CHENEY, Wash. – The Mountaineers returned to action following the winter break with a hard-fought 89-63 exhibition loss against NCAA Division I opponent Eastern Washington on Monday evening at Reese Court.

Garrett Hawkes led the Mountaineers with 14 points and four rebounds, hitting two of his seven attempts from beyond the arc. Brennen Newsom added an efficient 10 points, shooting a perfect 5-for-5 from the field, while Malachi Afework chipped in seven points and three rebounds.

Eastern Oregon trailed 45-29 at halftime as the Eagles shot 48.3% from the field and 44% from three-point range, with Emmett Marquardt pacing the team with 17 points and seven rebounds. The Eagles had 13 different players contribute to the scoring effort.

Despite facing a size disadvantage, the Mountaineers fought hard on the boards, with both teams recording 36 rebounds. The Mountaineers also turned up the defensive pressure, forcing 13 turnovers and converting them into 14 points. Eastern Oregon's bench contributed 24 points, with James Bodily leading the reserves with nine points and three steals.

Eastern Washington's depth proved decisive, as the Eagles' bench outscored the Mountaineers' reserves 39-24. The Eagles also dominated from the charity stripe, converting 20 of 22 free-throw attempts compared to Eastern Oregon's 5-for-9 performance.

The Mountaineers return to Cascade Collegiate Conference action next week at Quinn Coliseum when they face off against the Bushnell Beacons on January 3.