Eastern Michigan Athletics
Saturday, January 25
Convocation Center
2 p.m.
Eastern Michigan University
vs
Northern Illinois
Women's Hoops Welcomes NIU to Ypsilanti for Saturday Showdown
1/23/2020 3:30:00 PM | Women's Basketball
EMU looks to move to 4-3 in Mid-American Conference Play
| Women's Basketball vs. Northern Illinois | |
| Date | Saturday, Jan. 25 | 2 p.m. |
| Venue | Ypsilanti, Mich. | Convocation Center |
| Preview Info | EMU Notes |
| Live Stats | Fan Stats | Media Stats |
| Watch | ESPN+ |
| @EMUWBB | @EMUAthletics | |
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) -- The Eastern Michigan University women's basketball team closes out its two-game homestand when it welcomes Mid-American Conference West Division foe Northern Illinois University to the Convocation Center, Saturday, Jan. 25.
Eastern (8-9; 3-3 MAC) looks to avenge its seven-point setback, 89-82, at the hands of Central Michigan, Jan. 22. Meanwhile, Northern Illinois (5-12; 1-5 MAC) will try to notch its third consecutive victory over the Green and White.
The game will be broadcast live on ESPN+ with Tom Helmer calling the play-by-play and Greg Steiner providing analysis. Fans can also follow live stats at EMUEagles.com/livestats, or get live updates from the team's Twitter, @EMUWBB.
11-FOR-11: Redshirt junior guard Areanna Combs has been outstanding for the Eagles in the 11 games she has played this season. The Oklahoma City native has scored in double-figures in each contest, dropping a career-best 32 points against BGSU, Jan. 4. In all, Combs is averaging a team-best 18.5 points per game, an average that only two players in the MAC have outpaced this season.
Combs registered her second-career double-double in EMU's last outing, against CMU, Jan. 22. She scored 19 points and hauled in 11 boards in her effort.
A TEST IN THE WEST: Despite owning a 3-3 record in conference play, EMU is still in search of a win over a MAC West Division opponent in 2020. A win over NIU would give Eastern such a victory.
TRIPLE-DIPPER: EMU saw offensive production from a slew of players against CMU, Jan. 22. Three different Eagles scored in double figures, led by redshirt junior Areanna Combs' 19 points. Freshman Aaliyah Stanley's added 13 points of her own, while sophomore Jenna Annecchiarico had 10. The trio has now scored in double-figures in consecutive games (Jan. 18 at Buffalo), and EMU has seen double-digit performances by at-least three players in 10 of its 17 games this season.
GETTING IT DONE ON D: Eastern Michigan's high intensity defense has caused opponents fits this season as the Eagles have forced the opposition into 15+ turnovers 13 times, while picking their pockets 10+ times in four of their 17 games. EMU's 19.2 forced turnovers per game are the third-most in the MAC.
TROUBLE WITH TRAILING: Starting hot has been critical for the Eagles this season. The Eagles are 7-3 in games which they have led at the half, but 0-7 in games which they have trailed heading into the locker room. That trend is no surprise, as Fred Castro-led teams are 26-13 all-time when leading at the half, and just 9-55 when trailing at the break.
TAKING CARE OF THE BALL: Eastern's ability to protect the ball has certainly contributed to its recent success. EMU has forced 191 turnovers while only relinquishing possession on 137 occasions during its last nine games, in which it boasts a 6-3 record.
HIGH SCORING AFFAIR: Eastern put up its third-best scoring total of the season when it notched 82 points against MAC West leader Central Michigan, Jan. 22. That total is the most points the Chippewas have allowed in a conference game this season, and also marked the fourth time this season the Green and White has eclipsed the 80-point plateau. EMU has put up 80+ points 15 times during the Fred Castro era, which dates back to the 2016-17 season. The Eagles are 9-6 in those games.
THE CURSE OF THE 80s: Although it has a winning record when scoring 80 points, EMU's kryptonite has been allowing 80-or-more points in games. This season, Eastern is 0-3 when opponents hit that number. In the Fred Castro era, the team is 0-23 when an opponent scores 80-or-better.
FEEL FOR THE STEAL: Sophomore Jenna Annecchiarico has been nearly automatic when it comes to swiping the ball. The Baldwin, N.Y. native has recorded at least one steal in each of the Eagles' last 10 contests, dating back to Dec. 7, at Wichita State. She leads the team with 30 steals (1.8 spg), a number that ranks 16th in the MAC.
CRASH THE BOARDS: EMU front man Fred Castro preaches the importance of rebounding, and for good reason. The Eagles have out-rebounded opponents six times during the 2019-20 season. Their record in those games: 5-1.
LINE OR DIE: Free throws are a crucial ingredient for winning basketball games. When Eastern has more free throw attempts than its opponents, it is a perfect 6-0 on the season. When it has less attempts, the Eagles are just 2-9.
