Season Outlook

SEASON OUTLOOK: Eagles Ready to Defend League Title

Big Sky Conference champs hope MVP Besides Davison and Aiken, the Eagles return two other starters in candidates and loads of experience can lead senior guard Jack Perry and sophomore point guard Ellis Magnuson. Eastern returns 10 total letterwinners and lost four, including 2019-20 them to a NCAA Tournament berth, which was league MVP and Academic All-American Mason Peatling, who will be made more elusive in 2020 by Covid-19 replaced by junior post Tanner Groves. Davison and Perry are the lone seniors.

The Eagles have the individual talent lined up to potentially garner the “We have only two seniors this year, but they have been in the pronext two Big Sky Conference MVP awards. They also hope that translates gram for a while and they are excited about playing again,” said Legans, to league titles. who was last year’s Big Sky Coach of the Year. “A lot of teams feel On the heels of one of the best seasons in Eastern Washington University men’s basketball history, the 2020-21 squad is ready to complete the task that was wiped out last year by a world-wide pandemic. With senior Jacob Davison and junior Kim Aiken Jr., leading the way, EWU good about their chances of winning the league, but for us there is lot of unsettled and unfinished business left for this team to accomplish. At least that’s how we’ve been going about it since last March when our season was cut short.” hopes to add a Big Sky Tournament championship and NCAA Tournament Last season came to a screeching halt on March 12, 2020, when berth to the regular season title the Eagles won in the 2019-20 campaign. cancellations of both the Big Sky Conference and NCAA Division I tournaAnd the league’s coaches and media agree. The Eagles were the overwhelming favorite to defend the Big Sky Conference title they won a year ago, garnering nine of 11 first-place votes cast by the coaches and 24 of 28 by the media in the preseason polls announced by the league office. ments dashed EWU’s promising postseason hopes in the 201920 campaign. The Covid-19 virus wiped out the league tournament shortly before the Eagles were to play their first game versus Sacramento State. A few hours after that, the NCAA Tournament was canceled as well, ending EWU’s season. per game) and were fourth in assists (17.5). “Our team is being picked as the favorite to win the Big Sky this year, which is a testament to all we accomplished last year and the culture of success we’ve been able to build here at EWU,” said fourth-year Eastern head coach Shantay Legans. “That said, we haven’t accomplished a single thing this year, and that is our approach to the season. After winning the Big Sky last Senior All-Big Sky Conference Guard JACOB DAVISON The Eagles had their-second highest win total in 37 years as a NCAA Division I member with 23 victories, and their 16 league triumphs were the most in their 33 years in the Big Sky. The Eagles finished sixth in the nation in scoring offense (80.9 year but having to stop short of our quest towards the NCAA Tournament, EWU took solace in that it was able to celebrate heartily on March 7 our team is hungrier than ever. There is a lot of work to be done.” after the Eagles beat Weber State 78-69 to wrap-up the outright title. The In addition, Davison was selected as the MVP as he joined junior Kim Aiken Jr. on the six-person preseason All-Big Sky team announced by the league office. world changed dramatically shortly after that, and ended a historic run by Peatling, who won the Big Sky MVP award after averaging a doubledouble in 20 league outings. “I love seeing our players receive accolades because I see all the hard work they put in behind the scenes to get there,” added Legans. “Both on and off the court, our guys work harder than any group I’ve ever been around, and I am so proud of all they have achieved, and eager for all that is to come.” “We have some guys with some big feet, so it’s going to fun to see who steps up to fill those shoes,” said Legans. “Jacob Davison is a great player, so I’m looking forward to see what he can do this year. We have been in situations where we have really good players and they have graduated, but we have always had guys step up. That’s one of the things that everybody loves about college sports.”

