James Thompson IV recorded his third straight double-double and Raven Lee returned to the floor following a six game suspension to help lead Eastern Michigan to an 80-73 victory over the University of Nebraska-Omaha Mavericks on Tuesday night in Omaha, Neb.
Thompson scored 16 points and 15 rebounds while Lee scored 17 points off of the bench.
“Ray makes things a lot easier,” said EMU coach Rob Murphy. “Especially on the offensive end.”
For the Mavericks, Tre’Shaun Thurman led the way with 25 points and 11 rebounds and Jake White had 14 points and 12 rebounds.
For the Eagles, Tim Bond and Jodan Price were both able to score in double-digits, putting up 13 and 10 respectively.
“Throughout the game, we had guys step up and make big plays for us,” said Murphy.
Both Willie Mangum and Ty Toney struggled from the field shooting a combined 4-21.
Thompson avoided fouling out and was able to stay on the floor playing 33 minutes.
"You just can't be aggressive all the time. Sometimes you have to take it back some so you can stay in and I learned that from the first few games.
“We feel like we really can win the MAC this year,” Thompson said after the game to WEMU. “Shock the world this year.”
Up next, the Eagles travel to Happy Valley to take on Penn State University on Saturday. The game is scheduled for a 12 p.m. tip-off.
