Hoopsfix Select fall to Eastern Washington in Essex

Despite hanging around in the first half, Hoopsfix Select fell 74-106 to Big Sky Conference Champions Eastern Washington Eagles on Friday evening at Essex Sport Arena.

Aaryn Rai starred, scoring 21 of his 32 points in the first half for Hoopsfix but it would not be enough, as EWU had four players reach double figures including Ethan Price who had 14 points, five rebounds and four assists in his homecoming.

The game, hosted in partnership with Essex Rebels & University of Essex, was a celebration of Price – with a special jersey being presented to him before hand as he and his former coach Nick Drane addressed the crowd, meanwhile, the Hoopsfix Roster was predominantly made up of players that were his former teammates while at both Ipswich and Essex Rebels.

“This was an awesome thing to be a part of,” Drane said after the game. “Hoopsfix continues to raise the bar in terms of putting on these types of events, and to give Ethan, and everyone involved this experience was fantastic.

“It was such a great advert for our programme in Ipswich, past and present, with so much talent on display – I only wish we had a facility in our town that fitted the level of talent we keep producing. Huge thanks to Ross Norfolk and everyone at Essex Rebels for hosting.”

Veron Eze was the only other player in double figures for Hoopsfix, finishing with 10, while Moziah King-Danchie had seven and Sam Mewman had six points and five assists.

It was the second time a Hoopsfix side has played an NCAA Division 1 programme, having taken on Montana State University last year.

Eastern Washington will now continue their European tour as they head to Malaga and Madrid in Spain.

Box score.

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