Balance brings EWU past College of Idaho

CHENEY-When sophomore forward Jacob Groves thundered down the lane and threw down a one-handed dunk in traffic around several College of Idaho Coyotes, he opted not to perform the "Raise the Roof" celebration his brother Tanner famously did after a SportsCenter Top 10 dunk almost exactly a year prior against another Cascade Collegiate Conference NAIA opponent, Multnomah.

There was plenty to celebrate, however, as Groves' dunk with 7:32 left in the first half gave him two of his tied-for-team-high 15 points as EWU (1-3) easily disposed of COI 80-56 for its first victory of the season in a fan-less Reese Court Dec. 12.

"There is more of a scoring load on me now," Groves said. "The coaches kind of gave me that role: score the ball and bring energy to the game."

Five Eagles scored in double figures. Along with Groves, senior guard Jacob Davison scored 15, while Tanner Groves added 10 points and 12 rebounds.

Sophomore Tyler Robertson got his first start, scored the game's first bucket and finished with an excellent floor game of 12 points, six rebounds and five assists. Junior Kim Aiken Jr. added 11 points.

"The good thing about having multiple options on offense that can dribble, shoot and post up is that it really puts other teams in a bind," EWU head coach Shantay Legans said. "Early in the season, we're just taking what the defense is giving us."

Davison and Aiken, EWU's de facto leaders, both scored in double figures for the first time since the season opener after a shaky shooting start to the 2020-21 campaign against three PAC-12 opponents.

"A lot of it had to do with us being home," Davison said. "Being back in our home gym helped a lot of us, and it helped our energy."

EWU's lead was 43-23 at halftime and ballooned to as many as 30 in the second half. As a result, a season-high 13 Eagles saw floor action, including the debuts of freshmen Victor Radcocaj and Isaiah Amato.

EWU's next scheduled game is at perennial West Coast Conference and NCAA Tournament contender St. Mary's in Moraga, California. The Dec. 15 tip-off occurred after press time.

Drew Lawson can be reached at [email protected].