Mountianeers Survive and Advance to Conference Tournament Championship Game

2.24.07

Kirkland Wash.  On a night when Eastern had a hard time getting the ball in the basket they manage a huge road playoff win by not allowing Northwest a chance to do the same. While EOU (23-7) shot just 40% for the game their defense allowed only 35% for the Eagles (24-7).

In a back and forth game where the Mounties were up as much as ten points in the first half, they found themselves up just a single point with seconds remaining in the game and in need of a defensive stop. That is exactly what they got when Jonathan Brodin's shot rimed out at the buzzer. The win advances EOU to the conference tournament championship game at Warner Pacific on Tuesday night.

Senior post Derek Brown recorded a double-double, scoring 10 points and adding 11 rebounds. Mark Carollo and Jeremy Templeton were the only other Eastern players that made it into double figures with 12 and 10 points respectively. Tanner McIntosh pitched in with 9.

Meanwhile, Mountie reserve guard Nick Finley spearheaded the defense recording 3 steals and playing great individual defense that helped set the tone for his teammates.

A win on Tuesday night in Portland would give the Mountaineers their first National Tournament bid since 1947 and just the second ever appearance in the tournament. Game time is set for 7:30pm. The Mountaineers will have 200 tickets reserved for the game. To reserve your seat in advance contact Warner Pacific College.