Event Preview
Overview
The Eastern Washington Eagles are set to host the UMKC Roos in a non-conference men's basketball matchup on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 12:00 PM EEST (4:00 AM PST) at Reese Court in Cheney, Washington. Both teams enter the game with identical 1-7 records, making this contest crucial for momentum as they look to improve their standings in their respective conferences.
Season Snapshot
Eastern Washington Eagles
The Eagles have faced a challenging start to the season, securing only one win in their first eight games. Their sole victory came at home, where they have shown a slightly better performance compared to their road games. Offensively, Eastern Washington has been led by guard Isaiah Moses, who is averaging 19.1 points per game and shooting 47.4% from beyond the arc. Defensively, they have struggled, allowing opponents to score an average of 85.4 points per game.
UMKC Roos
Similarly, the Roos have had a tough season, also standing at 1-7. Their lone win came at home, and they have yet to secure a victory on the road. Guard CJ Evans has been a bright spot for UMKC, averaging 13.0 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. Defensively, the Roos have conceded an average of 82.8 points per game, indicating challenges in stopping opposing offenses.
Recent Form
In their most recent games, both teams have struggled to find consistency. Eastern Washington's latest outing was a 93-89 loss to the Denver Pioneers, where Moses led the team with 28 points. UMKC's recent performance includes a 74-44 loss to Southeast Missouri State, with Anderson Kopp scoring 27 points in the defeat. These results highlight the teams' ongoing difficulties in closing out games and securing victories.
Talking Points
- Home Court Advantage: Eastern Washington will look to leverage their home-court advantage to secure a much-needed win.
- Defensive Struggles: Both teams have faced challenges in defense, with high points allowed per game; which team can improve defensively?
- Key Player Performances: The impact of Isaiah Moses for Eastern Washington and CJ Evans for UMKC could be pivotal in determining the game's outcome.
- Turnover Battle: Managing turnovers will be crucial, as both teams have shown tendencies to commit turnovers in recent games.
- Coaching Adjustments: How will both coaching staffs adjust their strategies to address their teams' weaknesses and capitalize on the opponent's vulnerabilities?
Players to Watch
- Isaiah Moses (Eastern Washington): Averaging 19.1 points per game and shooting 47.4% from three-point range, Moses is the offensive leader for the Eagles.
- CJ Evans (UMKC): Leading the Roos with 13.0 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, Evans is central to UMKC's offensive efforts.
- Anderson Kopp (UMKC): Scored 27 points in the recent loss to Southeast Missouri State, showcasing his scoring ability.
- Alton Hamilton IV (Eastern Washington): Shooting 55.4% from the field and averaging 10.4 points per game, Hamilton provides a reliable scoring option for the Eagles.
- Jayson Petty (UMKC): Averaging 11.8 points per game, Petty contributes significantly to the Roos' scoring efforts.
Key Matchups & Storylines
- Moses vs. Evans: The battle between Eastern Washington's leading scorer, Isaiah Moses, and UMKC's top scorer, CJ Evans, will be crucial in determining the game's tempo and outcome.
- Defensive Adjustments: Both teams have struggled defensively; the team that can make effective defensive adjustments may gain the upper hand.
- Turnover Management: With both teams averaging over 13 turnovers per game, controlling possessions will be key to securing a win.
- Bench Contributions: Support from bench players could be decisive, especially if starters face foul trouble or fatigue.
Fun Facts
- This will be the first meeting between Eastern Washington and UMKC since November 2018, when Eastern Washington won 87-80.
- Both teams are members of mid-major conferences, with Eastern Washington in the Big Sky and UMKC in the Summit League.
- Eastern Washington has a home record of 1-0 this season, indicating they perform better on their home court.
- UMKC has yet to secure a road victory this season, highlighting their struggles away from home.
Things to Chirp About
- "Can Isaiah Moses lead Eastern Washington to their second home win of the season?"
- "Will CJ Evans' scoring prowess be enough to give UMKC their first road victory?"
- "Which team can tighten up their defense to prevent a high-scoring affair?"
- "How will the turnover battle impact the game's outcome?"
Prediction
Given the home-court advantage and the presence of a standout player like Isaiah Moses, Eastern Washington may have the edge in this matchup. However, UMKC's resilience and the scoring ability of CJ Evans suggest a closely contested game. The team that can improve defensively and manage turnovers effectively is likely to secure the victory.