Former MSU recruit Emoni Bates has best first-half showing in NCAA history

Former MSU commit and generational prospect Emoni Bates completes one of the best first-half performances in college hoops history.

When it comes to Emoni Bates, his talent was never in question. After a tumultuous start to his collegiate career, Emoni has found himself back in his hometown of Ypsilanti playing for Eastern Michigan. To begin his sophomore campaign, Bates immediately made his offensive prowess felt, averaging over 20 points per game on almost 40 percent from three.

While his season stats are overall quite impressive, his performance on Tuesday night against Toledo was otherworldly.

After not scoring for the first seven minutes of the game at Savage Arena in Toledo, Emoni flipped the switch. Starting at the 13:18 mark in the first half, he began to torch the Rockets at every level. Emoni began nailing 3-pointers, jumpers, dunks, and even was getting it done from the line. In just the first half of their matchup alone, Bates scored an unprecedented 29 straight points for the Eagles. To have 29 of your teams 35 first half points is impressive in itself, but to score 29 points straight is unheard of. The announcers, fans, and even NBA legends such as LeBron James were in awe at Bates’ historic half.

After his 29 straight point performance in the first half, Bates would end up finishing with new career highs for points scored (43), field goals made (15), and 3-pointers made (9). Shooting the three ball at an astounding 65 percent clip, he was untouchable. Playing all 40 minutes, Bates also ended second on the team in rebounds with seven.

Unfortunately, Eastern Michigan could not build on Emoni’s performance. They ended up falling to Toledo 84-79, and are now just 4-16 on the season.

The one-time Michigan State commit clearly still has the generational talent that was seen at such a young age. It’s unfortunate that his path will not include suiting up for the green and white. Him and former teammate Jaden Akins would make the best 3/4 punch combination in the Big Ten.

Regardless, if you were lucky enough to watch his first-half performance Tuesday night, you knew you were watching something special.