Eastern head basketball coach Rick Samuels liked what he saw from an inexperienced mystery squad after its 79-76 loss to the CAP’s Academy All-Stars.

“I think everybody saw a team with a lack of chemistry but with an excellent energy level,” Samuels said.

Several players provided a scoring threat as five Panthers earned double figures in the game with Eastern being led by senior forward Jesse Mackinson’s 21 points.

“I certainly liked the scoring punch from a variety of people,” Samuels said.

Eastern began the game on a 17-4 run but was unable to continue the momentum throughout the first half.

“The energy level carried us throughout that point and we had points coming from everywhere,” Samuels said.

The major problem Samuels pointed out was the lackluster shooting performance of sophomore guard Josh Gomes who went five of 13 from the field.

“We still want Josh to shoot the basketball and gain confidence because he’s still just a second-year sophomore with limited college action.”

The starting guard Derik Hollyfield made a quick impression on the program in his first action in a Panther uniform. The junior college transfer from Lincoln Community College had 11 points and five assists but also struggled through five turnovers in 31 minutes.

“Derik is able to make big plays and be a shut down defender,” Samuels said.

Although, Samuels declined to compare the guard to one of the most exciting wing players to play in Lantz Arena.

“I don’t want to say he’s like Kyle Hill because he is not that explosive, but Derik knows how to score,” Samuels said.

With 27 turnovers, the team chemistry has to be found before Eastern travels to the NIU Convention Center to take on the Northern Illinois Huskies this weekend in the season opener.

“I think a lot of it had to do with being too anxious but we certainly have to take care of the basketball,” Samuels said.

The freshman that made his presence known was 6-foot-10 center Kevin Lowe who played six minutes and had a big play in his first collegiate appearance.

“The first play he gets in, he got a big block,” Samuels said.

Lowe has developed his offensive skills since coming from Tinley Park High School.

“He’s certainly not a polished basketball player but he actually has more finesse than we thought.,” Samuels said. “His confidence has been lifted to gain 12-15 pounds because we are talking about a kid that hasn’t been able to gain a pound.”

Samuels feels this exhibition game should be taken with a grain of salt because the all-star team had a different style of play.

“It’s not everyday we’re going to play a team with eight players that can shoot the three,” Samuels said.

The starting lineup going into the season opener will not be that different because of the veteran leadership provided by seniors Jesse Mackinson and David Roos.

“I’m going to rely on Jesse and David and then we will use a rotation of Gomes, Hollyfield, Cortez Forte also Jason Wright,” Samuels said. “Jason Wright will also contribute when he comes back from an injury.”