Eastern Michigan Athletics
Tuesday, March 1
Convocation Center
7 p.m.
Eastern Michigan University
vs
Northern Illinois
Eagles Host Northern Illinois on Senior Day
2/29/2016 3:18:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Seniors Jordan Martin and Brandon Nazione will be honored during the pregame
| Men's Basketball vs. Northern Illinois | |
| Date | Tuesday, March 1 | 7 p.m. |
| Venue | Ypsilanti, Mich. | Convocation Center (8,784) |
| Game Notes | EMU Game Notes | NIU Game Notes |
| Live Stats | EMUEagles.com |
| Watch | ESPN 3 |
| Listen | 89.1 FM WEMU |
| @EMUHoops | @EMUAthletics | |
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) -- Coming off of a tough Mid-American Conference West Division battle at Ball State University, the Eastern Michigan University men's basketball team looks to get back on track and improve its seeding heading into the 2016 MAC Men's Basketball Tournament. EMU begins its climb up the seedings Tuesday, March 1, when it welcomes Northern Illinois into the Convocation Center for a MAC West rematch from a game earlier this season. Tipoff is slated for 7 p.m. in Ypsilanti.
The Eagles (15-14, 7-9 MAC) most recently dropped a 115-79 decision on the road at Ball State. The Cardinals were hot from beyond the arc, knocking down a program-high 18 three-pointers in the game.
The Huskies (19-10, 8-8 MAC) come into Tuesday's matchup following a nine-point, 76-67, victory over Western Michigan. Prior to the win versus WMU, Northern Illinois had lost its previous two contests.
FINDING THE GAME AT HOME: The Eastern Michigan versus Northern Illinois matchup will have both audio and video on Tuesday. Fans can dial into 89.1 FM or listen over the internet at WEMU.org to hear the smooth sounds of veteran play-by-play voice, Chad Bush. Joining Bush on the call this season will be analyst Assistant Athletic Media Relations Director Sean Hostetter. Coverage on 89.1 WEMU will begin 10 minutes prior to the tip of each game this year.
Following the addition of its own brand new mobile television unit, all EMU men's and women's basketball games will be streamed live on ESPN3. Ryan Wooley will provide the play-by-play coverage for the ESPN3 broadcast, while EMU Assistant Athletic Director for Media Relations Greg Steiner will be alongside Wooley for analysis.
ALL-TIME VERSUS NORTHERN ILLINOIS: Tuesday's 7 p.m. matchup will be the 92nd time that the Eagles and Huskies square off on the hardwood. The Eagles trail the series, 39-52, but won both contests last season. In the last 16 meetings between the two, EMU has gone 11-5, while EMU Head Coach Rob Murphy has led EMU to nine victories in just four seasons over the MAC West Division foe.
In the Eagles' game earlier this season, NIU came away with an 80-63 victory in DeKalb, Ill. James Thompson IV managed to convert his 26th straight field goal, tying a then NCAA Record. Raven Lee was the only other Eagle in double digits, as he posted 13 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists.
LIKELY LOOK FOR THE HUSKIES...
