With just one game remaining on the Eastern Eagles schedule the men’s basketball team currently has a record of 18-4 and has won the conference for the 10th time. The Eagles have won four straight games now and are undefeated at home. They have put together arguably the best season in the program’s history so far.
Behind the team’s success is an offense that averages just over 76 points per game. Recently, the Eagles had a game where they put up 102 points against Albright. This season the men have averaged 45.6% of made field goals which is higher than the average field goal percentage against them. Other keys to the Eagles success is rebounding and turnovers. The men’s basketball team has outrebounded opponents by about three per game. They also have an average of two more steals per game than their opponents. It does not sound like that much more but when you have a team getting more rebounds, protecting the ball and shooting at a higher percentage, it is typically a recipe for success in terms of winning games. And win the Eagles have, as they have compiled an incredible 13-2 record in conference games this year.
Leading the Eagles in scoring is forward William Blet. Blet has averaged 12.4 points per game and has 261 points on the year. Blet is not just a scoring threat though, leading the team in rebounds and blocks. His defensive effort has played a huge role in the Eagles being in the position they are at now.
Another key player for the Eagles this season has been Kaeshawn Ward. He has also been one of the top scorers for the team. Ward, playing at the guard position, has put up 251 points this season so far. Ward also leads the team in assists and steals, averaging over two steals per game. The Sophomore also has the highest assist to turnover ratio on the team which has allowed for him to see a lot of playing time this season.
Sam Gallardo, who is a guard on the team and in his junior year, has also been an important piece of the Eagles team this year. Gallardo scores the most points per game on the team. As well as the points, Gallardo is one of the best three point shooters on the team and gets to the free throw line more than any other player on the team.
What is really special about the Eastern men’s basketball team this year is the ball distribution and all of the starters putting up good numbers and playing well. There is no telling how far they will go in the playoffs, but no matter what happens this is certainly a year to remember for the men’s basketball team.