2016-17 MAC Men’s Basketball: Eastern Michigan Eagles vs. Vermont Catamounts

The Eagles of Eastern Michigan travelled to Burlington, Vermont for a matchup with the Vermont Catamounts Saturday afternoon. Eastern Michigan fell to Vermont 82-74 after a very closely contested affair.

Eastern Michigan got out to a slow start in the first half of action as they were trailing most of the time. The Catamounts had adjusted to the height differential, and were really pounding the ball through the lane and to the basket for contested shots. A lot of these shots found nylon, and Vermont ended up outscoring the Eagles in the paint. Also in the first half, Eastern Michigan was charged with two technical fouls. One on Coach Murphy, and one on James Thompson IV. Speaking of Thompson IV, the sophomore from Baton Rouge put up 10 points and 13 rebounds in the first half. That’s a first half double-double.

Eastern Michigan had another very slow start in the second half as they gave up 12 points, and they themselves only scored three. However, a 12 to two scoring run over the next four minutes brought the Eagles within two. Up until about the under four minute media timeout, the teams went back and forth trading baskets. Some missed shots and some made free throws had Vermont with the most points at the end of the game, though. Eastern Michigan picked up their fourth loss with a final score of 82-74.

The Eagles return to action Monday December 19, 2016, at the Carrier Dome against Syracuse.