Eastern Oregon would jump out to an early 13-9 lead in the first half, a lead they would maintain the entire first stanza. Layups by EOU’s Josh Landsverk and Dan Stafford would put Eastern up by ten, 32-22 with 5:12 remaining in the half. A 3-pointer by Steven Sawyer would give EOU their biggest lead of the half at 35-24 with 4:59 left until halftime. But NU would slowly get back into the game and an offensive rebound and tip in by Blake Solomon would cut Eastern’s lead to 8, 39-31 with 1:35 to go in the half. Two free throws by the Eagles’ Stedman Richardson would pull NU to within 6 points, 39-33 with 9 second left until intermission and as the clock would run out.

 

The second half would see more of the same with EOU leading a good part of the half and building an eleven point lead twice, 48-37 and 52-41 and their biggest lead of 12 points, 55-43 with 14:35 to go in the game. Northwest would not go away easily and the Eagles would slowly cut into the Mountaineers’ lead, pulling to within four points on a Jason Waltman 3-pointer at the 10:18 mark. EOU would maintain a slim lead until the 5:20 mark in regulation when Greg George would tie the score at 67 all with his two free throws. The lead would go back and forth and with the game knotted at 75-75, EOU’s Dan Stafford would miss a jump shot with 45 seconds remaining and NU’s Blake Solomon would see his 3-pointer miss the mark with just 5 ticks left on the clock.

 

In the overtime period, a free throw by Dan Stafford and two by Jordan Gregg would give Eastern Oregon a 78-75 lead at the 2:54 mark. Two free throws by Northwest’s Rich Skillman and a 3-pointer by Blake Solomon would cut an EOU four point lead to one at 81-80 with 2:21 to go in the period. With 1:35 to go, Jordan Gregg was fouled on an offensive rebound, scoring the basket and converting the free throw to give EOU and 84-80 lead. But the Eagles would come right back and another trey by Solomon off an assist from Stedman Richardson would cut the East lead to one point, 84-83. After a time out with 48 seconds to go, EOU would turn the ball over. Solomon would miss a three point attempt but NU’s Greg Peters would grab the offensive rebound giving the Eagles another shot to score. After another time out, Stedman Richardson was fouled going to the basket with just 4 seconds left in OT. He would step to the line and drop both attempts into the net giving the Eagles the win. EOU’s Josh Cottle would miss a long 3-point attempt at the buzzer. Final score: 85-84, Northwest U.

 

Blake Solomon dropped in 27 points (23 in the second half) making 5 of 8 three point attempts and was 2 for 2 from the free throw line. Sophomore guard Rich Skillman scored 14 points while teammates Greg Peters and Stedman Richardson each contributed 13 for NU. Peters registered a double-double on the night with 13 rebounds and added 3 block shots. The Eagles shot 47% from the 3-point line and 81% from the charity stripe.

 

Dan Stafford led Eastern Oregon (6-4, 1-1 CCC) with 17 points and 6 rebounds. Jordan Gregg added 16 points and 6 rebounds and Steven Sawyer added 14 points going a perfect 4 for 4 from beyond the 3-point line. Eastern shot 45% for the game from 2-point FG range and 42% from the 3-point line. EOU held a 38-36 rebounding edge over NU as both teams tied with 13 offensive rebounds a piece.