Jalin Thomas gives CMU 70-67 win at buzzer

NEW: Central Michigan Life talks with coach Ernie Zeigler, Jalin Thomas about the season-opening win here:

With the game tied at 67 in the final minute, senior guard Amir Rashid drew a charge against Cal State Fullerton’s Perry Webster, setting up the game-winning play.

“We called a timeout and talked about setting a screen with (Andre) Coimbra,” said CMU head coach Ernie Zeigler. “Trey (Zeigler) and Derek (Jackson) were both in and we told them to go make a play. Jalin stepped up.”

Freshman Zeigler took the ball the length of the court and found Thomas on the right wing, where he hit his third three-pointer of the night to give CMU the win.

Thomas, fighting the flu, went 7-of-18 shooting for the night, also grabbing four rebounds in the best game since playing under Zeigler.

“The emphasis has been starting the season off great,” Thomas said. “That’s something we didn’t do last year. I was really sick but being a senior and captain of this team, I knew I had to step up and show what battling through adversity is.”

Central Michigan opened its 2010-11 season with a little bit of drama. With the game tied at 67-67 with 5 seconds remaining, senior Jalin Thomas took a pass from freshman guard Trey Zeigler and drilled a 3-pointer at the buzzer for the win.

From the Honolulu Star Advertiser staff:

Jalin Thomas hit a game-winning 3-pointer as time expired to give Central Michigan a 70-67 win over Cal State Fullerton in the second game of the 47th Outrigger Hotels Rainbow Classic.

With the game tied at 67, Fullerton had a chance for the final shot, running down the clock from about 18 seconds left. But CMU guard Amir Rashid drew a charge on Titans guard Perry Webster with 5.3 seconds left, and the Chippewas called a timeout.

CMU inbounded from under its own basket and Trey Zeigler advanced the ball to the top of the arc. He dished to Thomas, who pulled up as time expired.

Thomas led the Chippewas (1-0) with 21 points.

His teammates stormed the court as the Titans (0-1) hung their heads. Orane Chin had 17 points to lead CSF.

Hawaii plays Fullerton at midnight EDT Sunday at the Stan Sheriff Center. CMU follows against Montana State at 2:30 a.m. EDT.

What we learned...

No. 1: So, how did Trey do in his first game? His line:

Min	FG	3PT	FT	REB	OFF	DEF	AST	TO	STL	BLK	PF	PTS
34	5-16	1-3	0-0	8	2	6	5	2	1	3	2	11

About what I expected. Nervousness likely played a role in the mediocre shooting performance. But he showed why he's such a solid addition. Eight rebounds, five assists and three blocks. Getting involved in different ways.

Now just if I could watch him play ...