If you missed Wednesday night’s game against the University of Maine, you missed one of the best basketball games I have ever seen.

The game had everything a fan would hope for: highlight reel dunks, incredible shots, calls by referees that cause you to scream for no apparent reason, late game drama and an overall intensity that is tough to match.

Eastern’s men’s basketball team looked the best I have seen in two years of covering the team. I know a lot of people will say, “Hey, they blew that lead, the game shouldn’t have been that close,” but honestly, there was not much more the Panther could do to close the game out.

They made every free throw, except one miss from sophomore forward Alfonzo McKinnie, and had one turnover. OK, not a perfect ending, but it got the job done. Maine just made some incredible plays.

Starting with an enormous put-back dunk to a ridiculous four-point play to force the extra period, it would have been easy for the Panthers to fold after giving up a ten point lead with under a minute left, but they showed resolve in overtime and came out with a great win.

Senior guard Jeremy Granger showed why he was a preseason All-Ohio Valley Conference selection as he took over the overtime, scoring all nine of the Panthers points.

McKinnie backed up my last endorsement of him, proving to me and everyone in Lantz Arena that he has to potential to be a fantastic player.

As I have been saying from the beginning of the season, Eastern got a raw deal when it was picked ninth in the preseason poll. The team that was picked first, Austin Peay, is 0-8, the Panthers are 4-2. I know Austin Peay has played some very good teams, but it is no excuse for an 0-8 start.

I am genuinely excited to watch the Panthers the rest of the season. I think there is nothing but big things in store for them.

I know the team is feeling extremely confident, and so should the fans. After a very disappointing season last year,

Eastern should prove to its fans that the injury-riddled 2010 season is over.

The Panthers are off to a great start and big things are ahead of them.

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