Eagles, Grizzlies Set for Big Sky Rematch in Missoula MISSOULA, Mont. (Interstat) — The Montana Grizzlies will look to avenge a narrow loss and solidify their conference standing when they host the Eastern Washington Eagles in a Big Sky men’s basketball matchup Thursday at Dahlberg Arena. Montana (13-10) enters the contest with a clear advantage in the standings, while Eastern Washington (5-17) seeks to replicate its January upset. On Jan. 10 in Cheney, the Eagles edged the Grizzlies 66-65. The Grizzlies are coming off an 86-79 road loss at Sacramento State on Saturday, despite a career-high 31-point performance from standout guard Te’Jon Sawyer. Sawyer has been a dynamic scorer for Montana, averaging 21.4 points over his last five games, including a 27-point outing in a win over Northern Arizona. Eastern Washington arrives on a five-game losing streak, most recently falling 74-71 at Northern Colorado. In that game, forward Alton Hamilton posted 17 points and eight rebounds. Hamilton has been a consistent contributor for the Eagles, scoring in double figures in seven of the last eight games, including 12 points in the earlier win over Montana. Montana has been strong at home this season, boasting a 9-2 record in Missoula. The Grizzlies’ offense, led by Sawyer and guard Money Williams (24 points, eight assists vs. Sacramento State), will test an Eastern Washington defense that has allowed an average of 78.3 points during its current skid. The Eagles will need efficient performances from Hamilton and support from guards Tyler Powell and Johnny Radford to compete on the road. Eastern Washington’s only two wins since late December came against Idaho State and Montana. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. MST Thursday. The game is a crucial conference fixture for both teams as they navigate the second half of the Big Sky schedule.