RICHMOND, Ky. – Sophomore guard Liz Freihofer recorded the third double-double of her career with 12 points and a career-high 13 rebounds as the Eastern Kentucky University women's basketball team closed non-conference play with a 70-52 victory over Hampton on Monday afternoon inside Baptist Health Arena.
 
With the win, EKU improved to 9-4 overall and finished the non-conference slate with a 6-2 mark at home. The Colonels now turn their attention to Atlantic Sun Conference play, opening league action on New Year's Day against West Georgia.
 
Three Colonels scored in double figures, led by Freihofer's 12-point, 13-rebound effort, marking her 11th double-figure scoring performance of the season.
 
Senior forward Joseana Vaz added 12 points and nine rebounds, narrowly missing a double-double of her own, while senior guard Ndidiamaka Ndukwe chipped in 12 points and five rebounds in 21 minutes off the bench.
 
As a team, EKU shot 38 percent (27-for-72) from the field and connected on eight 3-pointers. The Colonels shared the ball efficiently, recording 16 assists on 27 made field goals, and controlled the paint with 30 points inside.
 
Hampton (6-6) opened the scoring with an early 3-pointer and received nine first-quarter points from Kiarra McElrath. EKU answered behind Vaz, who scored seven in the opening period, and the Colonels regained momentum late to take an 18-17 lead after one quarter.
 
EKU created separation in the second quarter behind defensive pressure and tempo, holding Hampton to just seven points. Ndukwe and senior forward Ella Bradley each scored six in the period as the Colonels turned a one-point game into a double-digit advantage, carrying a 37-24 lead into halftime.
 
The Colonels extended the margin coming out of the break. Senior guard Althea Kara Angeles scored six points in the third quarter as EKU converted stops into transition opportunities, outscoring Hampton 22-12 to build a 59-36 lead heading into the fourth.
 
Hampton made its strongest push in the final quarter, once again led by McElrath, who scored nine of her team's points in the period. EKU responded with timely baskets, including a late 3-pointer from junior guard Love Mays and key scores from Kenleigh Woods, to secure the 70-52 victory.
 
Notes from the media room:

• Freihofer has now scored in double figures in 11 games this season and 29 times in her two-year career at EKU.
• Bradley posted a +29 player efficiency rating on Monday, the eighth-best single-game mark by a Colonel this season. The performance tied Freihofer's +29 outing against Evansville on Nov. 12, the highest rating by an EKU player this season against a Division I opponent.
• After rallying in the first quarter to take an 18-14 lead, the Colonels improved to 62-17 under head coach Greg Todd when leading after one quarter of play.
• With eight made 3-pointers in Monday's win, EKU, one of the nation's highest-volume 3-point shooting teams, has now knocked down eight or more 3-pointers in eight games this season. 

EKU returns to action Thursday night at 6:30 p.m. ET hosting West Georgia to open ASUN Conference play. Tickets are available starting at $5 online here or at the door.