LAKE CHARLES, La. — Eastern Arizona College waited nearly five months for another shot at College of Southern Idaho.
When it came, the Gila Monsters made sure it did not slip away.
After falling to Southern Idaho in its season opener on November 6th, they responded by controlling the rematch, defeating the Golden Eagles 64-56 in the quarterfinals of the NJCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Championship at McNeese State University.
Second-seeded Eastern Arizona (31-2) advanced to the semifinals for the third consecutive season.
Eastern Arizona established control early after a slow start. Trailing 9-3 midway through the first quarter, the Gila Monsters responded with an 11-0 run fueled by Esmeralda Enriquez, who scored eight points during the stretch to give Eastern Arizona a 14-9 lead.
That momentum carried into the second quarter, where Eastern Arizona extended its advantage behind defensive pressure and transition opportunities. A sequence midway through the period turned the game, as Eanae Dagons recorded back-to-back steals that led to five quick points, pushing the lead to double digits at 22-12.
Eastern Arizona took a 33-25 lead into halftime.
College of Southern Idaho (30-5) made its push in the third quarter, cutting the deficit to 44-41 after a 3-pointer by Samara Morrow. Eastern Arizona responded immediately, as Enriquez scored on consecutive possessions to rebuild the lead and stabilize the game heading into the final quarter.
The Golden Eagles closed within one possession again early in the fourth, but Eastern Arizona answered with another key stretch. Danaeja Romero-Ah Sam converted a layup and later knocked down a 3-pointer with just over three minutes remaining to extend the lead to 59-51, giving the Gila Monsters breathing room.
Eastern Arizona maintained control from there and closed the game at the free-throw line.
Enriquez led Eastern Arizona with 24 points, finishing 10 of 21 from the field while adding five steals. Romero-Ah Sam added 15 points, and Navae Guidry contributed eight.
Eastern Arizona shot 42.6 percent from the field and committed just 11 turnovers, a notable improvement from the first meeting between the teams.
Southern Idaho was led by Ashley Garner, who recorded 18 points and 11 rebounds. Savannah Stoker added 12 points and nine rebounds, while Morrow finished with nine points after scoring 22 in the earlier matchup.
In that November meeting, Southern Idaho controlled the paint and capitalized on turnovers in a 77-74 overtime win. On Saturday, Eastern Arizona limited those opportunities. The Golden Eagles committed 18 turnovers and struggled to generate consistent offense in key stretches.
Eastern Arizona also continued its strong defensive play, holding Southern Idaho to 56 points after limiting Southwestern Illinois to 36 in the previous round.
Eastern Arizona will face the winner of No. 3 Shelton State and No. 6 Trinity Valley in the semifinals Monday at 4:15 p.m. Arizona time.
