UND could not overcome the 1-2 punch of Prigett and Manuel and 17 turnovers and lost a tough on in Missoula. Now UND heads further west to take on the Eagles of Eastern Washington, another team looking to challenge for the top spot in the Big Sky
About EWU: As stated in the Griz thread, the BSC has traditionally been a two team league: Montana and Weber. For many years, a conisistent 3rd team has not come forward in the league. However, could this be finally changing? This is the question that EWU hopes to finally answer this year. Ever since their breakthrough appearance in the NCAA tournament in 2014-15, they have finished in the top half of the BSC the last 5 years. However, to truly believe that they are that third team, they might have to be the one cutting the nets down in Boise, and they believe they have the team to do it. In fact, in one poll, they were picked to win the BSC. They do have to get through the 2 time defending champs, with their tough guard play, and Weber, who has possibly the best play in the BSC in Harding. To do it, they will have to rely on a traditional strength of EWU since the days of Hayford: The big men.
About the Coach: Shantay Legans (40-36, 25-13 BSC) is in his 3rd year as head coach at EWU. The longtime assistant took over as Hayford took a job at Seattle U. In his first two year, he has done well to keep EWU at the top of the Big Sky with back to back 3rd place finishes. With a great team coming back, it wouldn't be a surprise to see this team finally get to the top of the Sky and make their 3rd ever appearance at the NCAA tournament. They did a good job replace Hayford so far... say, I wonder who was the one who did that???
Key Players: Kim Aiken Jr. (6'7 SO)
Eastern has had a recent tradition of having dominant big men and this young Sophomore is fitting in right along with that tradition. He is currently averaging a double-double (15.9 ppg, 10.1 rpg) so far in the campaign. One thing that he has improved in so far is his free throw shooting, as he is shooting at a near 90% clip so far. Can step out and knock down the 3 as well. The numbers are a little low right now percentage wise, but still has some tendencies of being streaky. Whoever is assigned with him defensively is going to have their hands full.
Series History:
UND leads the all time series at 7-5, including a 6-4 mark in the D1 level. In Cheany, EWU leads the series 2-4 all time, with a 2-3 mark in the D1 level. EWU has won the last 3 in Cheany.
Stats:
-Kim Aiken Jr. leads the BSC in rebounding at 10.1 RPG
-Rebraca is 2nd in the Summit in rebounding, 1st in FG% and 1st in blocks
-Marlon Stewart is 1st in the Summit in assists
Keys:
1) How will UND handle EWU bigs?
2) Cut down on the turnovers
3) Get the seniors going
The Call: I think this will be a tougher matchup because of EWU strength with their bigs. While I feel Rebraca can hang with them, we just don't have that 2nd big that be consistent enough to match them, so if UND is going to win this one, they will need a big game from either Marlon or DAE. I think this will be similar to Montana: UND hangs around, but just not making enough plays to pull out the win, especially if they are without their best shooter again in Moody.
EWU 77-71
Game is on Pluto
Game notes are below.
https://fightinghawks.com/documents/2019/12/7//Game_11_EWU.pdf?id=11553
