Eastern clinches playoff berth
Coeur d'Alene Press | UPDATED 12 years, 10 months AGO
POCATELLO (AP) - Tremayne Johnson scored five of his seven points during the final 33 seconds, converting 5 of 6 free throws, to secure Eastern Washington's 85-78 win over Idaho State on Thursday.
The win ensured a Big Sky playoff berth for the Eagles (13-15, 7-7) and puts them in a position to garner a home game during the first round.
There were five lead changes during the first half as Idaho State (9-18, 7-7) went toe-to-toe with Eastern Washington. With two minutes left, the Eagles took the lead for good and led at halftime 42-39.
The Bengals battled, twice pulling two points in the final 2:30 and with just 25 seconds left, trailed by a mere point. But Johnson's success at the free throw line sealed the win.
Eagles guard Cliff Colimon led all scorers with 21.
The Eagles play at Portland State on Saturday.
E. WASHINGTON (13-15)
Griffin 5-8 5-11 15, Chiverton 0-2 0-0 0, Ederaine 2-3 3-4 7, Kelly 5-8 2-3 17, Forbes 4-8 4-4 13, Colimon 7-15 4-6 21, Johnson 1-2 5-6 7, Winford 0-2 0-0 0, Hickert 2-6 0-0 5. Totals 26-54 23-34 85.
IDAHO ST. (9-18)
Hatchett 6-11 5-7 17, Moreira 5-6 0-1 10, Grabau 4-4 0-0 9, Morgan 5-15 7-9 18, McGowen 4-8 3-4 12, Baldwin 3-6 0-2 6, Mason 1-2 0-0 2, Kusmieruk 1-1 2-4 4, Martin 0-0 0-0 0, Swanson 0-2 0-0 0. Totals 29-55 17-27 78.
Halftime_E. Washington 42-39. 3-Point Goals_E. Washington 10-26 (Kelly 5-7, Colimon 3-8, Forbes 1-3, Hickert 1-5, Chiverton 0-1, Winford 0-1, Johnson 0-1), Idaho St. 3-15 (Grabau 1-1, McGowen 1-5, Morgan 1-6, Swanson 0-1, Baldwin 0-1, Mason 0-1). Fouled Out_Colimon, Grabau, Griffin, McGowen, Moreira, Winford. Rebounds_E. Washington 33 (Griffin 7), Idaho St. 34 (Hatchett 9). Assists_E. Washington 13 (Ederaine 6), Idaho St. 15 (Morgan 4). Total Fouls_E. Washington 25, Idaho St. 30. Technical_E. Washington Bench. A_2,175.