When: 2 p.m., Saturday, March 1What: Portland State (19-7, 9-4 BSC) at Eastern Washington (4-22, 1-12 BSC)Where: Reese Court in Cheney, Wash. On the air: www.teamline.com (Audio)
Probable Starters:
Portland StateG Claire FaucherG Lexi BishopF Delaney ConwayF Kelsey KahleF Kelli Valentine
Eastern Washington G Jessica HuntingtonG Julie PiperF Nicole Scott F Sydney BensonF Amy Bratvold
Stars: Despite struggling through an injury-laden season, the Eagles have had several of their young players step up and put up solid numbers. Junior Sydney Benson is averaging nearly a double-double at 11.6 points per game and 7.8 rebounds per game. Sophomore forward Nicole Scott provides interior defense for the Eagles with five blocked shots in each of her last two games. Freshman Tatjana Sparavalo comes off the bench, but still averages just less than 10 points per contest.
At a glance: A victory over their conference rival would do wonders for an Eastern Washington team that has dropped three straight. Coming off a nine-day layoff, the Vikings are looking for their 20th victory, and will need to avoid their inconsistency away from the Stott Center to divert what would be a huge upset. Portland State handled the Eagles during their earlier matchup this season, winning 77-56.