During a team dinner Monday night, Eastern coach Brady Sallee was asked by Jessica Huffman what he thought about Tuesday’s game.

Sallee gave her the typical coach-speak before Huffman interrupted saying: “We’re gonna beat ’em by 20.”

If there’s one thing about the freshman guard it’s she doesn’t lack confidence. She was nearly a prophet too, as the Panthers whipped Bradley 92-75 at Lantz Arena.

Before Tuesday’s game, Sallee stressed tempo as the key to victory.

He might as well of said Huffman.

In her first collegiate game, the freshman guard was nothing short of brilliant.

She finished with 23 points, seven assists, seven rebounds and five steals in 33 minutes.

Not only did she have to direct a new motion offense that Sallee implemented, but she was thrust into the starting lineup thanks to injuries to sophomores Megan Edwards (knee) and Ellen Canale (mononucleosis).

In many ways, she is the type of point guard Sallee envisioned running his offense when he came to Charleston in 2004.

Not to disregard Edwards’ playmaking ability, but Huffman brings more athleticism and a knack for getting to the basket with such ease and gracefulness.

“(Edwards) is a better shooter, but Jessica is one of the best penetrating guards I’ve ever played with,” senior guard Meggie Eck said.

Eck ought to know as she was the beneficiary of some drive-and-kick three-pointers set up by Huffman.

“It feels pretty good,” Huffman said of her first game. “It’s the kind of offense I like where you can improvise and not everything is a set play.”

Sallee was almost in amazement when speaking of Huffman. He made a statement that could frighten most Ohio Valley Conference teams this season.

“The amazing thing is she doesn’t know what she’s doing yet,” Sallee said. “She’s been ready for this game for a while. I told her, ‘It’s your team now.'”

While Huffman corrected her shooting woes in the opener (nine for 17), her penchant for errant passes and shot selection reminds people she’s only a freshman.

Sallee’s advice to Huffman before her first game was succinct.

“His advice is always to take care of the ball,” Huffman said.

One player who has benefited from Huffman’s play is Rachel Galligan.

The sophomore center found herself on the receiving end of a good deal of passes that Huffman slipped through Bradley’s defense.

She says the comparison between Huffman and Edwards is similar but different.

“They’re both playmakers,” Galligan said. “I would say Midge is a better shooter, but Jessica can break down the defense.”

With 12 seconds left, Huffman exited the game receiving a high five from Sallee.

It’s an experience the Panthers hope will continue.