CHENEY, Wash. — Eastern Washington men’s basketball opened its 2026-27 campaign with a 71-65 exhibition victory over CSU Bakersfield on Sunday afternoon at Reese Court. The Eagles erased an eight-point second-half deficit and closed the game strong to earn the win.
Eastern and CSU Bakersfield traded momentum throughout the opening half. The Eagles built an early eight-point advantage before the Roadrunners worked their way back into the game. CSU Bakersfield closed the half with a late push to take a 33-30 advantage into the locker room.
The Roadrunners carried that momentum into the second half, extending their lead to seven in the opening minutes. Eastern stayed within striking distance behind Andrew Cook and Alton Hamilton IV, eventually pulling within one before Tavi Jackson’s free throws gave the Eagles a 44-43 lead with just over 13 minutes remaining.
CSU Bakersfield answered with another run and grabbed its largest lead of the afternoon, 55-47, with just over nine minutes to play. Eastern responded when it mattered most.
The Eagles increased their defensive pressure, forced turnovers and steadily chipped away at the deficit. Jalen Griffith connected from deep to cut the margin to two before Andrew Cook put Eastern back in front, 59-58, with under four minutes remaining.
From there, Eastern took control. Andrew Cook added another basket off a Roadrunner turnover, and Alton Hamilton IV finished inside to give the Eagles a three-point cushion. Andrew Cook then delivered a jumper with 40 seconds remaining to push the lead to five. Eastern converted at the free-throw line down the stretch to secure the 71-65 win.
Andrew Cook paced the Eagles offensively with 24 points, while Alton Hamilton IV added eight. Eastern also received contributions throughout the lineup as head coach Dan Monson used the exhibition to get an extended look at returning players and newcomers. The Eagles finished with a 41-point second half after scoring 30 in the opening 20 minutes.
Monson said the exhibition gave Eastern’s new players a chance to experience the atmosphere and intensity of a game against a Division I opponent. He also praised the team’s bench for staying engaged as the Eagles rallied from the second-half deficit.
The exhibition served as Eastern’s first opportunity to compete against an outside opponent ahead of the 2026-27 regular season.
The Eagles hit the road for their second exhibition matchup of the season, taking on the University of Arizona on Friday, Oct. 23, at 7 p.m.
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