Peatling was league. Legans a first team All-Big is now 59-41 in Sky selection, his three years as while Davison head coach for a was picked for the .590 winning persecond team and centage. In league sophomore Aiken games, he has was on the third directed EWU to squad. Peatling 13, 12 and now 16 and Davison went victories, winning on to earn All- 71 percent for a District 6 honors record of 41-17. by the National Both percentAssociation of Bas- ages are currently ketball Coaches the best among (NABC). Both the eight men 500-point scorers who have been during Eastern’s head coaches in run to the outright EWU’s tenure in title, Peatling was the league, and his honored on the first 41 league wins is team and Davison the best three-year was on the second squad. Junior All-Big Sky Conference Guard/Forward KIM AIKEN JR. stretch in school history. “We have four Eastern’s returning starters coming back from a year ago on a pretty good team,” school-record 16 Big Sky wins included sweeps over seven of the said Legans. “But we lost Mason Peatling -- obviously the MVP of the league’s 10 other teams, and a split versus Idaho State and Idaho. league. But Tanner Groves is stepping into the role and is a very good Eastern was swept by Montana, which had won the two previous regular young post player. He’s offensively sound and can make shots from all season and tournament titles. The Eagles had just two seniors – Peatling over the court.” and Tyler Kidd – so EWU has high aspirations for 2020 and beyond.

The “Big Three” of Peatling, Davison and Aiken combined for 61 per- Eastern won its fourth Big Sky regular season title in school history cent of EWU’s scoring, 60 percent of its rebounding and 80 percent of its (2000, 2004, 2015, 2020), but now joins the 2004 team with the only blocked shots. In addition, they combined for 65 percent of the team’s free outright titles. Eastern has gone on to win two Big Sky Tournament titles throws made, 55 percent of its steals, 50 percent of its 3-pointers made, (2004 and 2015) to advance to the NCAA Tournament. The Eagles also 61 percent of its field goals overall and 47 percent of the total minutes for have national postseason appearances in the NIT (2003) and the College the Eagles. Basketball Invitational (2016, 2017, 2018).

“I’m always confident in our players and their ability to go out there “It was a hard conversation we had, but we have some very fine and compete -- especially with having a lot of returners,” said Legans. “We young men and so they understood they there were other things going have Jacob Davison back, but we also have four others who have started on outside of basketball,” Legans said of the season cut short by the for us, including three who started every Big Sky game. We have a strong pandemic. “The virus was affecting the health of people and that could bench too, and our young players have gotten better.” eventually affect our team or their families. It felt like we missed out on

Eastern had two of the top newcomers in the league in Magnuson and something, but it also gives us the hunger for this year. We want to come redshirt freshman Casson Rouse, and also received solid play by Perry out and try to fulfill the opportunities kept from the seniors on last year’s once he returned from an early-season high ankle sprain. And the Groves team. We didn’t get to play in the NCAA Tournament, so I know that’s brothers – Tanner and his younger brother Jacob Groves – add the family another added incentive for our team to fulfill that for them.” to the family. “I told them that if we win we all get watches -- even the seniors from “We’ve been able to see how they’ve gelled so quickly, and obviously, last year and the guys who were part of that team,” he added. “I still have the comradery and chemistry of the team knowing each other so well is my watches from when I played and those are something special. I think great.” He continued. “Now we just have to start defining roles, and being every player in their career should have the opportunity to play in the able to get that established will help us a lot. I think they pretty much NCAA Tournament. It’s something huge, and being able to coach in it is understand each other’s games and that is important. And it’s our job as one of my goals as a head coach. We almost got there last year -- who coaches to just make sure that we are pushing them in the right direction knows if we were to win the Big Sky Tournament and who knows what and they are getting everything done in the right manner and the right would have happened after that. But you can always think and dream, sense. I do think we have a pretty good ball club.” which is the best part of basketball.”

Legans led EWU to a final record of 23-8 overall and 16-4 in the

Back Court . . . with at least 20 points (14 in the 2019-20 season).

