It’s basketball time in East Tennessee. The ETSU men’s basketball team started their 2004-05 season off with an Exhibition game Saturday, Nov. 13, against VASDA-USA. In front of a crowd of 3,280 the Bucs came out victorious 110-69.
ETSU was led by Ben Rhoda and Brad Nuckles, each recording a double-double. Rhoda posted 12 points and 11 rebounds, while Nuckles recorded 18 points and 14 rebounds.
Tim Smith threw in 21-points to lead all in scoring.
“It was a good game overall, few things that we need to work on,” Nuckles said. “We’re a very athletic team. When we get out and run it, it’s really exciting.”
The starting line up for VASDA consisted of Reggie Brown, Leigh Gayden, Ron Lewis, Matt Jones and Stacey Williams. Not all of VASDA’s big men showed up for the game leaving Bartow disappointed.
For the Bucs, transfer Dillion Sneed, Ben Rhoda, Tim Smith, James Anthony and Brad Nuckles started out the game. The Bucs were able to grab the tip-off, but it was VASDA that got on the board first.
Smith and Rhoda were able to put the Bucs on top, 6-2. With this lead, the Bucs would stay in control for the rest of the game. Time was called with the Bucs ahead by 10, 17-7.
After the timeout VASDA was able to rack up 10 with only a Nuckles basket from the Bucs. Anthony scored a three-pointer, followed by newcomer Chris Mitchell banking two to give the Bucs a 10-point lead again.
A Nuckles dunk, Smith two and Sneed dunk put the Bucs up 41-26. The Bucs ended the half 47-35.
At the half, the Bucs compiled a 58.3 percent on field goals, compared to VASDA 30 percent.
ETSU was able to score 63 points in the second half to give the Bucs the win. Nuckles, Sneed, Andrew Reed and Anthony all saw rim action. Nuckles and Anthony each tallied a dunk, with Reed and Sneed grabbing two
“We play basketball, but definitely try to give the fans what they want, so hopefully more dunking,” Sneed said.
Behind the play of Nuckles and Rhoda, Smith led the team in scoring with 21 points and added 6 rebounds. Anthony was also hot for the Bucs going 6-8 on field goals and 3-3 from downtown.
Sneed debuted with the Bucs tallying 18 points and 8 rebounds.
“He (Sneed) has a lot of energy, bulk, and size,” ETSU coach Murry Bartow said.
“He’s raw, but he’s big. He’s posting deep and that’s hard to stop.”
Marcus Robinson lead VASDA with 16 points and 8 rebounds.
“The second half we did some really good things,” Bartow said. “Defense has a lot of work to do. Offense will be pretty good. We’re just not where we need to be.”
The Bucs will open their season Saturday, Nov. 20 against UVA-Wise at 4 p.m.

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