What's Happening?
Eastern Washington University secured a spot in the Big Sky Conference Tournament semifinals by defeating Weber State 84-79. The game, held in Boise, Idaho, saw Alton Hamilton IV lead Eastern Washington with a career-high 25 points, while Isaiah Moses
contributed 22 points and eight assists. The Eagles, seeded third, will face seventh-seeded Idaho in the semifinals. Idaho has previously defeated Eastern Washington twice this season, including a win that ended the Eagles' eight-game winning streak. The top-seeded Portland State will play fourth-seeded Montana in the other semifinal matchup.
Why It's Important?
This victory is significant for Eastern Washington as it keeps their hopes alive for a Big Sky Conference title and a potential NCAA tournament berth. The team's performance, particularly that of Hamilton and Moses, highlights their capability to compete under pressure. For Weber State, the loss marks the end of their tournament run, despite a strong performance from Tijan Saine Jr., who scored 27 points. The upcoming semifinal against Idaho presents a challenging opportunity for Eastern Washington to avenge their previous losses and advance to the finals.
What's Next?
Eastern Washington will prepare to face Idaho in the semifinals, a team that has proven to be a formidable opponent this season. The Eagles will need to strategize effectively to overcome Idaho's previous dominance. The outcome of this game will determine who advances to the Big Sky Conference finals, with the winner potentially securing a spot in the NCAA tournament. Both teams are likely to focus on refining their gameplay and addressing any weaknesses observed in their previous encounters.
