While NIU women’s basketball was busy substituting reserve players Saturday, Eastern Michigan decided to keep one of its starters on the court.

Eagles senior guard Tavelyn James was busy running off screens and trying to find open looks, searching for opportunities to score often and in anyway possible.

James put up 29 points on the Huskies that day, not even sniffing her highest of the season (40) or her career (42).

James 40-point game earlier in the season put her third in all-time scoring in MAC history at 2,293 points.

Only Toledo’s Kim Knuth and her 2,509 points and Caroline Mast’s and her 2,449 points stand in James’ way.

While some may cry foul on their coach for leaving her in games where the outcome was evident, I agree with her reasoning.

As Eastern’s coach AnnMarie Gilbert said, “James has a chance to do something that separates her from any other female athlete to play in the conference and set the watermark for excellence for years to come.”

Gilbert also said if necessary, she explains to opposing teams the situation and ask for understanding.

While no news of such backlash came from NIU staff, the idea would be moot for any team competing against Eastern Michigan. If you don’t like her playing in a blowout, don’t let it become one.

James has the ability to shoot from long range and get by defenders on the move with incredible athleticism and ball control.

As senior NIU guard Courtney Shelton said, “James will get her shots up in games.”

James has been leading her team to victory all season. The Eagles have three games remaining this season, excluding the MAC tournament.

She only has one shot left, if given the opportunity, everyone would rather have their name at the top of the list than just an also-ran.