Game 8 - Vermont at Eastern Michigan

November 13 at Convocation Center in Ypsilanti, MI
espn3.com

College basketball season tipping off at 11 am? Fantastic.

The long season got started Friday morning with Eastern Michigan using a 15-4 run early in the second half to pull away and win 70-50.

Willie Mangum (18 points) and Tim Bond (15) led five with at least nine points and the Eagles are going to need that kind of offensive production after it was announced 2014-2015 leading scorer Raven Lee was suspended for violating team rules.

I had thought the suspension came as the result of his parents naming him Raven, but no: team rules.

Anyway, nice start for the Eagles, who held Vermont to 30% shooting.

I think Bond, just a sophomore, could develop into a really good player. He's quick and athletic and if that jump shot keeps improving, EMU may not miss Lee as much.


STATS WE DON'T NEED

John Becker in season openers as Vermont's head coach: 1-3


Basketball Phrases

Good start to the college nonsense season for commentators Greg Steiner & Ryan Woody.

"Electricity in the building"
"Blistering the net"
"Puts up the flight show"
"Calm demeanor" (said twice)
"Scoop and score"
"Athletic big"
"Rain threes"
"Saddled with foul trouble"