The Eastern Washington Eagles (8-8), the Big Sky’s top scoring team, will go head-to-head against the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks (3-12) at Reese Court. Action begins at 3:05 pm ET on Saturday, Jan. 16.
The Eagles enter this game hoping for similar success after blowing out Southern Utah 106-80 on Thursday. Austin McBroom was the game’s leading scorer with 25 points on 8-for-12 shooting. The Lumberjacks, meanwhile, are feeling some disappointment after their 83-76 loss against Idaho on Thursday. Ako Kaluna had a team-high 19 points.
Felix Von Hofe and Venky Jois have been better than usual over the last five games for the Eagles. During that stretch, Von Hofe has averaged 19.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 0.8 steals, 0.6 blocks, and 4.4 three-pointers, while Jois has recorded 20.2 points, 10.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.6 steals, and 2.0 blocks a game.
The Eagles could have their way today, as their productive offense faces off against one of the nation’s worst defenses. They currently rank 16th in offensive efficiency while Northern Arizona ranks 295th in defensive efficiency.
Notes
Eastern Washington won its last game by a 26-point margin. In games decided by a margin of 18 points or more, Northern Arizona is 1-5. Eastern Washington is 3-2 in blowouts this season.
The Northern Arizona Lumberjacks average 73.5 possessions per game and .946 points per possession. The Eastern Washington Eagles earn fewer possessions with 69.2, but they score more points with 1.174.
The Eastern Washington Eagles have one of the best effective field goal percentages this season, ranking fifth in the country with an eFG% of 58.4%. When their opponents record a similar or higher eFG%, the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks are winless with a 0-5 record.
On average, the Eastern Washington Eagles attempt 27.0 three point field goals per game and the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks attempt 21.0. In games where they attempt at least 20 threes, Eastern Washington is 7-8, while Northern Arizona has a subpar record of 1-7.
Eastern Washington has forced an average turnover percentage of 17.9% this season. Northern Arizona has an abysmal 1-8 record when its TO% is 17.9% or higher.
