So far, the season has been great for the Eastern men’s basketball team, holding an 11-2 record and being first in the conference undefeated. However, after losing a challenging game on the road against Roanoke College, Eastern never looked back, winning their next ten games.
This season good for the team is the excellent play on both the defensive and offensive sides of the ball. Eastern averages 76.1 points per game while holding their opponents to 70.5 points. In addition, the team is turning the ball over less than their opponents and is averaging 9.9 steals a game.
Eastern also has the addition of having four players averaging over 10 points per game. Leading all scorers is graduate student William Blet 14.6, Kaeshawn Ward 11.6, Draig Cooley 10.5 and Sam Gallardo 10.4 points. In addition, players have been stepping up big in games like Davin Hernandez’s 26 point performance against Hood College, hitting 7 out of 12 three-point shots.
The team is constantly dominating games. They’ve scored over 80 points six times this season out of all the games. Their highest-scoring performance against Stevenson University 95 to 87 is the team’s best game because seven players scored over 10 points. They shot 56.4% from the field, 45.5% at the three, and 75.7% at the line. While Stevenson did score the most points Eastern gave up this season, the game showed us how Eastern could score easily, especially on the road.
My favorite game I watched this season was against our rival Cabrini University 81 to 61. Eastern dominated the game from tip-off, never losing the lead and winning by 20 points. This game was impressive as the team stole the ball 17 times, silencing the home crowd. Seeing our group wearing white and making the most noise in the building was a sight to see. Once the game ended, Blet held the Eagle Rd. sign in front of the fans; it was a special moment.
The season isn’t over yet as we can enjoy and support the Eagles. Remaining on the schedule are Commonwealth opponents and five home games. Information on the schedule is on the Eastern Athletics website. Remember to come to The Nest with a mask and social distance as we are dealing with Covid-19. Let us support our Eagles the best way we can.
Sources: goeasterneagles.com, gomacsports.com
Photo: EU Athletic Photography
Kaeshawn Ward dribbles the basketball during an Eastern basketball game.
Daniel Finegan 
Paul McConnell 
Will Cunningham