Falcons' Washington happy to be scoring less

Evan Washington surely isn’t complaining, but his role change has been a bit of a surprise.

In many ways, Washington is the headline act for Air Force basketball. He was an honorable mention all-Mountain West pick after scoring 10.3 points per game last season. He was the only Falcons player to start all 31 games, and led the team in points, rebounds, assists and steals.

So to think that Washington could go a game this season without scoring was tough to imagine, but even more unbelievable was that the Falcons could win without him scoring.

That’s what happened last week against Evansville, when Washington was shut out but Air Force won anyway.

That formula is just fine with Washington, who is happy for the support. Washington and his teammates take on North Carolina Central tonight at Clune Arena.

“It’s something I’ve said, we’re a deeper team and we have more threats,” Washington said. “It takes the burden off me.”

Washington is averaging 9.4 points per game. Four teammates — Tom Fow, Michael Lyons, Taylor Broekhuis and Derek Brooks — average more. Washington said he wasn’t sure whether some of the younger players, such as sophomores Lyons and Broekhuis, would be ready to take on a bigger role, but they have done well.

With reliable scorers around him, Washington can play a role that suits him better. 

“It’s easier for me because when I drive I get a lot of attention,” Washington said. “I can get my guys the ball in good scoring positions.”

Washington can also concentrate more on defense, which has helped him on that end of the floor. When Washington has struggled to shoot the ball — he is hitting just 41.2 percent from the floor — he hasn’t let that affect his effort on the defensive end.

“He’s done a better job defensively for us,” coach Jeff Reynolds said. “He doesn’t worry about the points he’s getting. He’s a great teammate.”

North Carolina Central at Air Force

7 p.m. Saturday, Clune Arena

North Carolina Central (4-3), last game: 74-71 overtime win at South Carolina State.

About the Eagles: North Carolina Central is in just its fourth year of Division I basketball, and has had its challenges as an independent (the Eagles join the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference next season). The Eagles will travel approximately 17,492 miles this season, with road games in eight states. And they haven’t been very good on the road, losing their first 43 road games against fellow Division I teams. They broke that streak with a win at South Carolina State.

Air Force (5-2), last game: 76-61 loss at Wright State

About the Falcons: Air Force comes into this game figuring it needs to shut down at least one of North Carolina Central’s top two players, Landon Clement (16.7 points per game) or C.J. Wilkerson (17.6). Both Clement and Wilkerson are guards, which helps the Falcons, who are thin on the interior. Air Force didn’t defend well against Wright State, so the Falcons are hoping to bounce back tonight.