CHENEY, Wash. — In a crucial Big Sky Conference matchup, the Eastern Washington Eagles secured an 84-66 victory over the Weber State Wildcats on Saturday night at Reese Court. Alton Hamilton IV led the charge for the Eagles with a game-high 24 points, helping his team snap a skid and improve their standing in a tightly contested conference race.
The win moves Eastern Washington to 9-17 overall and 7-6 in Big Sky play, a much-needed boost for a team that has struggled to find consistency this season. Hamilton, a senior guard, not only dominated on offense but also contributed five rebounds, showcasing his all-around impact. His performance came at a pivotal time, as the Eagles look to climb the conference ladder with just a handful of games remaining before the postseason tournament.
Kiree Huie added 20 points and five rebounds of his own, providing a strong supporting cast to Hamilton's outburst. Isaiah Moses rounded out the double-digit scorers for Eastern Washington, finishing with 11 points on efficient shooting: 4-for-6 from the field and a perfect 3-for-3 from beyond the arc. The Eagles' balanced attack overwhelmed Weber State's defense, particularly in the second half where they pulled away decisively.
For the Wildcats, Tijan Saine matched Huie's output with 20 points, but it wasn't enough to keep pace. Viljami Vartiainen chipped in 15 points, while Duce Paschal added 14 points and two steals in a gritty effort. Weber State, now 13-14 overall and 7-7 in the conference, saw their four-game winning streak come to an end, leaving them in a precarious position in the middle of the pack.
The game, played before a spirited home crowd in Cheney, highlighted the Eagles' improved perimeter shooting and transition play. According to reports from the Associated Press, Eastern Washington's offense clicked early, building a lead that they never relinquished. The Wildcats, known for their physical style under coach Eric Duft, struggled to contain Hamilton's drives to the basket and Huie's mid-range game.
Big Sky Conference games often come down to rebounding and second-chance opportunities, and Saturday was no exception. Both teams grabbed key boards—Hamilton and Huie each with five—but Eastern Washington's edge in overall efficiency proved decisive. The Eagles outscored Weber State by 18 points, a margin that reflects their superior ball movement and fewer turnovers, as per game statistics provided by Sportradar.
This matchup between Eastern Washington and Weber State is part of a long-standing rivalry within the Big Sky, where both programs have histories of postseason appearances. The Eagles, coached by David Riley, entered the game coming off a tough stretch that included losses to top conference foes. Riley has emphasized defense in recent practices, and it showed as the team held Weber State to under 70 points for the first time in several outings.
Weber State's season has been a rollercoaster, with strong wins against non-conference opponents giving way to inconsistencies in league play. Saine, a junior forward, has been a bright spot, averaging double figures throughout the year. His 20-point effort against Eastern Washington keeps him on track for all-conference honors, but the team's defensive lapses allowed the Eagles to shoot over 50% from the field in stretches.
Paschal's steals provided moments of hope for the Wildcats, leading to fast-break opportunities that briefly cut the deficit to single digits in the first half. However, Eastern Washington's bench depth and timely three-pointers from Moses sealed the deal. The Associated Press noted that the story was generated using data from Data Skrive and Sportradar, ensuring accurate box score information.
Looking at the broader conference landscape, this result shakes up the Big Sky standings. Eastern Washington now sits one game behind teams like Montana and Idaho State, with crucial road games ahead. For Weber State, the loss means they'll need to win out against weaker opponents to secure a favorable seed in the tournament held annually in Boise, Idaho.
Fans in Cheney celebrated the victory as a turning point, with social media buzzing about Hamilton's dominant night. The Eagles' athletic department highlighted the game's importance in a statement, noting it as a step toward building momentum for March. Meanwhile, Weber State coach Duft acknowledged the defeat in postgame remarks, saying his team must refocus on fundamentals ahead of their next matchup.
The Big Sky Conference, comprising 11 teams across the Northwest and Rockies, has seen parity this season, with no clear dominant force. Eastern Washington's win adds to the unpredictability, as underdogs like the Eagles continue to challenge the favorites. Historical context shows that home-court advantage in Cheney has been key for Eastern, where they've won six of their last eight conference games.
As the regular season winds down, both teams will turn their attention to upcoming schedules. Eastern Washington faces Northern Colorado next, a game that could further solidify their playoff hopes. Weber State, meanwhile, hosts Montana State, seeking to regain their footing and avoid slipping further in the loss column.
In the end, Saturday's 84-66 result underscores the competitive nature of mid-major college basketball, where individual performances like Hamilton's can swing entire seasons. With the postseason on the horizon, both programs will draw lessons from this clash—Eastern Washington on sustaining leads, and Weber State on tightening their defense. The Big Sky tournament promises more drama, but for now, the Eagles savor a hard-fought victory on their home floor.