| # | Name | Pos. | Cl. | Ht. | Wt. | ppg | rpg | apg | Hometown-Previous School |
| 0 | Marshawn Wilson | G | Fr.-Fr. | 6-3 | 205 | 10.2 | 2.5 | 0.9 | Oakdale, Minn.-Hill-Murray |
| 5 | Travon Baker | G | Sr.-Sr. | 5-11 | 170 | 11.1 | 3.2 | 4.0 | Detroit, Mich.-Consortium |
| 15 | Jaylen Key | F | Fr.-Fr. | 6-8 | 220 | 5.6 | 3.6 | 0.6 | Milwaukee, Wis.-Homestead |
| 23 | Aaric Armstead | G | Jr.-Jr. | 6-5 | 195 | 11.3 | 5.8 | 1.3 | Chicago, Ill.-La Jolla Prep |
| 34 | Marin Maric | C | Jr.-So. | 6-10 | 250 | 12.7 | 8.7 | 1.0 | Split, Croatia-La Lumiere School |
EAGLES CAN'T STOP THE THREE IN TOUGH LOSS: Looking to avenge their 88-87 double overtime loss earlier this season, the Eagles saw the hottest three-point shooting performance by an opponent this season as Ball State connected on 18 triples in Eastern's 115-79 setback in Muncie, Ind. Despite scoring 79 points, the Eagles were unable to hold back the hot Cardinals offense, making it a little bit tougher to grab one of the coveted top-eight seeds. Despite the struggles versus Ball State, there were a few bright spots for the Green and White, especially Brandon Nazione, who finished with 22 points on 7-of-10 shooting, including a career high four from downtown.
SCORING FROM EVERYWHERE: Eastern Michigan's offense has taken a significant step up from previous years, averaging 78.2 points per game this season, good for third-best in the Mid-American Conference. A large part of that has to do with the fact that the Eagles are not a one or two man offensive operation. EMU is the only team in the conference with five players averaging double-digits in scoring this season, while they've also had five different players score 20-or-more points in a game this year. James Thompson IV leads the Green and White at 15.0 points per game, followed by Raven Lee (14.7 ppg), Willie Mangum IV (12.1 ppg), Ty Toney (11.7 ppg) and Brandon Nazione (10.0 ppg). Each of those five Eagles have scored 20-plus points on multiple occasions this season.
FIGHTING FOR A HOME GAME: The Eastern Michigan men's basketball team is currently holding the No.9 seed for the 2016 Mid-American Conference Men's Basketball Tournament, however, the Eagles are still vying for a home game in the first round of the tournament. Currently holding a 7-9 record, EMU trail Northern Illinois and Toledo, who hold the seven and eight seeds, by just a single game. With a pair of victories this week, the Green and White could ensure a home game, while the Eagles would need some help if they split. For the entire MAC Tournament outlook, turn to page 13 of these notes.
BECOMING LEGENDARY: Although he is just a freshman at Eastern Michigan, James Thompson IV has already begun what could be a legendary career at EMU. The Baton Rouge, La. native broke his teammate, Raven Lee's, freshman record of points scored by putting up 20 in the Eagles' victory over Kent State, Feb. 13. To this point, Thompson has racked up 436 points, distancing himself from Lee's former record of 380.
TALK ABOUT EFFICIENCY: EMU redshirt junior Raven Lee has been the poster boy for offensive efficiency coming off of the bench this season. The Detroit, Mich. native is averaging the second most points on the team (14.7 ppg), but is playing just 23.5 minutes per contest. The 6-foot-3 combo guard is posting a point every 96 seconds.
YOUNG BLOOD: It does not come as a shock to see James Thompson IV as one of the top freshmen in EMU laurels. Posting 16 double-doubles this season, the Baton Rouge, La. native has already made his mark in the Eastern Michigan record books. The 16 double-doubles are seventh-most recorded all-time in EMU history. In addition, Thompson has 306 rebounds this year, which puts him ninth in a single season in EMU history. On his current rebounding pace of 10.6 per game, at the end of the 2015-16 regular season, Thompson would accumulate 321 prior to the MAC Tournament. That rebounding number would give the 6-foot-10 center the sixth-most rebounds in EMU single season history.
HEADING TO THE CHARITY STRIPE: At 754 free throw attempts, the Eagles are second in the Mid-American Conference in that category, while also ranking 19th in the nation. In addition, the Green and White is connecting on free throws at a 72.1 percent clip. That number ranks as the second best all-time in a single season at EMU. However, the Eagles free throw percentage has been trending upwards since MAC play started, connecting on 75.7 percent in conference action. In addition, the Eagles have converted on 544 free throw attempts. Those makes are the fifth-most in a single season in EMU history. The Green and White need just 17 more free throw makes to tie the all-time record of 561.
