MESA, Ariz. – Eastern Oregon men's basketball delivered the perfect response to Tuesday night's setback, outlasting Park University Gilbert 85-78 behind a blistering second-half surge and explosive performances from
James Bodily and
Eamon Monahan.
The win lifts the Mountaineers to 4-2 overall heading into a Thanksgiving off day before wrapping up their Arizona trip on Saturday.
EOU needed every bit of its offensive firepower after a slow first half. The Buccaneers (3-4, 0-1) came out hot, hitting eight threes and taking a 40-31 lead into the break. The Mounties struggled to find rhythm early, shooting just 33.3 percent from the field, but timely bench contributions kept them within striking distance.
The second half told a completely different story, as Eastern erupted for 54 points on 63 percent shooting, hit 7-of-15 from deep, and went 13-for-14 at the line. The Mountaineers also tightened up defensively, forcing key turnovers and attacking the paint to erase a double-digit deficit and eventually build an eight-point cushion—their largest lead of the night.
Bodily ignited the turnaround, pouring in 19 of his season-high 25 points after halftime. The junior guard shot 8-of-16 from the floor and 6-of-12 from three, including four triples in less than four minutes to flip the momentum firmly in favor of EOU.
Monahan added another standout performance with 24 points on 8-of-13 shooting and 5-of-6 at the line. His 17-point second half helped steady the Mounties each time Park-Gilbert threatened to rally.
Eastern's depth once again proved decisive, outscoring the Buccaneers 44-14 in bench points.
Isaiah Jones added 11 points and five boards, while
Logan Orchard finished with eight points, five rebounds, and four assists, including clutch free throws in the final minute.
Caleb Schroeder (four points, five rebounds) and
Cole Hammack (four points, five assists) also delivered valuable minutes.
The Mountaineers shot 46.7 percent from the field and 80 percent at the line, overcoming Park-Gilbert's 51.9 percent shooting by winning the turnover battle and converting 13 Buccaneer miscues into 23 points.
Mahlik Lindsey led Park with 23 points, followed by Tanner Pate with 21 and Latrell Jones with 16.
EOU closes its Arizona stay on Saturday afternoon against Benedictine University Mesa at 1 p.m. MT before returning home to begin Cascade Collegiate Conference play next weekend.
