DeAndre Townsend knows a brand-new season means anything can happen.
It’s why the Emporia State senior guard isn’t about to overlook Eastern New Mexico in the Hornets’ regular-season opener on Thursday at White Auditorium.
“They’re chasing the same dreams we’re chasing — a good start early on,” Townsend said. “There’s none more important than the first one.”
The Hornets know first-hand just how significant the first game is in setting the tone for a new season.
Last year, ESU — after getting picked ninth by the coaches in the MIAA poll — started off the year 16-0 on its way to an NCAA Tournament appearance.
The expectations are a bit higher this season, as the Hornets were picked to finish fourth in the league. ESU lost only three seniors from last year’s roster and return seven seniors this year.
“We’ve got a lot of guys that won those games that’s on our side,” Townsend said. “We know what it takes to win early.”
Eastern New Mexico comes in after finishing 12-14 last year. The Greyhounds went 6-6 in the Lone Star Conference’s South Division.
For perhaps the only time all season, ESU won’t be going up against a team with a huge size advantage inside. Eastern New Mexico starts two players that are 6-foot-5, and three more that are 6-3.
ESU’s tallest starter — Jordan Fithian — is 6-6.
The Hornets should be battle-tested heading into the opener, facing one of their toughest exhibition schedules in their history.
ESU hung close with No. 14 Texas A&M and also No. 14 Gonzaga before squeaking by a Hornet Alumni team stacked with some of the best talent that squad has had.
“I really think that helps us a lot — when we play higher levels like that,” ESU guard Spencer Allen said. “You play against a lot more talent and size and strength, then when you come back to your level, it’s a lot different game.”
The contest also will be meaningful because Eastern New Mexico is a Regional opponent. A team’s record against Regional foes is one of the top criteria considered by the selection committee when determining bids for the NCAA Tournament.
The Hornets have yet to play a true “home” game this season, going on the road for the first two before splitting the spotlight with the Alumni on Saturday.
ESU has won 25 of its last 27 home openers.