Davidson’s Loyer leads opening week’s Big Time Performers

The first few days of the college basketball season featured several elite performances. From leading mid-majors to upsets of nationally ranked Power-5 teams to two stars going at it in a high-profile showdown of top mid-majors. Here are some performances.

Shaun Doss Jr., Arkansas Pine Bluff at No. 14 TCU, Monday

Shaun Doss Jr. poured in 25 points and pulled down six rebounds as Arkansas Pine Bluff nearly knocked off No. 14 TCU on the road in the season opener. The Lions fell 73-72 despite holding an 11-point lead at halftime. The grad student connected on 9-of-19 from the field and knocked in four of his five 3-point attempts.

Foster Loyer, Davidson at Wright State, Wednesday

Foster Loyer notched a career-high and came just one assist shy of registering a triple-double as Davidson edged Wright State 102-97 in double overtime. The senior poured in 38 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists in 48 minutes. He hit three 3-points and scored 11 points in the final overtime period. He powered the Wildcats as they erased a 21-point deficit to pull out the dramatic win.

Trey Calvin, Wright State vs. Davidson, Wednesday

Trey Calvin tallied his own career-high in this dramatic double OT contest. The senior poured in 37 points as well as four assists, three rebounds and three steals in 43 minutes of action. He contributed 17 points in the first half and was a catalyst to the Raiders jumping out to a 21-point lead.

Matt Dentlinger, South Dakota State at Boise State, Wednesday

Matt Dentlinger capped off his 19-point night with the game-winning layup with one second left to propel South Dakota State to a 68-66 win at Boise State. The senior was 7-for-11 from the field and registered four steals on the defensive end. The Jackrabbits led by as many as 13 in this one and withstood the Broncos’ comeback attempt.

Damian Dunn, Temple vs. No. 16 Villanova, Friday

Damian Dunn lifted the Temple Owls to a 68-66 win over No. 16 Villanova Friday night in a marquee Big-5 matchup. Dunn sank a pair of free throws with 1.1 seconds left to secure the Owls’ first win over the Wildcats in 10 years. The redshirt sophomore led all scorers for with 22 points. In addition to the game-winning free throws, he also tied the game with 45.6 seconds left with a pair of freebies. He was a perfect 4-for-4 from the free throw line and was 8-for-14 from the floor.

Emoni Bates, Eastern Michigan vs. No. 22 Michigan, Friday

Emoni Bates put up a 30-burger as Eastern Michigan almost defeated their in-state rival, the Michigan Wolverines, but the No. 22 team in the country prevailed 88-83. The Memphis transfer scored 30 points on 12-for-19 shooting. He also pulled down five rebounds. The Eagles were looking for their first win over a ranked team since 1997.