Davison is the catalyst in Eastern’s offensive attack, using his varied “One of the good things about our team is that we are young, but they talents to make life difficult on opponents. His supporting cast benefits as all understand that there are levels you achieve as you keep getting better a result. and getting older,” Legans said. “Jacob has been here since he was a After hitting the 100-point mark on March 5 versus Idaho State for the first time since December and the first time versus a NCAA Division I opponent in the 2019-20 season, the Eagles finished sixth in NCAA Division freshman, and we are relying on him differently than when he was a fresh man or sophomore. Now we are relying on him for more leadership to go along with his talents on the basketball floor.” I in scoring. Eastern closed with a league-leading average of 80.9 points Perry adds senior leadership in the back court after averaging 6.2 per game, with Gonzaga ranking first in the nation at 87.4. points and 2.5 assists as a junior. In league-only statistics last season, The Eagles also ranked fourth in assists (17.5 per game) and 15th in assistto-turnover ratio (+1.36 per game) to lead the league, and were 26th in 3-point field goals per game (9.3) and 41st in scoring margin (+8.0) to rank second in the Big Perry was 14th in assists (2.7) and 11th in 3-pointers made per game (1.7). He has also provided some clutch moments through the years for EWU, including the 100th 3-pointer of his career to give EWU the lead for good in a 78-75 victory at Idaho on Jan. 16, 2020. Sky. Eastern was also 57th in field goal Perry is currently just off EWU’s allpercentage (.460) to rank third. time career 3-point percentage list at 39.6 “That makes this team exciting for me to coach. There are so many different things we can do and it’s going to be one of those years where we have multiple percent (125-of-316). He’s played 93 total games as an Eagle (61 as a starter) and has averaged 5.7 points, 2.0 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game. guys lead us in scoring,” Legans said. Magnuson started all 31 games as “Jacob might lead our team in assists one a freshman, and finished 118th in the game because how teams will defend nation in assists (4.2 to rank fifth in the Big him. So it’s going to be an exciting year Sky) and was 112th in assist-to-turnover to see how we can gel together and un- ratio (+1.84 per game to rank fifth in the derstand what we are trying to do. At the league). In Big Sky-only statistics, he was end of the day everyone wants to win, so eighth in assists (3.4), and was the only I think the sacrifice will be there and the freshman ranked in that category in the determination needed will be there too.” top 15. He was also the only freshman in Davison was 70th nationally and fourth in the Big Sky in scoring (18.4), to the top 11 in assist-to-turnover ratio, rank ing seventh (+1.5). go along with averages of 4.2 rebounds, Earlier in the year, College Sports 2.8 assists and 1.4 steals per game. In Madness selected him as its Big Sky league-only statistics, Davison was fourth Conference Player of the Week for his in the league in scoring (18.7), as well Senior Guard JACK PERRY performance in EWU’s win over midas ranking 11th in field goal percentage major powerhouse Belmont on Nov. 26 (.439), 10th in free throw percentage in Cheney. He scored 13 points and had (.752), 12th in steals (1.2) and 14th in assists (2.7). nine assists in the 87-82 win over the Bruins, who were ranked ninth

“A lot of times teams have to pick their poison with us,” said Legans. entering the game in the Collegeinsider.com Mid-Major top 25 poll. “Jacob is such a talented scorer and does so many things on offense That was just the sixth game as a collegian for Magnuson. which makes him hard to guard. He can drive, he can hit the mid-range “He’s a good student and is doing everything we ask of him, and jump shot and he shoots the three well. We watch the way teams defend even more than that,” said Legans. “You stick by players like that. As a him in games and then we adjust.” freshman we knew he would go through peaks and valleys and ups and

Davison is Eastern’s newest member of the 1,000-point club, going downs. But we made sure we were confident in him – he’s our starting over that mark with a 21-point effort versus Idaho on Feb. 13. He followed point guard and he’s our guy. He’s a great player and he’s going to do that with 30 points in a win at Portland State on Feb. 15 to give him four great things for us.” performances in his career with at least 30 (three in the 2019-20 season). For the year, Magnuson sank 35.2 percent of his shots from the field,

In his now 87-game career (57 as a starter), he’s averaged 13.2 including 20-of-72 3-pointers (27.8 percent). He also made 82.1 percent points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.1 steals while sinking 45.7 percent of his free throws (32-of-39). of his shots from the field, 34.6 percent from the 3-point stripe (106-of- “We have confidence in Ellis to make shots, and he comes into the 306) and 76.8 percent of his free throws. He now has 1,148 career points game and works hard all the time,” added Legans. “He keeps working and to rank 16th on EWU’s all-time list of 1,000-point scorers, joining Peatling we keep telling him to shoot the ball. He’s a great shooter.” as one of 23 in the club. In his career, Davison now has 23 performances “I’m really hard on point guards,” added Legans, who was a point

guard himself in college. “Anyone at High Point. In a 68-64 victory at who’s been around me knows that the Northern Colorado in a battle for first big guys can mess up, but the point place in the league standings, Robguards have to be really good and ertson came off the bench to provide mentally tough. He is a very men- some of the defense on UNC’s Jonah tally tough kid, and he will be a great Radebaugh, who needed 24 shots to player. He sees the floor well.” score 21 points.

