Women’s & Men’s Basketball Teams Stand Strong After Winter Holiday

     While most of us were at home watching Netflix during winter break, student athletes on the EU Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams were hard at work winning games. Here is what you need to know about how our Eastern Eagles are doing and what to look for this season.

     The Women’s Basketball team stands with a record of 11 wins and five losses. Emily Lavin, who has been recognized again as the MAC Freedom Player of the Week twice thus far this season, leads the team in scoring with 275 points, as well as blocks (58), while Amanda Riiff leads the Eagles in three-pointers (33). Regie Robinson leads the Eagles in the rebound column (167), and Taylor Price has the most assists (61).

     One of the best games of the season so far was the Jan. 14 matchup against Wilkes University. The game was close throughout its duration, with Eastern having only a six-point lead at the end of the half. After a solid second half, Eastern won the game with a final score of 66-56. Another significant win was Eastern’s 53-46 win over King’s College, a critical victory in MAC Freedom play.

     The Men’s Basketball team currently has an overall record of nine wins and seven losses. Shaquan Turk leads the team in scoring with 311 points, as well as free throws (89), blocks (21) and steals (22). Austin Carroll has the most assists (62), while Austin James and Austin Duncan lead in three-pointers with 28 each. Victor Peña has the most total rebounds (113).

     As with the Women’s team, the EU Men’s Basketball  Jan. 14 matchup against Wilkes University was also a noteworthy game. Having kept the lead for the entirety of the game, Eastern clenched the victory with a final score of 83-70. A much closer nail-biter was played on Jan. 11 against Misericordia: after trailing in the last quarter, Eastern tied the game at 97-97 with a buzzer-beating shot from Austin Carroll and then won the game in overtime with a final score of 112-107.

     Sophomore Brennan Kastens, a forward, gave the following statement to The Waltonian: “The 2016-17 team has benefitted from having five seniors on the team and a bunch of returning players, something we haven’t had in a few years. We played a tough non-conference schedule and used both wins and losses as an opportunity to learn and improve. We have started conference play 3-1 and look to continue this success as the conference season continues.”