From the beginning, momentum was on the Eagles' side and they rode that wave out to  a convincing 78-72 victory over Southwest Atlanta Christian. 

The final score is somewhat deceiving, as Eastside led by more than 15 points with less than two minutes to go and with one minute left, Eastside head coach Gregory Freeman pulled his starters. 

Eastside ran full-court pressure defense against the Warriors and it worked for them as they wreaked havoc, causing turnovers into points. When that wasn't working, the Eagles got second chance opportunities in the half-court and converted off of offensive rebounds. 

The Warriors couldn't keep the Eagles off the boards as a team, especially J.J. Saxton. Saxton was a big part in the Eagles' converting on so many second chance opportunities. 

As a team, Eastside had four players in double figures with Saxton at 15 points, Isaiah Miller and Raytavious Jackson with 14 each, Timothy Haynes with 10 and Marquise Sims led the Eagles in scoring with 17 points. 

The Eagles, who are hosting the invitational with four teams participating (Eastside, Southwest Atlanta Christian, Worth County and Thomson), play Thomson tomorrow at 3:30 p.m.