Magnuson was one of five play- In addition to those players ers who saw significant action as who saw action during the Big Sky freshmen in the 2019-20 season. The championship year, Eastern also others included Rouse, Mike Mead- returns sophomore Austin Fadal, who ows and swingmen Jacob Groves redshirted the 2019-20 season. He avand Tyler Robertson. That fivesome eraged 13.2 minutes in 21 games as all averaged at least 6.5 minutes per a freshman in 2018-19, starting twice. game and all played in at least 19 He averaged 3.8 points, 1.7 rebounds games. and 0.5 assists per game while scor-

“Ellis and some other players have ing in double figures three times. bright futures for us,” said Legans. “We have players we can call on “They came out and played hard all all the time,” said Legans. “But that season as freshmen.” makes it hard because you have only

“We have a lot of different weap- 200 minutes in a game. We have a lot ons which were not obviously used as much last year, and we’re a year older Junior Forward TANNER GROVES of players coming along and are ready for their moment. It’s fun to watch and can get better,” he added. “The them play and how they are developplayers who were sitting out or didn’t get a lot of minutes last year are ing and getting better. You can’t ask hungry to play this year. It’s exciting to be able to get out with this team for anything more. It’s awesome.” and see how their chemistry has already gelled because they’ve known Another swingman, 6-7 Steele Venters, will make his Eagle debut each other.” in 2020-21 after redshirting a year ago. True freshmen joining the roster

Rouse started seven games and chipped in 6.5 points and 1.7 assists including point guard Isaiah Amato from Portland, Ore. (Central Catholic while making 37-of-96 3-pointers (38.5 percent). He exceeded his previ- High School), Mutdung Bol from North Seattle (Edmonds-Woodway HS) ous career best by seven points when he scored 21 points in a 100-75 and Kaelan O’Neil from Eugene, Ore. (Churchill HS). victory over Idaho State on March 5 to help EWU wrap-up at least a share “We are bringing in four new freshmen who are new to our program, of the Big Sky title. but we also have a redshirt freshman in Steele Venters who is a pretty

“Casson Rouse was a redshirt freshman last year, and he has gained good player and was here all last year,” said Legans. “We’ve been lucky improvement in leaps and bounds,” said Legans. “All of the players who enough to have all our guys return -- we didn’t have anyone transfer out were here before have gotten much better, and we’ll see what they can do and we didn’t have anyone transfer in. I think that comradery and team after working on their games. They left last year really unsatisfied with how chemistry is huge for our team, and that is something that has been big for the season ended. They have worked a lot. You know they could have us in the past. Being able to build on that and have our culture already set went home and played a lot of video games, hung out, and things like that, in place by the time these guys started practicing is a big deal for us.” but they worked and did a lot. You can see it in their bodies -- they have been in the weight room working hard. Their shooting has been really good.” Front Court . . .

Meadows played in 19 games and averaged 1.8 points, 0.8 assists While Peatling averaged a double-double during league play, Aiken and 0.5 steals per game. He had highs of 11 points, two assists and averaged nearly a double-double for the season. He finished fourth two steals versus Portland Bible (11/5/19) when he made all three of his in NCAA Division I in defensive rebounds per game (8.2) and 36th in 3-point shots. rebounding overall (9.7). He led the Big Sky in both categories, and was

Groves, whose brother Tanner will be a junior this season for the also 38th in the nation with 12 double-doubles and averaged 13.3 points Eagles in the front court, averaged 2.5 points and 1.5 rebounds in the 24 per outing. games he played. His first two appearances came in victories against High Aiken’s overall rebound average was Eastern’s best since Ron Cox Point and Belmont, and he had his high game with eight points versus averaged 12.3 in the 1976-77 season when the school was affiliated with Multnomah. the NAIA. Aiken’s average broke the school’s previous DI record of 9.1 in

Robertson played in 26 Eastern games, averaging 8.1 minutes, 2.2 the 2016-17 campaign. Both Aiken and Peatling had 22 rebounds in single points and 1.4 rebounds per game. He scored a season-high eight points games for the top performances in Eastern’s DI history and ranking No. 2 at Boston College and one game later had his high for rebounds with three behind the overall record of 28.

