PORTLAND, Ore. (Interstat) — Eastern Washington snapped Portland State’s five-game home winning streak with a 67-55 victory in a Big Sky Conference men’s basketball game Saturday at Stott Center. The Eagles, led by Isaiah Moses’ game-high 22 points, used a strong defensive effort to stifle the Vikings. Portland State was held to 31.1% shooting from the floor. The Vikings’ Terri Miller scored 21 points in the loss. Eastern Washington improved to 11-17 overall. Portland State, which entered as a six-point favorite, fell to 18-8. An announced crowd of 1,595 watched the Eagles avenge a home loss to the Vikings from Jan. 22.

PORTLAND, Ore. (Interstat) — In a gritty, defensive struggle defined more by missed shots than made ones, the Eastern Washington Eagles executed a methodical second-half takeover to upset the Portland State Vikings 67-55 in a Big Sky Conference men’s basketball game Saturday night at the Stott Center. The victory avenged a four-point home loss to the Vikings just a month prior and snapped Eastern Washington’s two-game skid in the series. It also delivered a significant blow to Portland State’s conference standing, handing the Vikings their second loss in three games after a strong mid-season run. The most important part of the game unfolded over the final 15 minutes, as Eastern Washington transformed a narrow, back-and-forth contest into a comfortable victory with a sustained defensive lockdown. After Portland State’s Terri Miller hit a 3-pointer to pull the Vikings within 37-34 with 14:53 remaining, the Eagles embarked on the decisive run. They held Portland State without a field goal for over seven minutes, stretching their lead to 48-39 during a stretch where the Vikings missed nine consecutive shots from the floor and committed three turnovers. Eastern Washington’s defense was the cornerstone of the win. The Eagles held Portland State to 31.1% shooting from the field and just 4 of 19 from 3-point range. The Vikings’ offensive rating of 79.6 points per 100 possessions underscored their struggles. Eastern Washington also protected the rim with authority, blocking seven shots compared to Portland State’s two, with Kiree Huie and Emmett Marquardt each contributing two rejections. While the Eagles only shot 43.4% themselves, they were more efficient when it mattered and capitalized at the free-throw line, making 17 of 22 attempts. Portland State, despite a strong 13-of-15 performance at the line, could not overcome its frigid shooting night. Isaiah Moses led all scorers with 22 points for Eastern Washington, adding six rebounds and three assists. The guard from Anchorage, Alaska, was instrumental in stabilizing the Eagles’ offense during Portland State’s defensive pushes. Kiree Huie provided a crucial interior presence with 14 points and seven rebounds. Alton Hamilton and Emmett Marquardt anchored the frontcourt defense, combining for 16 points, 11 rebounds, and four blocks. Portland State was led by Terri Miller’s 21 points and five rebounds. Jaylin Henderson finished with 11 points and five assists, but was hampered by Eastern Washington’s interior defense, missing several attempts at the rim. The Vikings, who entered the game converting turnovers into points at a high rate, managed 21 points off 11 Eastern Washington giveaways, but their own 8-of-61 shooting from the field negated that advantage. The first half was a low-scoring affair that saw eight ties and six lead changes, with Eastern Washington taking a slim 31-30 lead into the break. The pace and scoring improved slightly after halftime, but the Eagles gradually imposed their will, outscoring Portland State 36-25 in the second period to pull away. The loss dropped Portland State to 18-8 overall, while Eastern Washington improved to 11-17. The Eagles have now won three of their last four games. According to National Statistical’s ELO system, Portland State had been projected with an 82.7% probability to win and was a 6-point pregame favorite. The total score of 122 points fell well under the over/under line of 146. Eastern Washington returns home to host Northern Colorado on Thursday. Portland State embarks on a Montana road trip, facing Montana State on Thursday and Montana on Saturday.

PORTLAND, Ore. (Interstat) — A surging Eastern Washington team will look to continue its climb and avenge an earlier loss when it visits first-place Portland State in a Big Sky Conference men’s basketball matchup Saturday at the Stott Center. The Eagles (9-17, 7-6 Big Sky) enter on a season-best four-game winning streak, including an 84-66 home victory over Weber State last Saturday. That run has propelled them into the middle of the conference standings after a difficult start. They will face a stern test against the Vikings (17-7, 10-3), who sit atop the Big Sky despite a 77-65 road loss at Northern Colorado in their last outing. Portland State holds a 65-61 win in Cheney from Jan. 22 in the first meeting this season. Eastern Washington’s resurgence has been fueled by guard Alton Hamilton. Over the last seven games, Hamilton is averaging 15.9 points, including a 24-point performance in the win over Weber State. His consistent scoring has been pivotal during the Eagles’ win streak. Portland State counters with its own high-scoring guard in Jaylin Henderson. He is coming off a 29-point effort in the loss to Northern Colorado and has averaged 18.1 points over his last seven contests. His backcourt duel with Hamilton will be a key storyline. The Vikings have been strong at home, boasting a 10-2 record at the Stott Center this season. They will rely on that home-court advantage to hold off the confident Eagles and maintain their position in the conference race. For Eastern Washington, continuing its recent defensive improvements will be critical. During its four-game streak, the Eagles have held opponents to an average of 71.5 points per game, down from their season average allowed. Saturday’s contest is the first of a challenging two-game road trip for the Eagles, who face Montana State and Montana next week. Portland State embarks on its own pivotal road swing to those same Montana schools following this home stand. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. PST.