Eastern Washington Basketball (16-7) finished 2nd in the Big Sky and received the automatic bid into the NCAA tourney by defeating Montana State (65-55). The Eagles won their conference last season but didn’t get to participate in the NCAA Tournament because of COVID-19.
Eastern had high expectations going into the season. They were picked first in the preseason media poll and preseason coaches poll and had the preseason Big Sky MVP in Jacob Davidson. Due to injuries, a tough schedule, and several Covid-19 issues the Eagles got out to a 3-6 start and then in the last 14 games have had a 13-1 record. Eastern shuffled their rotation around a few times this year.
Due to injuries and questions about his defense, Davison’s playing time was reduced from February on. But Eastern still had the player in the year in the conference with Tanner Groves. Groves who scores16.4 points per game and averages 8.1 rebounds played behind Mason Peatling last year is a tremendous low post scorer.
Kim Aiken Jr who is a long-armed, versatile player was an all-league last year made all-league this year and was also named the defensive player of the year. This Eagles team is really deep they have three other players that score in double figures along with Jacob Groves the younger brother of Tanner that scores 8.7 points per game.
With Kansas missing Jalen Wilson and possibly two more players not at 100 percent, Eastern has a shot to pull the upset. These are my three keys for the Eagles to do that.