The 6-foot-7 Aiken also finished his sopho- shooting percentage – all marks which rank in more season third in the league and 85th in the top 12 in EWU history. the nation in steals (1.74). In league games “We are losing a great post player, but I only, Aiken finished second in rebounding think Tanner Groves is going to do great in his (9.0), first in defensive rebounds (7.5), third in place,” said Legans. “We have a young fresh3-pointers made per game (2.3), fifth in steals man who is also going to be really good, and (1.7), 12th in blocked shots (1.1) and 21st in we also have pieces that can play that posiscoring (12.1). tion. Plus, we can play a lot of different ways.”

At times his shooting was inconsistent, Peatling was on fire during the league seabut he still managed to sink a team-leading 76 son as a senior, closing with averages of 18.5 3-pointers on 229 attempts for 33.2 percent. points on 56 percent shooting from the field, Overall, he shot at a 39.8 percent clip from the 10.4 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.7 blocked shots field and 78.7 percent from the free throw line and 0.8 steals. He had 11 double-doubles in (59-of-75). his last 15 games. Peatling was honored three

He had a career-best 26-point effort at times during the year as Big Sky Conference Washington on Dec. 4 and had five total Player of the Week, and Davison earned the performances of 20+ points (seven in his honor twice. career). He had 14 double-figure rebounding “When Mason came here as a freshman, performances (18 in his career), and thus far it was tough for him with all the talent we had in his 61-game career (42 as a starter), he in the program,” said Legans of EWU’s legacy is averaging 10.0 points and 7.3 rebounds of developing players. “That year we had Jake with 16 career double-doubles (12-4 record). Wiley as the leader of our team, and the next Against Belmont in a huge 87-82 victory, he Sophomore Guard ELLIS MAGNUSON year it was Bogdan Bliznyuk. The next season scored eight of EWU’s last 12 points and had we had Jesse Hunt, and all of them had great four defensive boards in the final 44 seconds careers here. We are able to have that culture on his way to final tallies of 11 points and 11 boards. in our program, and guys understand how hard it is to earn their minutes.

“Kim Aiken has unbelievable character,” said Legans. “He’s one of the Just look at our track record of losing an MVP or a really good all-league only guys who can have an off-shooting night, but doesn’t let that bother player, but there are always players that step up. I’m really excited for this him and continues to do all of the dirty work. He’s had some monster scor- season and the players on this year’s team because it’s their turn.” ing and rebounding games already in his career, and we always task him “It’s my job to figure out how to put them in the right position to be to guard the other team’s best player.” those players. That’s one of the best things about being a coach -- you get

Also becoming a force inside the paint as a sophomore for the Eagles to figure out and tinker with certain things.” was 6-9 Tanner Groves, who came off the bench to average 5.4 points, Regardless, Legans hopes the versatility of his players will make them 3.1 rebounds and 0.6 blocks. He scored a career-high 17 points versus a force to be reckoned with once again in the 2020-21 season.Multnomah on Dec. 13, including a rebound dunk that was the No. 1 play by ESPN’s Sportscenter that night and had 2 1/2 million views. “We’re really a tough team to guard because we have multiple players who can do a lot of different things,” he said. “We’ve changed a little bit

Groves also came off the bench to score 16 versus Montana State on with how we play, and we have guys who can put the ball on the floor, hit Feb. 8, hitting 4-of-5 3-pointers. Thus far in his 59-game career (three as a shots and defend different positions. When we do a good job with that, it starter) he’s averaged 4.1 points, 2.6 boards and has 36 blocks. puts us in a good position.

“We want him to play tough, go to the rim and dunk the ball,” said “We have to play defense to play offense, and that’s one thing we Legans. “He makes us better when he plays that way. Tanner is going to talk about every day,” he added. “If you don’t defend you don’t get to play be one of the best big men in this conference – he’s unbelievable inside, offense. Offense is the fun part of the game and we want them to be tough outside, shooting touch, defense and athleticism. He’s going to be a player and defend. If you know that your coach is going to let you play and be the bigger schools are going to say ‘how does Eastern have a player like creative on offense, then you’ll play defense the way it’s supposed to be that.’ He has a chance to be one of the best players to come out of this played. That something the players did last season.”league – he has that type of game.”

Walk-on Jordan Veening is also back after seeing action in three games as a freshman. Schedule . . .

