RECORD: 8-18 overall, 4-8 Big Sky

COMING UP: Tonight at Northern Colorado, 6; Saturday at Northern Arizona, 5:35

OUTLOOK: By sweeping Montana State and Montana last weekend, Eastern proved it can hang with the Big Sky’s big dogs – at home. But if the Eagles hope to qualify for the six-team BSC tournament, they must prove they can do the same on the road. First up is second-place UNC, which remains the BSC’s biggest surprise team, having clinched a tournament berth and 20-win season. The Bears edged EWU 74-71 in Cheney in mid-January. Saturday’s matchup against NAU could be more important, considering the Eagles trail the Lumberjacks by one-half game in the battle for sixth place in conference standings.