Erikstrup sinks seven from deep, scores 32 in win over South Dakota

VERMILLION, S.D. — You don't get much hotter than Dane Erikstrup was Wednesday night at South Dakota (8-8, 1-1 Summit). The junior forward made seven 3-pointers on his way to a career-high 32 points, leading the Eastern Washington Eagles (7-7, 2-0 Big Sky) to a 93-79 win as they improved to 7-7 overall.

Down by 3 early in the first half, Erikstrup scored 8 of his 32 — and hit two of his triples — to spark an 18-4 Eagle run and take control of the game. The Beaverton, Ore. native unleashed a barrage in that opening frame, matching his previous career-high of 21 points on 8-of-11 shooting and 5-of-7 3-pointers in just 12 minutes off the bench.

"We got hot from three and the great thing about our offense is that the inside opens the outside and outside opens inside," said head coach David Riley. "We went 9 of 12 from two in that first half."

Boasting a 19-point advantage at the break, EWU got to avenge the disappointment from a similar game in the same state last season; they led by as much as 23 in the 2nd half at South Dakota State on Dec. 10, 2022, before losing 77-76.

After Eastern took a 21-point lead with 14:50 left in regulation Wednesday, the Coyotes chipped away and got within 10 at 75-65 before Erikstrup struck again with his final two makes from deep, putting the game away for good.

"The last time we were in South Dakota, we weren't able to do that," Riley continued. "We were up big on South Dakota State and couldn't get it done. I am a little disappointed in our second-half defense."

After South Dakota earned 35 points on 45.2% shooting in the first, they found more success in the second half, making 13-of-24 shots (54.2%) for 44 points in the second. Bostyn Holt had 30 for the Yotes, with 10 of those coming from the free throw line, where USD finished 18-for-22.

It's just the third road win of the season for the Eagles, who have played one of the toughest non-conference schedules in the country, including seven road trips to high-major programs. Coach Riley consistently noted how those tough matchups have steeled his team, teaching them how to respond in tough situations, especially on the road.

"At the end of the day, it's hard to get a road win … It's exciting for our guys to continue to chip away and get better."

The Eagles close out their non-conference schedule and return to Reese Court on Saturday for a 2 p.m. tip against North Dakota State (7-8; 0-1 Summit), looking to replicate last year's 77-70 win at home when G Steele Venters exploded for 33 points on his way to player of the week honors. It will be just the third meeting between the two programs; NDSU won the first in 2018. The Bison lost to Montana at home Wednesday night, 96-86.

Eastern's next home game is Saturday, Jan. 6 (2 p.m.) against North Dakota State! It will be the final Holiday Hoops game of the season with kids 12 and under earning free admission. Tickets for Saturday and all Eagle Athletics home contests are available at goeags.com/tickets.