A newcomer in the front court is Victor Radocaj, a 6-9 freshman from As the Covid-19 pandemic rages on, road trips will be few and far between Richmond, B.C. The Canadian has international experience and competed for Eastern, as the preliminary 2020-21 Big Sky Conference men’s basketball for the RISE Centre Academy in Brantford, Ont. schedule was released in October. In addition, Eastern is scheduled to play on the road at two Pac-12 Conference foes, as well as one nationally-renown program

But replacing the production of Peatling on the inside will be the ques- from the West Coast Conference and a member of the Mountain West Conference. tion to answer this season. He finished his career with 118 games played, The Eagles will also host a non-NCAA Division I foe. 1,250 points, 725 rebounds, 112 blocked shots and a .555 field goal

“I would like to think having a large group of returning players will help us during the limitations created by the pandemic,” said Legans. “I hope that’s a big factor, but at the same time Big Sky Conference Preseason Rankings ously we would just drive up from Phoenix the day of the game and drive right back. Now we are going to have to adjust to a new type of road schedule, and that’s going provide some there are some really good coaches in our league. There are interesting travels as we move ahead.” some really good transfers who came into our league from dif- Coaches Poll All 11 league teams will advance to the Big Sky Conference ferent leagues, so like I said, having returning players who know Rank – Team – Points Basketball Championships, to be held for the third consecueach other is going to be a huge advantage.” 1. Eastern Washington – 99 (9) tive year at recently re-named Idaho Central Arena (formerly

League teams will typically play two games at a venue, 2. Montana – 86 (1) CenturyLink Arena) in Boise, Idaho. The neutral-site tournament with EWU’s schedule starting with games on Dec. 3 and Dec. 5 versus Northern Arizona at Flagstaff, Ariz. Eastern will have 10 home games, starting New Year’s Eve (Dec. 31) versus Portland State, followed by another home game versus the Vikings on Jan. 2. 3. Weber State – 73 4. Portland State – 67 (1) 5. Northern Colorado – 65 6. Montana State – 60 7. Southern Utah – 56 8. Northern Arizona – 34 will run from March 10-13, 2021, and begins two days earlier for the women. Eastern announced on Nov. 17 the non-conference portion of its 2020-21 schedule, opening with Oregon as part of a busy Thanksgiving weekend of basketball to open season.

“I am glad we are getting 20 games -- that’s the best thing 9. Sacramento State – 31 Eastern will play Oregon on Wednesday, Nov. 25 in Euabout our schedule,” said Legans. “The safety and health of all of our student-athletes is the most important part. We also want 10. Idaho State – 24 11. Idaho – 10 gene, Ore., then return to play at Washington State of the Pac12 the following Saturday (Nov. 28). The Eagles will then host to make sure they have a full season so they don’t feel slighted this year by any means. It’s going to be different, but sometimes Media Poll a non-NCAA Division I opponent on Monday, Nov. 30, and right now that is tentatively scheduled to be Northwest University and you have to change for certain reasons. I think we all understand Rank – Team – Points be played at Reese Court in Cheney, Wash. However, because why we have to do it this way. We are not the only conference 1. Eastern Wash. – 304 (24) of the Covid-19 pandemic, until further notice no fans will be scheduling this way, so it will be a little different for everybody.” 2. Montana – 250 (2) permitted to attend home basketball games due to institutional,

“There are going to be some flare ups, so I’m hoping those 3. Northern Colorado – 222 (2) regional, and state guidelines. don’t carry over from Thursday to Saturday -- coaches included. Playing the same opponent back-to-back is going to be like a quick little NBA mini playoff series. You have to see if you can adjust and do different things on that Saturday. It’s going to be a lot of fun.” 4. Montana State – 200 5. Weber State – 183 6. Southern Utah – 173 7. Portland State – 147 8. Northern Arizona – 143 9. Sacramento State – 93 The Eagles will then open Big Sky Conference play on the road at Northern Arizona, then will play their other two nonconference games -- road contests at UNLV on Wednesday, Dec. 9 and at Saint Mary’s on Monday, Dec. 16. The Eagles are scheduled to play Pac-12 Conference foes

