Toreros will test Eastern

Opposing guards have made life difficult for the Eastern Washington men’s basketball team, but tonight the Eagles face a different test.

The Eagles (2-4) are at San Diego to take on the Toreros (3-5).

“San Diego is a team that is similar to us,” EWU coach Mike Burns said. “They have very good interior post play and they look to go there, so they will be a challenge for us. Both of the big guys they have are seniors and do a great job for them.”

Brice Vounang, a 6-foot-8 forward, leads the Toreros at 18.1 points per game and 6-8 Brandon Gay adds 14 with 6-10 Nick Lewis scoring at a 7.8 clip off the bench.

The Eagles are coming off a 70-68 home loss to Fullerton. They rallied from an 18-point second-half deficit to force overtime then couldn’t close the game when they had the lead.

“You can’t dig yourself a hole like we did,” Burns said. “But in doing that we came back and that shows character. We will get over the hump.”

Sophomore forward Matt Nelson led the Eagles with a career-high 17 points. The game also was the starting debut for freshman point guard James Loe, who replaced junior Danny Pariseau in the lineup.

“They are both doing a fine job right now,” Burns said. “I wanted to motivate Danny and I wanted to challenge him this week, and tonight he responded well and I am very proud of him for it. Both of those kids are going to be key contributors. Danny had a chance to sit and watch what was going on and I think that kind of helped him.”

– Dave Trimmer, staff writer