Cheney, WA -- (Sports Network) - Benny Valentine scored 18 points as the Eastern Washington Eagles recorded a thrilling 60-59 victory over the Northern Colorado Bears in Big Sky Conference action.

Adris DeLeon added 16 points and five assists for Eastern Washington (12-15, 6-9 Big Sky).

Will Figures posted 14 points in the heart-breaking setback for Northern Colorado (12-17, 6-8). The Bears got 12 points from John Pena and 11 points from Jabril Banks.

Both teams shot under 40 percent from the floor in the first half, and the score was tied at 22-22 after 20 minutes of action.

In the second half, the Eagles connected on 66.7 percent of their field goal attempts, good enough to secure the win.

Eastern Washington overcame a 34-24 rebounding disadvantage by forcing 17 turnovers.