Red Devils Fall to MUW 88-81 Despite Abascal's Career-High 24 Points
COLUMBUS, Miss. - The Eureka women's basketball team ended their road trip with a loss to MUW 88-81 on Saturday afternoon.
In the first quarter, the Red Devils took an early lead with Sierra Garcia-Reisch (Las Animas, Colo./La Junta) making a jumper and a 3-pointer, assisted by Allannah Jackson (Peoria, Ill./Peoria). Garcia-Reisch helped the Red Devils extend the lead with a layup following her steal, making the score 11-8. Alyssa Abascal (El Paso, Texas/El Dorado) contributed significantly towards the end of the quarter, hitting a 3-pointer and a layup shortly after, helping the Red Devils finish the quarter ahead at 22-20.
In the second quarter, Eureka's Sierra Garcia-Reisch continued her contributions with a 3-pointer and a layup with a subsequent free throw, helping to increase the team's lead. Alyssa Abascal also played a key role, securing a defensive rebound at and hitting a 3-pointer. The Red Devils' defense was effective in the second quarter, with Elena Redgate (Metamora, Ill./Metamora) and Miya Webb (Indianapolis, Ind./Brownsburg) each recording a steal, aiding in the team's 40-32 advantage over the Owls at halftime.
In the third quarter, the Red Devils started strong with Allannah Jackson scoring a layup, followed by Maxine Najera's (Riverside, Calif./Hillcrest) offensive rebound and layup at 7:30, pushing the score to 44-37 in Eureka's favor. Miya Webb capitalized on a technical foul by the Owls, successfully making both free throws, and later added a layup after a defensive rebound. Despite a late run by the Owls, Sierra Garcia-Reisch's layup with seconds left secured a 61-61 score at the end of the quarter.
In the fourth quarter, the Red Devils managed a strong start as Alyssa Abascal's jumper put them ahead 63-61. Despite early defensive efforts, including a block by Allannah Jackson, the Red Devils faced challenges as MUW took the lead with a series of successful plays, including a layup by Quay Dorrough and a 3-pointer by Claire Leak. With 7:47 remaining, Alyssa Abascal converted on two consecutive free throws, giving the Red Devils a 65-64 lead. Abascal later added crucial points through free throws and a layup in the final minutes. Her performance was the highlight of the night for Eureka as she scored a career-high 24 points. Despite Abascal's strong showing, the Red Devils could not keep pace with MUW and fell 88-81.
Alyssa Abascal led the Red Devils with a standout performance, scoring 24 points on 7-9 shooting, including three 3-pointers. She also made 7 of 8 free throw attempts and added two steals. Sierra Garcia-Reisch contributed significantly with 19 points, shooting 8-12 from the field and securing two steals. Miya Webb was another key player, scoring 14 points and recording two steals. Maxine Najera showcased her playmaking skills with a team-high five assists and added nine rebounds. Elena Redgate provided 11 points and five rebounds.
UP NEXT
The Red Devils will look to bounce back against Fontbonne on Wednesday, Jan. 22. The game is scheduled to tip off at 5:30 p.m. in Eureka.