Eagles Roll Past Rochester, 86-58

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YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) - Behind freshman James Thompson IV's (Baton Rouge, La.-Parkview Baptist) fifth straight double-double in as many games, the Eastern Michigan University men's basketball team cruised to an 86-58 victory over Rochester College, Tuesday, Dec. 8, at the Convocation Center. In addition to Thompson's double-double, the Eagles were led by junior Willie Mangum IV (Richmond, Va.-Marshall), who had 22 points on the night and was hot from the floor throughout the game.

Thompson became the first Eagle to record five straight double-doubles since the 2009-10 season, when Brandon Bowdry accomplished the feat. The Baton Rouge, La. native posted a final stat line of 17 points, 11 rebounds, and three blocks. Mangum, who had a very efficient night from the floor, finished with 22 points on 8-of-10 shooting and 4-of-6 from downtown. Redshirt junior Raven Lee (Detroit, Mich.-Romulus) chipped in 11 points on the night, while sophomore Tim Bond (Baltimore, Md.-City College High School) narrowly missed a double-double of his own, as he had 11 points on 5-of-8 shooting and a career-best nine rebounds. Senior Brandon Nazione (Howell, Mich.-Howell) dished out a career-high four assists on the night to go along with five points and four rebounds.

The Green and White had a very efficient night from the floor, as they shot 33-of-62 (53.2 percent) from the floor throughout the game. Specifically, the team was 21-of-35 (60 percent) in the first half, which contributed to a 51-28 lead after 20 minutes of play. The Eagles held a large advantage in fastbreak points, as the team was able to turn 15 steals into 23 points. In addition, the Eagles dominated in the paint, as they held a 50-20 advantage near the basket. EMU continued lockdown defense without giving up fouls, as they only had three at the half and 11 overall.

The Eagles got off to a hot start, shooting 60 percent from the floor through the first media timeout. The Green and White defense caused fits for the Rochester offense, as EMU had nine steals throughout the first half. With 8:20 left in the half, the Eagles led 34-21 behind eight from Thompson and seven apiece from Bond and Mangum. With seven minutes to go in the first, EMU held a 26-8 advantage in points in the paint due to the Thompson's size advantage. The offense continued to roll, as at halftime, the Eagles led 51-28 behind a 21-of-35 shooting performance from the floor. The Green and White held a 32-12 points in the paint advantage, as Thompson was already on his way to another double-double.

The Green and White continued their tear from the floor in the second half, as Nazione began the half with a steal and three-point play. With 15:58 remaining in the game, EMU was 25-of-39 from the floor, paced by Mangum who was 6-of-7 and 3-of-4 from downtown. Thompson continued battling on the boards throughout the half, as he picked up his ninth with an offensive rebound and dunk with 12 minutes remaining in the game. After being hot throughout the game, the offense slowed down near the 10-minute mark. However, Mangum got the team back on track with a layup and a quick three to finish the day with 22 points. After a nice fast break dish from Bond to Nazione with 3:53 left, Thompson picked up his tenth rebound to nab his fifth double-double in the past five games. After running out the clock, the final score stood at 86-58.

The Eagles now travel down to Louisville, Ky. for a bout with the University of Louisville Cardinals, Saturday, Dec. 12, at 2 p.m. in the KFC Yum! Center. Following the trip to Kentucky, the team then flies to Baltimore, Md. for a game with Coppin State University, Monday, Dec. 21, at 7 p.m.

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Team Stats

Willie Mangum IV

James Thompson IV

Ray Lee

Tim Bond

Players Mentioned

Tim Bond

Ray Lee

Willie Mangum IV

Brandon Nazione

James Thompson IV

Players Mentioned

Tim Bond

Ray Lee

Willie Mangum IV

Brandon Nazione

James Thompson IV

Eastern Michigan Athletics