CHENEY, Wash. — As part of the Bucks For Buckets campaign, Eastern Washington University President Shari McMahan will personally donate $1,600 to EWU basketball excellence funds after the Eagle women and men combined for 16 made 3-point shots during their respective home games on Feb. 25 and 27.

"I'm excited to help raise awareness about the importance of supporting the athletic excellence funds by rewarding the teams' 3-point talent through this fun challenge," said President McMahan. "Our men's and women's basketball teams have shown incredible grit this season, and I know that any gifts made contribute to their success at EWU." 

On Saturday, the Eagle women sank 8 threes on 18 attempts in a 64-44 romp of the visiting Idaho State Bengals, earning $800 to the EWU Women's Basketball Excellence Fund. Jacinta Buckley sank 3, Jamie Loera two, and three others hit one to power the EWU offense. The women closed out their regular season schedule on a 4-game winning streak.

On Monday, in a heavyweight matchup against the second-place Montana State Bobcats, the Eagle men added 8 threes of their own in front of a frenzied Reese Court crowd, earning $800 to the EWU Men's Basketball Excellence Fund. Down 13 at half, EWU's thrilling comeback bid — highlighted by a 15-2 run that included three makes from beyond the arc — fell just short. Steele Venters, Angelo Allegri and Dane Erikstrup each had two 3-pointers to lead the way.

Dr. McMahan challenges Eagle fans to join her in donating any amount to these excellence funds, which support EWU Basketball student-athletes in their pursuit of success on and off the court.
 
Both teams will now travel to Boise to compete in the 2023 Big Sky Basketball Championships, March 4-8. The men open tournament play on Sunday, March 5 (5:30 p.m. MT / 4:30 p.m. PT) against the winner of the 9/10-seed game. The women begin on Monday, March 6 (12 p.m. MT / 11 a.m. PT) versus Montana.