The East Tennessee State men’s basketball team debuted with a victory Thursday night, dropping the Charleston (W.Va.)Bombers 96-72 in the Memorial Center.True freshman Tim Smith put together the best all-around effort for the Bucs, scoring 10 points, a team-high nine rebounds and seven assists.

“I wasn’t really worried or nervous,” said Smith, who finished the game 5-11 from the field and 2-2 from the foul-line.

“I felt good out there, but it makes things easier when you have guys that can finish,” Smith said. “Coach (DeChellis) just wanted me to learn the offense, get ready and get the feel of the game.”

Tiras Wade scored a team-high 16 points, while James Anthony and Zakee Wadood pitched in 14 points each.

ETSU built a 49-40 lead by halftime, but a 21-8 run to start the second half proved too much for the Bombers.

Leading the way for six-player Charleston squad was forward Jarred West, who scored 27 points. Former ETSU star and Charleston native Greg Dennis (1988-92) played for the Bombers but was held to just four points.

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