Four corners: Eastern Washington

Coming up: Thursday at Northern Colorado, 4:05 p.m. Saturday at North Dakota, 12:05 p.m.

Outlook: After a solid nonconference performance, the Eagles (6-6) begin defense of their Big Sky Conference title with two more road games. Eastern has received a strong performance so far from transfer point guard Austin McBroom and forward Felix Von Hofe (15.9 ppg, 46.5 percent from 3). Senior forward Venky Jois appears to be hitting his stride after going off for 26 points (11 for 14 FG) and 16 rebounds in a 74-58 win at Denver on Dec. 20. Coach Jim Hayford’s New Year’s wish list includes better defense (opponents are shooting 49.8 percent), better free-throw shooting (66.1 percent), the emergence of a key player on the bench and the return of injured forward Julian Harrell. Northern Colorado is only 3-9, but the Bears have a balanced attack, with four players averaging at least 14 points. North Dakota (5-6) is led by guard Quinton Hooker (17.6 ppg). Forward Drick Bernstine is averaging 18 points and 11 boards in his last four games

EWU leaders

Scoring: Austin McBroom, 18.6 ppg

Rebounding: Venky Jois, 8.1 rpg

Assists: McBroom, 3.4 apg

@srjimallen