FRESHMAN PHENOM: EMU's James Thompson IV is making a push to be the Mid-American Conference Freshman of the Year. Thompson is the only freshman in the conference who ranks in the top-20 in scoring, being ninth (15.0 ppg), while he is also leading the conference in rebounds (10.6 rpg) as the only freshman in the top-20 in that category as well. In addition, the Baton Rouge, La. product is third in the MAC in blocked shots (1.5 bpg) and first in field goal percentage (65.4 percent). On top of those gaudy numbers, he is the only student-athlete in the MAC to average a double-double. Not only is Thompson making waves in the Mid-American Conference, but his statistics have shown up in the national rankings as well. Currently, Thompson is fifth in the nation in field goal percentage, while he ranks 11th in rebounds per game and 10th in total rebounds (294). His 16 double-doubles rank 11th and his 4.5 offensive rebounds per game are good for third nationally.
STEALING THEIR WAY TO THE TOP: Currently, EMU has 273 steals on the season. That is just 33 shy of the all-time Eastern Michigan single season record. At their current pace (9.4 spg), which would mark a single season record, the Eagles are set to amass 291 steals, which would put them at third all-time.
THE DIFFERENCE A YEAR MAKES: A season ago, senior Brandon Nazione averaged just 3.6 points per game, while pulling down just 3.5 rebounds per contest. In addition, the Howell, Mich. native converted shots at a 39.6 percent clip. EMU was not even half way through the 2015-16 season and Nazione had recorded more field goal makes than a year ago. In addition, he is hitting shots at a 55.7 percent clip, while averaging nearly three times as many points per game (10.0) and twice as many rebounds per contest (6.3).
KING OF THIEVES: The Eagles not only lead the Mid-American Conference in steals per game (9.4), but the Green and White are fourth in the NCAA in that category, while also ranking seventh in total steals (263).
TIC-TAC-TURNOVER: Although Eastern Michigan averages 13 turnovers per game, which ranks 197th in the country, EMU is 16th in the nation in turnover margin at a +3.2 difference. The Green and White force the opposition into 16.2 turnovers per contest which ranks as the 11th-most of any defense in the country.
ONE OF THE BEST IN THE MAC: EMU's Raven Lee has made his stamp not only in the Eastern Michigan history books, but he has one of the best careers of any active player in the Mid-American Conference. Currently, the Detroit, Mich. native is third in scoring (1,347 pts) by any active player in the conference. Just Central Michigan's Chris Fowler (1,667) and Toledo's Nathan Boothe (1,433) rank ahead of Eastern's redshirt junior.
THAT DIDN'T TAKE LONG: Head Coach Rob Murphy is in his fifth season at the helm of the Eastern Michigan men's basketball program. Since taking over prior to the 2011-12 season, Murphy has amassed 88 wins which is the fourth-most by an EMU coach. Murphy is now 39 wins shy of James D. Dutcher for the third-most in school history.
SCORING FROM EVERYWHERE: Eastern Michigan's offense has taken a significant step up from previous years, averaging 78.2 points per game this season, good for third-best in the Mid-American Conference. A large part of that has to do with the fact that the Eagles are not a one or two man offensive operation. EMU is the only team in the conference with five players averaging double-digits in scoring this season, while they've also had five different players score 20-or-more points in a game this year. James Thompson IV leads the Green and White at 15.0 points per game, followed by Raven Lee (14.7 ppg), Willie Mangum IV (12.1 ppg), Ty Toney (11.7 ppg) and Brandon Nazione (10.0 ppg). Each of those five Eagles have scored 20-plus points on multiple occasions this season.
