EWU men’s basketball to open season at 8 a.m.

Want to catch the first game of the Eastern Washington men’s basketball season? Don’t hit the snooze button on the morning of Nov. 14.

That’s when the Eagles will tip off the first game of the season – in the nation – when they face Texas Southern at Reese Court.

At 8 a.m. on a Friday morning.

Taking a cue from the football team – which opened the collegiate season by playing Sam Houston State on Aug. 23 – basketball coach Jim Hayford wants to get in on the act.

“Our team is eager to start the season against a quality opponent,” Hayford said Tuesday afternoon as the school announced the game.

“Why not play first? I hope EWU fans will take advantage of the unique time and come support the team,” Hayford said.

The game was originally scheduled for 6 p.m.; not only does the move allow Eastern to host the first NCAA Division I game of the season, it will now be regionally broadcast on SWX-TV.

“We felt that it was just too good of an idea and opportunity to pass up,” Eastern athletic director Bill Chaves said. “I would like to thank (Texas Southern athletic director) Dr. (Charles) McClelland and coach Davis for their willingness to play at a unique time.”

The Eagles will follow that with home games versus Utah Valley on Nov. 17 and Walla Walla on Nov. 19. Beginning with a home exhibition game on Nov. 9 at 2:05 p.m. at Reese Court against Puget Sound, the Eagles will play four times at home in an 11-day span.