RICHMOND, Ky. – The Eastern Kentucky University women's basketball team responded in a big way Saturday afternoon, defeating North Alabama 73-56 inside Baptist Health Arena.
With the win, EKU improved to 22-5 overall and 13-1 in Atlantic Sun Conference play.
 
The Colonels maintain a three-game lead in the ASUN standings with four games remaining in the regular season. One more victory will secure the ASUN Regular Season Championship for EKU for the first time as a league member and the program's first regular-season conference title since 2005.
 
Senior forward Joseana Vaz, the reigning ASUN Newcomer of the Week, recorded her seventh consecutive double-figure scoring performance with 17 points on 5-of-9 shooting, including 2-for-4 from 3-point range. The Praia, Cape Verde native added five rebounds and two steals to her final line.
 
Sophomore guard Liz Freihofer followed with 14 points, two 3-pointers, and a perfect 6-for-6 effort from the free-throw line. The outing marked the Kentuckian's 40th career game scoring in double figures.
 
Senior guard Althea Kara Angeles added 11 points and eight rebounds on Senior Day, knocking down three 3-pointers. The Australian has pulled down 19 rebounds over her last two games.
 
Three additional seniors contributed strong performances. Ndidiamaka Ndukwe finished with nine points and nine rebounds, narrowly missing a double-double. Ella Bradley added six points and eight rebounds, while Zyniah Thomas chipped in three points off the bench.
 
As a team, EKU shot 40 percent (19-of-47) from the field and made seven 3-pointers. The Colonels outrebounded North Alabama 41-30 and forced 18 turnovers for the win.
 
North Alabama (13-12, 8-6 ASUN), which entered Saturday's contest having won eight of its previous 11 games, was led by Alexsandra Alvarado and Sofia Ceppellotti with 14 points each.
 
EKU established control early, forcing turnovers and building a 20-14 lead after the first quarter. Freihofer and Vaz provided early offense, while Angeles knocked down a 3-pointer midway through the period. Kailani Lindsey capped the quarter with an and-one finish in the final minute.
 
The Colonels broke the game open in the second quarter, outscoring the Lions 24-6 to take a commanding 44-20 halftime lead. EKU generated points off pressure defense and free throws, with Angeles hitting another 3-pointer during the surge. Bradley's late layup extended the margin to 24 at the break.
 
Freihofer opened the third quarter with a 3-pointer as EKU pushed the lead to 49-20. North Alabama answered with a brief run in transition, but timely scoring from Angeles and a late finish by Ndukwe sent the Colonels into the fourth quarter ahead 60-34.
 
The Lions won the final period 22-13 as EKU emptied its bench, but the Colonels secured the victory by converting free throws down the stretch to seal the 73-56 conference win.
 
EKU returns to action Thursday at Florida Gulf Coast. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET inside Alico Arena and will stream live on ESPN+.