Eagles fall to Matadors

NORTHRIDGE, Calif. – Despite 32 points by Rodney Stuckey, visiting Eastern Washington couldn’t hold off Cal State Northridge in the final minutes of a non-conference college basketball game Sunday afternoon at the Matadome.

Less than a week after a 110-100 shootout victory over Cal State Fullerton, the Eagles found themselves in another high-scoring affair. Despite falling behind in the first half by 15 points, Eastern got its bearings and rallied to take a three-point lead in the final minutes. But the Matadors forced two key turnovers down the stretch and made 11-of-13 free throws in the last 3:11 to pull out a 102-98 win.

“This is a tough place to play and it was against a good team, but we felt we could come in here and get a win,” said Eagles head coach Mike Burns. “We’re just a little disheartened that we didn’t get it done.”

Eastern is 4-4, with all four wins coming at home and all four losses coming on the road. The Matadors are 5-3.

Eastern’s undoing Sunday were 20 turnovers, 10 missed free throws and 14 offensive rebounds by the Matadors.

Paul Butorac added 20 points and six rebounds for the Eagles.

Calvin Chitwood led the Matadors with 30 points, nine rebounds and four steals.