LA GRANDE, Ore. — The No. 15-ranked Eastern Oregon University Men's Basketball team opened the 2026-27 season with a strong performance Saturday afternoon at Quinn Coliseum, defeating (RV) Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University 94-67 to earn their first victory of the preseason.
The Mountaineers and Eagles traded leads throughout a competitive opening period, with six lead changes keeping the score close. Embry-Riddle built its largest lead at 32-27 with, but Eastern Oregon responded with a late push of layups from Cole Hammack and Eamon Monaghan, as well as converting five for five on free throws to take a 36-34 lead into halftime
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After the break, the Mountaineers began creating separation behind efficient shooting and defensive pressure. Eastern Oregon pushed its advantage to 49-40, then continued to build momentum through a series of key baskets. Eamon Monahan scored consecutive layups before connecting from beyond the arc to extend the lead to 56-40. Caleb Schroeder added a basket in the paint, helping Eastern Oregon stretch the advantage to 58-40.
The Mountaineers' second-half shooting proved decisive. After shooting 35.3% from the field in the opening half, Eastern Oregon connected on 22 of 35 attempts after halftime, an outstanding 62.9%. The team also knocked down seven three-pointers in the second half to put the game out of reach.
Monahan led the way with 19 points on 8-of-11 shooting, adding six rebounds and three assists. Isaiah Jones contributed 16 points, including three three-pointers, while Hammack finished with 11 points and six assists. Keilan Torkornoo added 10 points, and Drake Devin delivered nine points while making all three of his attempts from beyond the arc.
Eastern Oregon's depth was another difference-maker, with the bench contributing 37 points. The Mountaineers also scored 22 points off turnovers and collected seven steals as they maintained pressure on the Eagles throughout the afternoon.
Embry-Riddle was led by Noah Gifft, who finished with 21 points, while Trey Chemin added 10. However, the Eagles struggled from long range, shooting just 3-of-16 from three-point territory.
With the 27-point victory, Eastern Oregon opens the 2026-27 campaign at 1-0 and gains early momentum as they continue their preseason schedule. They will return to action November 6th and 7th at the Bismark State Classic, facing Dickinson State and Bismark State.