Groves has career night as Eagles chop Jacks

FLAGSTAFF, AZ—If any Eastern Washington fans were reminded of last year’s Big Sky MVP, Mason Peatling, when watching junior Tanner Groves put up career-highs of 26 points and 13 rebounds in EWU’s 80-64 road win over the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks in the conference opener Dec. 19, they weren’t alone.

Head coach Shantay Legans referenced Groves’ consistent practice performances against Peatling last year postgame.

He’s got a lot more games like that in him,” Legans said. “I saw him go against Mason Peatling in practices and we saw the flashes of what he is capable of. He’s playing really, really good basketball and is very confident.”

Possibly just as important to EWU’s success as Groves’ big night was Kim Aiken Jr. finally getting his three-point shot going. The junior hit five of his seven three-point attempts and shot 7-of-9 from the field to finish with a season high 19 points.

EWU started slow, trailing 8-0 and 10-2 early. However, a 32-11 run in the first half and a 22-11 run to begin the second half turned the tide.

The Eagles have beaten NAU in 16 of the last 19 games between the two teams.

The two teams were scheduled to also play Friday, but that game was cancelled after an inconclusive COVID-19 test result within the EWU program.

EWU has already dealt with COVID-19 postponements and players sitting out. Sophomore Ellis Magnuson missed two games at the beginning of the season, while Casson Rouse missed the season opener.

The bad luck didn’t continue into Saturday, as the test results cleared and the game was good to go. However, the two teams weren’t able to play their second game Sunday, as NAU reportedly couldn’t find a crew to staff the game. Going into the game, EWU had spent about 50 straight hours in a hotel room awaiting the chance to get on the court.

 “Sitting in the hotel and not doing anything for 50 hours and then coming out and playing that way was amazing,” Legans said. “For this group of players it shows mental toughness. They were really excited to play this game. I couldn’t be happier to watch them get out and play.”

After the events of the weekend, Groves was named Big Sky Player of the Week. The Shadle Park alum went a staggering 82% from the field in two games against St. Mary’s and NAU while averaging 21.5 points and 10 rebounds per game.

“Tanner is a stud and our players did a great job looking for him,” Legans said after the victory over NAU. “He scored 26 but didn’t shoot any threes today, and he loves to shoot threes. He did a great job of getting the ball and making himself available.”

Next on the schedule is a New Year’s Weekend doubleheader against Portland State, which would be the first conference home games for EWU. The games are scheduled for Dec. 31 and Jan. 2.

Unless EWU schedules another game or two until New Year’s Eve, the Eagles won’t have taken the court in 12 days when the Vikings come to town. Tip-off on Dec. 31 is set for 6:05 p.m. from Reese Court.

Drew Lawson can be reached at drew@cheneyfreepress.com.