Heartbreak strikes again for the Eastern Washington men's basketball team as they lose in the Big Sky quarterfinals to Sacramento State, despite entering as the top seed. The Eagles finished with a 21-11 record this season, but fell short in the tournament, reflecting Coach David Riley's sentiments on playing to their identity. Despite efforts to rally back in the second half, the Hornets maintained control, exploiting the Eagles' weaknesses in rebounding, turnovers, and outside shooting.

The Big Picture

The Eagles' loss underscores the unpredictable nature of tournament play and the challenges of meeting expectations as a top seed, highlighting the fine margins between success and defeat in college basketball.

By the Numbers
  • Sacramento State defeated Eastern Washington 74-69.
  • Eastern Washington finished the game shooting 23.1% from beyond the 3-point line.
  • The Eagles were outrebounded 34-27 and turned the ball over 15 times.
State of Play
  • Sacramento State led wire-to-wire in the first half, despite Eastern Washington's comeback attempts.
  • The Eagles struggled with rebounding and turnovers, crucial factors in their defeat.
  • Eastern Washington's season highlighted both successes, as regular season champions, and challenges, as seen in their tournament exit.
Bottom Line

The Eastern Washington men's basketball team faces disappointment in the Big Sky quarterfinals, revealing the complexities and uncertainties of tournament basketball and the need for teams to excel in all aspects to secure victory.