Stuckey, Eagles rally

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Sophomore Rodney Stuckey scored 31 points and hit 15 of 16 shots from the free-throw line Thursday night to help Eastern Washington beat Sacramento State 100-85.

Paul Butorac had 21 points and nine rebounds, and Derek Risper scored 13 off the bench for the Eagles (11-10, 5-4 Big Sky).

Angel Alamo’s bucket at the 9-minute, 16-second mark gave the Hornets a 33-18 lead in the first half. But the Eagles soared back to outscore Sacramento State 29-14 to tie the game at 47 at the half on a tip-in shot by Risper at the buzzer.

“We showed great poise and great character,” said EWU coach Mike Burns.

The Eagles haven’t had more than a two-game winning streak or two-game losing streak this season, but will go for three straight victories on Saturday against Weber State in Ogden, Utah.

“The cohesion and chemistry is very good right now,” said Burns. “There have been some questions about that lately. But I know we had a very happy group in the locker room tonight.”

In the second half, the Eagles confused the Hornets with zone defenses. Behind Stuckey’s sharp shooting at the free-throw line, the Eagles made 32 of 41 shots.

Alex Bausley had 23 points, five rebounds, five assists, and six steals for the Hornets (7-13, 2-3), who are on a five-game losing skid.