2009-10 Opponent Preview: Eastern Washington
As the 2009-10 season men’s basketball season approaches, BYUCougars.com continues to preview each of the Cougars’ opponents. Today’s preview-Eastern Washington.
Game Preview
BYU’s second opponent in the Las Vegas Classic will be the Eastern Washington Eagles on Dec. 19 in the Marriott Center. After playing both Wagner and Eastern Washington at home as part of the Classic, the Cougars will then travel to Orleans Arena in Las Vegas for two more games.
Season Outlook
Eastern Washington was 12-18 overall and 6-10 in the Big Sky Conference last season. Head coach Kirk Earlywine enters his third year with the Eagles, where he is 23-37. Three starters return, including Mark Dunn (5.6 ppg, 3.3 rpg), Brandon Moore (11.2 ppg, 6.8 rpg) and Benny Valentine (15.1 ppg, 92 assists, 44 steals).
Earlywine welcomes seven newcomers, including three freshmen, three junior colleges transfers and one transfer. Last season the Eagles averaged 63.5 points per game, shot .418 from the field, .324 on threes and .691 from the free throw line.
Player to Watch
Benny Valentine, G, Sr., 5-7, 175
Valentine returns for his senior season to lead Eastern Washington after averaging a team-best 15.1 points, 3.1 assists, 2.8 boards and totaling 44 steals as a junior. He also shot .394 from the field, .348 on threes and .722 from the free throw line. The transfer from Texas Tech was named second-team All-Big Sky.
Other Key Players
Game Implications
The Cougars are 2-0 all-time and at home against Eastern Washington with the teams last meeting in 2005, a game BYU on 97-66. The game against the Eagles is the second in the Marriott Center for the Cougars and the final before advancing to Las Vegas on Dec. 22 to play Nevada.
Eagles at a Glance
Head Coach | Kirk Earlywine |
At Eastern Washington | 3rd year / 23-47 |
2008-09 Record | 12-18 overall, 6-10 Big Sky |
Home/Road/Neutral | 9-5, 3-13, 0-0 |
Starters Ret/Lost | 3/2 |
Lettermen Ret/Lost | 5/5 |
2008-09 Team Stats
Points/Game | 63.5 |
Points Allowed/Game | 62.7 |
Field Goal % | .418 |
Opponent FG % | .467 |
Rebounds/Game | 32.5 |
Assists/Game | 11.7 |
Steals/Game | 5.8 |
Blocks/Game | 2.1 |
Returning Stat Leaders
Points/Game | Benny Valentine, 15.1 |
Rebounds/Game | Brandon Moore, 6.8 |
Assists/Game | Bobby Valentine, 3.1 |
Steals | Bobby Valentine , 44 |
Blocks | Brandon Moore 19 |
Three-pointers | Bobby Valentine, 55 |
Recent Stories
Cody Fueger selected for 2023 TopConnect Basketball Symposium
BYU men’s basketball assistant coach Cody Fueger will participate in the prestigious 2023 TopConnect Basketball…
Fredette, Team USA win silver at FIBA 3x3 World Cup
2011 Naismith Award Winner Jimmer Fredette helped the United States win the silver medal at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup…