CHENEY, Wash. - Eastern Washington used a huge first half run to take a sizable lead and withstood a late Sacramento State rally to beat the Hornets, 68-60, on Sunday afternoon at Reese Court. The two teams were originally supposed to play on Thursday and Saturday, but the series was moved back to today and tomorrow.

The game was won for Eastern Washington at the end of the first half when the Eagles used an 18-1 run over the final 8:03 to take a 37-22 lead into halftime. During that spurt, Sacramento State went 8:12 without a field goal, missing its last 12 shots of the half. Prior to the EWU run, Sacramento State had been 9-for-16 from the field, but that mark dropped all the way to 9-of-28 at the break. The 15 points were the Hornets' largest halftime deficit of the season.

Sacramento State opened the second half on a 7-0 run to get back within striking distance at 37-29. Both teams went back and forth as the Hornets made it a two-possession game just once (48-42 at 7:38) over the next 15 minutes of game clock. Trailing, 62-52, with 1:38 to play, Sacramento State went on an 8-2 run to get back within, 64-60, with 24 seconds left. During the spurt, William FitzPatrick had six points (a 3-pointer and a 3-point play) and Christian Terrell added a bucket. However, Eastern Washington made its final four free throw attempts over the last 17 seconds to put the game away.

The loss dropped Sacramento State to 6-4 overall and 4-3 in the Big Sky. The Hornets continue to have matchup problems with Eastern Washington as the Eagles have won 13 of the last 14 games between the two teams. Sacramento State is also 4-23 when playing the Eagles in Cheney. Eastern Washington, which is the defending Big Sky champions, improved to 5-6 overall and 4-2 in league play. Sacramento State was supposed to play the Eagles in the Big Sky Tournament quarterfinals a year ago before COVID-19 ended the tournament prematurely.

Sacramento State shot just 35% (21-60) from the field, but did made eight 3-pointers and shoot 91% (10-11) from the free throw line. Usually, a stout rebounding team, the Hornets were outrebounded by Eastern Washington, 41-33, and the Eagles had 11 second chance points. The Eagles also outscored Sacramento State in the paint, 36-20, and finished the game shooting 42% (25-59) from the field. EWU led for over 35 minutes of game clock as the Hornets' largest lead was 17-15 midway through the first half.

Once again, senior Ethan Esposito led the way with 17 points and eight rebounds. The forward has led the team in scoring in four straight games, and has tallied at least 14 points in nine straight contests. FitzPatrick was one shy of his career best with 14 points and four rebounds. The senior guard came out of the game for just six seconds, and has now gone 295 straight minutes without a turnover. Point guard Brandon Davis had nine points, seven assists and just one turnover while shooting 3-of-7 from distance.

After missing four games with injury, senior guard Christian Terrell made his return, posting six points and five rebounds in 27 minutes. Bryce Fowler had five points, four rebounds and two steals, Samaad Hector five points and four rebounds, and Zach Chappell had four points and two boards.

For Eastern Washington, Tanner Groves had game highs in points (23) and rebounds (15) while Tyler Robertson finished with 13 points.

These same two teams will play again tomorrow at 11:05 a.m. at Reese Court in Cheney. After tomorrow's game, Sacramento State will return home next week to host Northern Arizona on Thursday and Saturday.