The Eagles began practices on Wednesday (Oct. 14) for the 10. Idaho State – 86 Oregon (Nov. 25) and Washington State (Nov. 28). Eastern is 2020-21 season, and the earliest date the National Collegiate 11. Idaho – 50 3-46 versus current members of the Pac-12 since EWU moved Athletic Association is allowing NCAA Division I games to be First place votes in parenthesis to NCAA Division I in the 1983-84 season (13-89 all-time). Eastplayed is Nov. 25. ern is 0-3 versus the Ducks all-time and versus the Cougars

“We had our first 5-on-5 session at practice in October since EWU is 1-14 as a member of NCAA Division (11-55 all-time). March 11th when we were told at the Big Sky Tournament that Preseason All- Eastern hasn’t played WSU since Nov. 10, 2012, when we weren’t playing anymore,” Legans commented. “They were Conference Team EWU fell 88-69 in Pullman, Wash. The last victory for EWU excited to play, excited to get up and down and excited to compete against one another. We just got right back to business. We are hoping that we keep everybody healthy and keep everyone moving forward. I really like the team we have this year.” Jacob Davison, Eastern Washington* (MVP) Kim Aiken Jr., Eastern Washington versus WSU was on Dec. 22, 1997, at the Tri-Cities Coliseum in Kennewick, Wash., when the Eagles prevailed 83-82. The Cougars finished the 2019-20 season 16-16 and were 6-12 in the Pac-12. They beat Colorado 82-68 in the first round of the “It’s been good to see what they look like in person, instead Bodie Hume, Northern Colorado Pac-12 Tournament before the season was canceled the next of having them tell you,” he added. “They could tell you they Jubrile Belo, Montana State day. are as good as Lebron James and you have to believe them because you can’t see them for yourself. But now being able to see them come out here and compete has been a lot of fun and Cameron Shelton, Northern Arizona Michael Steadman, Montana A year ago, Oregon finished 24-7 overall and was 13-5 in the Pac-12 to win the regular season league title. The Ducks won all 17 home games at Matthew Knight Arena.I love it.” *Unanimous Selection Eastern is 2-6 all-time versus the Gaels, who were 26-8

Eastern will also play Big Sky home games versus Southern overall and 11-5 in the WCC. The Gaels beat Pepperdine (89-82 Utah (Jan. 14 & 16), Sacramento State (Jan. 28 & 30), Idaho (Feb. 6), Montana in two overtimes) and BYU (51-50) in the WCC Tournament, but fell to Gonzaga (Feb. 18) and Idaho State (March 4 & 6). (84-66) in the title game. Since moving to NCAA Division I, Eastern is 23-65 all-

The Eagles will also travel to Ogden, Utah, to play at Weber State (Jan. 7 & 9), time versus current members of the WCC (70-115 all-time). Greeley, Colo., to play Northern Colorado (Jan. 21 & 23), Moscow, Idaho, to take Also on the schedule is a trip to Las Vegas, Nev., to play UNLV of the on Idaho (Feb. 4), Bozeman, Mont., to play Montana (Feb. 11 & 13) and Missoula, Mountain West Conference in the third meeting between the two schools. Eastern Mont., to face Montana (Feb. 20). has lost both meetings versus the Runnin’ Rebels, and is 12-58 against current

“Different states allow different things and some guys have been playing with members of the MWC with EWU as a member of NCAA Division I (15-73 all-time). each other, so they are getting a little bit of the chemistry going -- especially the UNLV was 17-15 a year ago, and was 12-6 in the league before falling to Boise schools with a lot of transfers,” Legans said. “I’m hoping our chemistry turns out State 67-61 in the quarterfinals of the Mountain West Tournament. to be something good for us. At the same time you just never know. Injuries could Eastern has won all five previous meetings with Northwest, a member of the happen, but I like to think being able to have these guys around each other for so NAIA and the Cascade Collegiate Conference. The Northwest Eagles, who are long and that they know each other so well will give us an advantage.” also scheduled to play five other NCAA Division I foes during its non-conference “We have NAU first, then we will go from there -- but you have to win both schedule, were 18-12 overall and 13-7 in the CCC a year ago. Eastern has won games,” said Legans, whose team had seven league sweeps a year ago. “You the five previous meetings by an average of 28.8 points per game (average score don’t want splits anymore. The NAU trip is going to be interesting because previ- of 94.4 to 65.6). The last meeting was a 96-87 Eagle win on Nov. 18, 2010.