Bell’s five touchdown day lifts Eagles past Northern Iowa

CHENEY — After a 34-27 loss to Northern Arizona, the Eastern Washington Eagles (1-1) bounced back with a statement 34-24 win over the University of Northern Iowa Panthers Saturday. It was a tale of two halves, but the Eagles rallied on defense to shut UNI out in the second half. “I just finally said we need more organic energy in our defense,” Head Coach Aaron Best said. “They were catching slants, and all of a sudden, they were turning a five-yard route into a 25-yard run after catch – that first half was not a fun half from a defensive standpoint. But that defense went 0-0 in the third and fourth quarter, it goes to show you we can play at a high level if we want to execute and follow our focus to the level it needs to be.”