Mounties Scare Idaho State
POCATELLO, Idaho - #6 EOU held close to NCAA Division I Idaho State University, but couldn't secure the win down the stretch. The Mounties went into half time down by one, 32-33 against the Bengals.
The teams continued to battle back and forth, with two minutes left the Mountaineers took the lead by four points. The Bengals went on a 13-4 run in the last three minutes to escape #6 EOU by five points, 70-75. Head Coach Ryan Looney stated, "We're thankful to Idaho State for letting us play in a NCAA Division I environment." There were eleven lead changes, and no team ever led by more than seven points throughout tonight's game.
Kris Groce led all scorers with 20 points and 4 assists. Neil Fryer had 16 points and 7 rebounds. Jeremy Templeton added 10. EOU shot only 24 percent from the 3-point land, but were 29-35 from the free throw line, which is a huge improvement. Coach Looney also stated, "This exhibition game gave us an opportunity to get better."
Eastern will play next Friday, November 21st and 22nd in Caldwell, Idaho at the College of Idaho Golden Rule Shootout. Friday night EOU will match up with Westminster College at 6:00p.m. MST, and Saturday night will match up with Willamette University also at 6:00p.m. MST.