FIGHTING FOR A HOME GAME: The Eastern Michigan men's basketball team is currently holding the No.9 seed for the 2016 Mid-American Conference Men's Basketball Tournament, however, the Eagles are still vying for a home game in the first round of the tournament. Currently holding a 7-9 record, EMU trail Northern Illinois and Toledo, who hold the seven and eight seeds, by just a single game. With a pair of victories this week, the Green and White could ensure a home game, while the Eagles would need some help if they split. For the entire MAC Tournament outlook, turn to page 13 of these notes.
BECOMING LEGENDARY: Although he is just a freshman at Eastern Michigan, James Thompson IV has already begun what could be a legendary career at EMU. The Baton Rouge, La. native broke his teammate, Raven Lee's, freshman record of points scored by putting up 20 in the Eagles' victory over Kent State, Feb. 13. To this point, Thompson has racked up 436 points, distancing himself from Lee's former record of 380.
TALK ABOUT EFFICIENCY: EMU redshirt junior Raven Lee has been the poster boy for offensive efficiency coming off of the bench this season. The Detroit, Mich. native is averaging the second most points on the team (14.7 ppg), but is playing just 23.5 minutes per contest. The 6-foot-3 combo guard is posting a point every 96 seconds.
YOUNG BLOOD: It does not come as a shock to see James Thompson IV as one of the top freshmen in EMU laurels. Posting 16 double-doubles this season, the Baton Rouge, La. native has already made his mark in the Eastern Michigan record books. The 16 double-doubles are seventh-most recorded all-time in EMU history. In addition, Thompson has 306 rebounds this year, which puts him ninth in a single season in EMU history. On his current rebounding pace of 10.6 per game, at the end of the 2015-16 regular season, Thompson would accumulate 321 prior to the MAC Tournament. That rebounding number would give the 6-foot-10 center the sixth-most rebounds in EMU single season history.
HEADING TO THE CHARITY STRIPE: At 754 free throw attempts, the Eagles are second in the Mid-American Conference in that category, while also ranking 19th in the nation. In addition, the Green and White is connecting on free throws at a 72.1 percent clip. That number ranks as the second best all-time in a single season at EMU. However, the Eagles free throw percentage has been trending upwards since MAC play started, connecting on 75.7 percent in conference action. In addition, the Eagles have converted on 544 free throw attempts. Those makes are the fifth-most in a single season in EMU history. The Green and White need just 17 more free throw makes to tie the all-time record of 561.
FRESHMAN PHENOM: EMU's James Thompson IV is making a push to be the Mid-American Conference Freshman of the Year. Thompson is the only freshman in the conference who ranks in the top-20 in scoring, being ninth (15.0 ppg), while he is also leading the conference in rebounds (10.6 rpg) as the only freshman in the top-20 in that category as well. In addition, the Baton Rouge, La. product is third in the MAC in blocked shots (1.5 bpg) and first in field goal percentage (65.4 percent). On top of those gaudy numbers, he is the only student-athlete in the MAC to average a double-double. Not only is Thompson making waves in the Mid-American Conference, but his statistics have shown up in the national rankings as well. Currently, Thompson is fifth in the nation in field goal percentage, while he ranks 11th in rebounds per game and 10th in total rebounds (294). His 16 double-doubles rank 11th and his 4.5 offensive rebounds per game are good for third nationally.
STEALING THEIR WAY TO THE TOP: Currently, EMU has 273 steals on the season. That is just 33 shy of the all-time Eastern Michigan single season record. At their current pace (9.4 spg), which would mark a single season record, the Eagles are set to amass 291 steals, which would put them at third all-time.
THE DIFFERENCE A YEAR MAKES: A season ago, senior Brandon Nazione averaged just 3.6 points per game, while pulling down just 3.5 rebounds per contest. In addition, the Howell, Mich. native converted shots at a 39.6 percent clip. EMU was not even half way through the 2015-16 season and Nazione had recorded more field goal makes than a year ago. In addition, he is hitting shots at a 55.7 percent clip, while averaging nearly three times as many points per game (10.0) and twice as many rebounds per contest (6.3).
