Monday, November 24th, 10:05 p.m. (et)

FACTS & STATS: Site: Reese Court (6,000) -- Cheney, Washington. Television: None. Home Record: Idaho 2-0, EWU 1-0. Away Record: Idaho 0-2, EWU 1-1. Neutral Record: Idaho 0-0, EWU 0-0. Conference Record: Idaho 0-0, EWU 0-0. Series Record: Idaho leads, 38-11.

GAME NOTES: The Eastern Washington Eagles will try to remain in the win column when they host the Idaho Vandals this evening in a non-conference showdown at Reese Court. Four games into the season and the Vandals have split their first four games. The last time Idaho was on the court the team collected a solid, 78-69 victory over North Dakota State. However, both losses for the Vandals have come on the road, and since the beginning of last season, Idaho is just 2-16 away from home. As for the Eagles, they opened the year with a loss, but since then the team has won its last two contests. The last time EWU was on the court the Eagles slipped past Texas-Arlington, 73-70. With respect to the all-time series between the two schools, the Vandals have dominated EWU, winning 38 of the 49 meetings.

The Vandals' mediocre start to the year is likely due to the team's inability to put forth a strong defensive performance. Idaho comes into this game surrendering a whopping 79.5 ppg, while also allowing opponents to shoot 49.4 percent from the field. Mac Hopson has done a little of everything for Idaho, as the guard is pacing the team with 15.5 ppg and 19 assists, while also collecting 4.8 rpg. Kashif Watson and Luciano de Souza have also made solid contributions, posting 14.0 and 11.5 ppg, respectively. The last time Idaho was on the field the Vandals shot a solid 52.5 percent from the floor, and also connected on 6-of-12 attempts from long range. Watson was outstanding in the win, netting 19 points to go along with six rebounds, four assists and six steals. Marvin Jefferson tallied 16 points in the win, while de Souza posted 15 points. As for Hopson, he netted just 4-of-13 shots, but still chipped in 11 points, and dished out eight assists.

Benny Valentine has been the main source of production in the early stages of this season, as the guard is netting 19.7 ppg. Brandon Moore is the only other player posting double figures for EWU, as the forward is chipping in 12.7 ppg to go along with 6.7 rpg. However, despite the play of Valentine and Moore the Eagles have done little offensively, netting just 65.7 ppg. Valentine exploded in the team's three-point win over Texas-Arlington this past Saturday, scoring 28 points, while dishing out four assists. Milan Stanojevic added 17 points for EWU, while Moore dominated the paint with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Overall the team shot 48.3 percent from the field, and overcame a poor 11- of-23 showing from the foul line.

The Vandals' troubles on the road are evident, but so is the lack of offense for Eastern Washington. Although they lack offensive punch, expect the Eagles to soar high against Idaho.

Predicted Outcome

Eastern Washington 67, Idaho 58