Wade Collie just missed a double-double, scoring 18 points and pulling down nine rebounds, as the Southern Utah Thunderbirds downed the Eastern Washington Eagles, 69-55, in a Big Sky Conference tilt at Centrum Arena.

For the Thunderbirds (7-12, 5-5 Big Sky), Damon Heuir added 17 points and Jackson Stevenett finished with 16 points.

Collin Chiverton scored 14 points to lead the Eagles (4-15, 2-7), while Venky Jois chipped in with 11 points and seven rebounds.

Both teams struggled with their shooting to start the game. EWU shot just 33.7 percent from the field, including 3-of-11 from 3-point range. The Eagles held SUU to 33.3 percent and 1-of-7 from 3-point distance, as they took a slim, 33-31 lead at the break.

In the second half, the Thunderbirds regained their shooting touch, connecting on 53.6 percent of their field goal tries, including 1-of-3 from 3-point range. The Eagles continued to have problems shooting the ball, making only 29.6 percent of their field goal tries, including 3-of-13 from beyond the 3- point arc. Trailing by two early in the second half, SUU used an 8-0 run to take the lead for good, eventually going up by as many as 16, as they coasted to victory.

The Thunderbirds had the edge on points in the paint, 30-22, and outrebounded the Eagles, 44-38.

Game Notes