MCMINNVILLE, Ore. – After a tough weekend at the Montana Western Classic, the Mountaineers found their touch again in a comfortable win over the Linfield University Wildcats. A big second half performance allowed EOU to pull away for a 13-point victory 92-79.
After a weekend that saw the Mounties struggle shooting the ball, EOU found its rhythm against Linfield Tuesday night resulting in a dramatic improvement offensively. Eastern shot 62.3 percent from the field and 57.9 percent from the three on 19 attempts. Those numbers paired with a 15-17 performance at the line lead the Mountaineers to their second win of the season.
EOU was able to maintain a hot hand throughout the entire game. Linfield hung with the Mounties through the first half as the two teams went into the break tied at 39. The Wildcats couldn't keep up with Eastern in the second half, though, despite holding an advantage on the boards. Eastern built a lead all the way up to 20 with two and a half minutes left before Linfield did their best to chip away in the final seconds.
EOU Men's Basketball will get the upcoming weekend off before heading to Caldwell, Idaho for the Taco Bell Shootout on Nov. 25 and 26. Their first matchup will be against Madonna University out of Michigan on Friday. Tipoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. Mountain Time.
STANDOUT MOUNTAINEER PERFORMANCES
- Malachi Afework: 17 points, 5-9 FG, 1-2 3PT, 6-6 FT, 2 REB, 3 AST, 1 STL
- Preston Chandler: 16 points, 5-8 FG, 2-3 3PT, 4-4 FT, 4 REB, 1 AST, 1 STL
- Phillip Malatare: 15 points, 6-7 FG, 3-3 FT, 2 REB, 3 AST, 3 STL