In basketball, spacing is one of the keys to offensive success, and a great way to do that is with a top-notch three-point shooter. Three-point shooters not only space the floor for the offense, they provide more excitement for the crowd than a regular two-point shot.

The Panthers have one of the best three-point shooters in the Ohio Valley Conference in senior guard Tyler Laser. He is among Eastern’s all-time best in three-point shots made and percentage.

This season, Laser has been struggling with his shot, shooting under 35 percent from beyond the arch; however, teams are still aware of his presence and extend their defense to counter his shooting ability.

Laser has been out for the last five games with a back injury, and there is no timetable for when he will return. The Panther are 2-3 in his absence.

Without Laser, opposing teams have a much easier time game planning for Eastern. No longer do they have to worry about a deadly three-point shooter, who could take over the game at any given moment. Opposing defenses can collapse and contain the middle, making it difficult for Eastern to score. The Panthers have trouble scoring when Laser is healthy, without him they rely heavily on junior guard Jeremy Granger.

Granger is quickly developing into one of the best mid-range shooting guards in the country.

His pull-up jumper is almost automatic, plus he shoots over 90 percent from the free throw line. It seems to me that the next step in Granger’s game is to extend his shot to the three-point line and become an even tougher player to guard.

Next season, I think that Granger will solidify himself as one of the best guards in the OVC.

When Laser comes back, the Panthers will have their best chance to make a run at an OVC title. Defenses will now have to worry about both Laser and Granger shooting, which will open up more space for players like sophomore forward James Hollowell and senior guard Curry McKinney.

Eastern will have to get past a few good teams in order to win the title, but with its offensive balance, I believe they have a good chance to make some noise in the OVC tournament this season.

Rob Mortell can be reached at 581-7944 or at rdmortell@eiu.edu