Eagles hand Vikings third conference defeat
As Portland State’s women’s basketball team secured a win over the Eagles in the Peter Stott Center, the Eastern Washington men’s team maintained its unblemished home record on Saturday night as it took it to Portland State early. Making early runs to create insurmountable deficits, the Eagles eventually handed Portland State its third conference loss, 75-51.
“We just came out flat, and they came out ready to play,” second-year post player Jeff Eischen said.
In the first half, it was two early runs that left the Vikings in a world of hurt. Around half way through the first half, the Vikings found themselves in a big hole, down 25-2. Seth Scott remained scoreless in the first half, crediting the Eagles defense.
Portland State was able to get going late in the half, with 18 of 20 first-half points coming from Jeb Ivey and Kevin Briggs.
The Vikings only shot 18 times in the first half, compared with 28 shots taken by the Eagles. Of the 18 shots taken, only six went down, for a 33 percent first half from the field. The halftime score showed the Eagles in command, 38-20.
“They got up on us early and we never recovered,” Eischen said.
In the second half, the Vikings gained some ground on the offensive end, while stepping up the defense. However, Eastern Washington seemed to have an answer to every move the Vikings had. In the second half, the Vikings were only outscored 37-31.
The Vikings turned the ball over 24 times to only seven for the Eagles in the game. Portland State did dominate on the glass, out-rebounding Eastern Washington 34-19. Brandon Haughton led everyone in the game with eight total rebounds. Briggs led the Vikings with 18 points and five assists. Ivey put in 17 to back up Briggs in the losing effort. Scott was held to just eight points, all in a second half plagued by foul trouble, reducing his minutes.
Next week, the Vikings are on the road with two more games away from the Stott Center. On Thursday, Portland State will take on Weber State. Saturday, it will play at Idaho State.
