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The Eastern Echo Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024 | Print Archive
The Eastern Echo

Thompson And Minnie Combine For 38 points In Eagles Win Over Central State

Eastern Michigan Men’s Basketball improved their record to 5-5 with a 105-53 win over Central State on Saturday. The Eagles broke a four-game losing streak after kicking off a three-game home stand. Central State (OH) was handed their sixth straight loss.

James Thompson IV showed an impressive 9-10 from the field with a season high 18 rebounds, chipping in with Eastern’s 12-14 from the free throw line. Thompson had his eighth double-double of the season to push the Eagles with seven steals when combined with Elijah Minnie.

The Eagles dominated the first half, holding Central state to just six points for the first five minutes, with three 3-pointers and three field goals. Eastern maintained a comfortable lead, heading into halftime with a 45-27 lead.

Despite the team shooting 33.3% from beyond the arc, Eastern had four of their five starters in double digits. Kevin Macadoo lead the bench with 8 points.

Eastern survived a late comeback from Central state, led by Jeremy Brown, getting the score down to 59-64 with 8:28 to go. Eastern was able to turn the tide with a big dunk by Elijah Minnie to pull away for good. 

This win puts Eastern at 5-5, third in the division. Eastern will open division play on the eighth of January against Ball State.

Eastern will host the 9-2 UC Irvine Athletics Anteaters on Dec. 19. The Anteaters are coming off a big win against Montana where Guard Evin Leonard tied his career best with five 3-point shots to lead the scoring of the game with 18 points. The Anteaters shot 50% from the field.

Watch highlights from Saturday’s game below.