Eastern Washington Eagles vs Oregon Ducks Prediction, Odds, Best Bets - Week 1

Oregon put five players in double figures against Montana, and Eastern Washington heads to Eugene after staying within nine at Stanford behind a 20-point night from Alton Hamilton IV.

The Matchup

Oregon is 1-0 after beating Montana 87-69. Eastern Washington is 0-1 after losing 74-65 at Stanford. Last season Oregon scored 70.8 points per game and allowed 73.9, while Eastern Washington scored 78.1 and allowed 79.0. Oregon's baseline is the strange one here: a power-conference team that scored less and defended worse last season than Eastern Washington did in the Big Sky, which is why one opener each settles so little.

Eastern Washington's opener was no blowout. Alton Hamilton IV scored 20 points with 9 rebounds at Stanford, Cole Scherer added 11 points, and the Eagles kept the game in single digits on the road against a power conference team. Oregon was deeper against Montana. Tyrone Riley IV scored 17 points, Malique Ewin had 14 points and 13 rebounds, and Andrew Meadow added 14 points on 6 of 7 shooting.

Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene gives Oregon a real home edge, and the Ducks will try to speed this up. Eastern Washington already showed it can handle a road environment without folding.

Key Factors

Hamilton is the matchup problem. A forward who scores 20 and rebounds 9 against Stanford can force Oregon to help inside, which opens shots for Scherer and Jamil Miller, who had 9 points and 6 rebounds in the opener. Eastern Washington does not need to outplay Oregon for 40 minutes, it needs Hamilton to keep the offense functional when Oregon makes its runs.

Oregon's defensive numbers are the concern for the favorite. The Ducks allowed 69 points to Montana after allowing 73.9 per game last season, and Eastern Washington scored 78.1 per game last season. The total is 152.5, a high number that leaves room for the underdog to trade baskets instead of chasing the game late.

The honest counterpoint is Oregon's depth and glass work. Ewin's 13 rebounds and five Ducks in double figures can wear a shorter road rotation down, and if Oregon turns this into a transition game in the second half, 15.5 can disappear in a few minutes.

Every pick is published with its line before the game. Odds via consensus sportsbooks at time of writing and move constantly. Must be 21+. If gambling is a problem, call or text 1-800-GAMBLER.