The James Jones system is all about rebounding and defense. The system was on full display Friday in Honolulu.
The Bulldogs bested Eastern Washington, 74-60, at the Outrigger Rainbow Classic, powered by a 36-24 edge in rebounding over the Eagles.
“It was a tremendous defensive effort,” Jones said.
The Eagles built a 31-24 lead in the first stanza and clung to a 33-32 lead at halftime.
Yale (2-0) came out of the second half strong, reeling off a 27-7 run to take a 19-point lead that Eastern Washington (0-2) never seriously threatened to erase again.
Matt Knowling scored 11 of Yale’s first 18 second-half points and finished with 26 points on 10-for-15 shooting in only 28 minutes of play. Through two games, the junior forward is shooting 80% from the field. Sophomore guard John Poulakidas chipped in with 13 points.
Jones played 10 players five or more minutes.
Redshirt sophomore guard Steele Venters led Eastern Washington with 15 points but registered only five in the second half. The Eagles managed just 0.86 points per possession.
The Elis are back in action Sunday in the Rainbow Classic against Mississippi Valley State.