KING OF THIEVES: The Eagles not only lead the Mid-American Conference in steals per game (9.4), but the Green and White are fourth in the NCAA in that category, while also ranking seventh in total steals (263).
TIC-TAC-TURNOVER: Although Eastern Michigan averages 13 turnovers per game, which ranks 197th in the country, EMU is 16th in the nation in turnover margin at a +3.2 difference. The Green and White force the opposition into 16.2 turnovers per contest which ranks as the 11th-most of any defense in the country.
ONE OF THE BEST IN THE MAC: EMU's Raven Lee has made his stamp not only in the Eastern Michigan history books, but he has one of the best careers of any active player in the Mid-American Conference. Currently, the Detroit, Mich. native is third in scoring (1,347 pts) by any active player in the conference. Just Central Michigan's Chris Fowler (1,667) and Toledo's Nathan Boothe (1,433) rank ahead of Eastern's redshirt junior.
THAT DIDN'T TAKE LONG: Head Coach Rob Murphy is in his fifth season at the helm of the Eastern Michigan men's basketball program. Since taking over prior to the 2011-12 season, Murphy has amassed 88 wins which is the fourth-most by an EMU coach. Murphy is now 39 wins shy of James D. Dutcher for the third-most in school history.
ALL-TIME COACHING RECORDS
| Rank | Coach | Years | Wins/yr. | Record |
| 1. | Ben Braun | 1986-96 | 16.8/yr | 185-132 (.570) |
| 2. | Elton J. Rynearson | 1917-21; 1925-32 1935-40; 1944-46 | 8.8/yr | 160-129 (.554) |
| 3. | James D. Dutcher | 1966-72 | 21.2/yr | 127-49 (.770) |
| 4. | Rob Murphy | 2011-Present | 18.3/yr (Four-year total) | 88-77 (.527) |
| 5. | Jim Boyce | 1979-86 | 14/yr | 84-96 (.467) |
CLIMBING THE CHARTS: EMU redshirt junior guard Raven Lee continues to make his way up the all-time Eastern Michigan men's basketball scoring chart. Heading into the 2015-16 campaign, Lee had recorded 1,010 career points. The Detroit, Mich. native has accumulated 337 points during this season, totaling 1,347 for his career. That number puts him at the No. 16 spot in all-time EMU scorers. Lee now trails Marlow McClain (1979-83) for the 15th spot by 19 points.
BEST OFFENSE IN THE MAC: Since beginning Mid-American Conference play, the EMU offense has been at the top of the conference in points per game (78.6). In addition, the Eagles are connecting on 75.7 percent of their free throws which is third best in the conference. A large part of the Green and White's offensive success in MAC games has a lot to do with the Eagles' scoring trio of Raven Lee (15.4 ppg), James Thompson IV (15.5 ppg) and Ty Toney (12.7 ppg), each of which ranks in the top-20 in the conference. In addition, that trio has shot a combined 78.2 percent (216-of-276) from the free throw line since beginning conference action.
THE EERIE NUMBER 80: Since taking over the EMU men's basketball team, Head Coach Rob Murphy has prided himself on his team's defense and for good reason, considering his squad has only allowed the opposition to score 80-or-more points on 21 occasions in over five seasons. On the flip side, all but two times the Green and White have allowed 80-plus, they've ended up on the wrong side of the ledger, including 13 losses this season.
A LOOK AHEAD: Following the Tuesday contest with Northern Illinois, March 1, the Eagles head into the final game of the regular season before the 2016 Mid-American Conference Men's Basketball Tournament. EMU will close out the regular season on the road Friday, March 4, when they travel down US-23 to square off with the University of Toledo. The Eagles will look to sweep the Rockets after diffusing them in Ypsilanti, 75-70, Feb. 20, at the Convocation Center. Tipoff is slated for 7 p.m. from Savage Arena.
Players Mentioned
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