CHENEY, Wash. – Eastern Washington picked up its first win of the season on Monday night, defeating Eastern Oregon 91–73 behind balanced scoring, strong rebounding, and improved second-half defense.
The Eagles were led by
Isaiah Moses with 22 points and
Straton Rogers with 17 points and 10 rebounds—EWU's first double-double of the season.
Kiree Huie added 14 points, JoJo Anderson scored 13, and
Alton Hamilton IV chipped in 10. EWU shot 52.2% and outrebounded the Mountaineers 42–31.
Eastern established control early as Huie opened the scoring inside and Anderson connected from deep. The Eagles generated energy through defense, with Huie's rim protection, rebounding from
Cole Scherer and
Tyler Powell, and active hands sparking transition opportunities. Threes from
Maddox Monson and
Elijah Thomas, paired with second-chance efforts from Moses and Rogers, kept the momentum building. Late in the half, Huie scored twice inside and Rogers added a corner three and fast-break finish to send EWU into halftime up 44–37.
Associate Head Coach
Ryan Lundgren said the defensive progress was encouraging, though still inconsistent. He noted the team "defended well in stretches" but needs to maintain that level when fatigue sets in. He also acknowledged that EOU's smaller, drive-first style created matchup challenges, calling them "tough to guard" with four shooters on the floor.
EWU carried its energy into the second half as Moses jumped a passing lane for a steal and layup. Huie added free throws, and he and Moses continued to produce in the mid-range and on second-chance opportunities. The Eagles controlled the offensive glass, with Hamilton and Huie converting putbacks, while Rogers delivered a key stretch that included a layup and dunk. Moses knocked down a step-back three, Anderson scored off turnovers, and the lead grew to double digits.
Lundgren credited the versatility of players like Rogers and Hamilton, noting that Rogers' cutting, screening, and defensive toughness created opportunities for others and helped open up the offense. Hamilton, despite a slow first half, filled the stat sheet in scoring, rebounding, and playmaking—production Lundgren said will only improve as he adjusts to the Division I level.
Down the stretch, Eastern continued to impose its will inside. Rogers and Hamilton powered through the lane for late scores,
Shaumba Ngoyi added a second-chance finish, and Scherer chipped in at the free-throw line. Though EOU hit a few late threes, the Eagles' depth, rebounding, and pressure sealed the win.
Lundgren said the team now turns its focus to a challenging road stretch, emphasizing that early-season games are about growth and "figuring out what we need to get better at" as they prepare for Central Arkansas.
Up Next
Eastern Washington travels to face Central Arkansas on Sunday, Nov. 23 at 11 a.m. PST.
ABOUT EASTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS
Eastern Washington University Athletics sponsors 14 intercollegiate sports, six for men and eight for women, both as learning opportunities for its most athletically talented students and as an enhancement to student and community life. Eastern is affiliated with Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and is a member of the Big Sky Conference, an association of 10 regional schools with comparable enrollments and academic goals.
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