sophomore Jasmine Jordan knocked down the first 3-pointer of her career, a 24-footer, to cap off the 83-60 victory.
Evansville (0-3) was out-paced in the loss, shooting just 36 percent (22-of-61) from the field and being forced into 20 turnovers. The Colonels outscored the Purple Aces, 27-11, in fast break opportunities while scoring 42 points in the paint and 26 off Evansville's turnovers.
EKU returns to action Sunday at 1 p.m. ET, hosting North Dakota back inside Baptist Health Arena. Tickets are available online or at the door for $5. All first responders can claim free admission as part of Hometown Heroes Day at the Coliseum.