PORTLAND, Ore. (Interstat) — A surging Eastern Washington team will look to continue its climb and avenge an earlier loss when it visits first-place Portland State in a Big Sky Conference men’s basketball matchup Saturday at the Stott Center. The Eagles (9-17, 7-6 Big Sky) enter on a season-best four-game winning streak, including an 84-66 home victory over Weber State last Saturday. That run has propelled them into the middle of the conference standings after a difficult start. They will face a stern test against the Vikings (17-7, 10-3), who sit atop the Big Sky despite a 77-65 road loss at Northern Colorado in their last outing. Portland State holds a 65-61 win in Cheney from Jan. 22 in the first meeting this season. Eastern Washington’s resurgence has been fueled by guard Alton Hamilton. Over the last seven games, Hamilton is averaging 15.9 points, including a 24-point performance in the win over Weber State. His consistent scoring has been pivotal during the Eagles’ win streak. Portland State counters with its own high-scoring guard in Jaylin Henderson. He is coming off a 29-point effort in the loss to Northern Colorado and has averaged 18.1 points over his last seven contests. His backcourt duel with Hamilton will be a key storyline. The Vikings have been strong at home, boasting a 10-2 record at the Stott Center this season. They will rely on that home-court advantage to hold off the confident Eagles and maintain their position in the conference race. For Eastern Washington, continuing its recent defensive improvements will be critical. During its four-game streak, the Eagles have held opponents to an average of 71.5 points per game, down from their season average allowed. Saturday’s contest is the first of a challenging two-game road trip for the Eagles, who face Montana State and Montana next week. Portland State embarks on its own pivotal road swing to those same Montana schools following this home stand. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. PST.