FACING THE HUSKIES: Saturday's MAC West tilt between Eastern Michigan and Northern Illinois will be the 54th meeting between the two squads all-time. EMU holds the edge, leading the series 36-17, but NIU has taken the last two meetings.
LAST TIME AGAINST NIU: A ferocious comeback effort fell short as Eastern fell to Northern, 70-60, Feb. 27, 2019. Eastern trailed by as many as 11 before pulling within two midway through the final period, but Northern Illinois hit 20-of-25 free throws to hand the Eagles a road setback.
Three Eagles finished in double digits, led by then-sophomore Courtnie Lewis' 18 points. Joining Lewis in double figures were then-redshirt sophomore Corrione Cardwell and then-freshman Natalia Pineda, who added 11 points apiece.
Eastern Michigan finished 24-of-70 from the floor, good for a 34.3 percent clip, while Northern Illinois converted 34.8 percent (23-of-66) of its shots. EMU held the advantage from distance, 32.0 to 21.1 percent, as the Eagles doubled up the Huskies with eight three-balls compared to NIU's four.
LAST WIN AGAINST NORTHERN: An incredible defensive performance in the fourth quarter fueled No. 9 Eastern to an 84-77 upset over No. 8-seed Northern Illinois, March 5, 2018, at the NIU Convocation Center. EMU (11-19, 6-12 MAC) held NIU (15-15, 7-11 MAC) without a field goal for the final four minutes to oust the Huskies from the first round of the Mid-American Conference Tournament. With the win, Eastern Michigan registered its seventh tournament win over a better-ranked opponent in program history, and its first since 2016.
Former Eagle Danielle Minott and then-freshman Courtnie Lewis poured in 22 points apiece to lead EMU as four Eagles reached double figures. One-time Eagle Micah Robinson came up clutch off the bench, scoring 15 points on 5-of-7 shooting to go along with two steals, an assist, and a block.
BACK IN #MACtion: The Green and White's 2019-20 campaign marks the 39th season Eastern Michigan will compete as a member of the Mid-American Conference. Having been a member of the Cleveland, Ohio-based league since the 1981-82 campaign, EMU has compiled a 268-360 record against conference opponents all-time.
RING CHASING: Eastern enters league play in search of its first conference championship since 2012. That year, the Eagles captured both the MAC West and MAC Tournament titles. Overall, EMU has claimed four division crowns (2004, 2006, 2008, 2012) and two tournament championships (2004, 2012).
ON THE HORIZON: Eastern hits the road for a Mid-American Conference matchup with I-75 rival the University of Toledo, Wednesday, Jan. 29 at Savage Arena. Tipoff is slated for 7 p.m.
Eastern (8-9; 3-3 MAC) looks to avenge its seven-point setback, 89-82, at the hands of Central Michigan, Jan. 22. Meanwhile, Northern Illinois (5-12; 1-5 MAC) will try to notch its third consecutive victory over the Green and White.
The game will be broadcast live on ESPN+ with Tom Helmer calling the play-by-play and Greg Steiner providing analysis. Fans can also follow live stats at EMUEagles.com/livestats, or get live updates from the team's Twitter, @EMUWBB.
11-FOR-11: Redshirt junior guard Areanna Combs has been outstanding for the Eagles in the 11 games she has played this season. The Oklahoma City native has scored in double-figures in each contest, dropping a career-best 32 points against BGSU, Jan. 4. In all, Combs is averaging a team-best 18.5 points per game, an average that only two players in the MAC have outpaced this season.
Combs registered her second-career double-double in EMU's last outing, against CMU, Jan. 22. She scored 19 points and hauled in 11 boards in her effort.
A TEST IN THE WEST: Despite owning a 3-3 record in conference play, EMU is still in search of a win over a MAC West Division opponent in 2020. A win over NIU would give Eastern such a victory.
TRIPLE-DIPPER: EMU saw offensive production from a slew of players against CMU, Jan. 22. Three different Eagles scored in double figures, led by redshirt junior Areanna Combs' 19 points. Freshman Aaliyah Stanley's added 13 points of her own, while sophomore Jenna Annecchiarico had 10. The trio has now scored in double-figures in consecutive games (Jan. 18 at Buffalo), and EMU has seen double-digit performances by at-least three players in 10 of its 17 games this season.
GETTING IT DONE ON D: Eastern Michigan's high intensity defense has caused opponents fits this season as the Eagles have forced the opposition into 15+ turnovers 13 times, while picking their pockets 10+ times in four of their 17 games. EMU's 19.2 forced turnovers per game are the third-most in the MAC.
TROUBLE WITH TRAILING: Starting hot has been critical for the Eagles this season. The Eagles are 7-3 in games which they have led at the half, but 0-7 in games which they have trailed heading into the locker room. That trend is no surprise, as Fred Castro-led teams are 26-13 all-time when leading at the half, and just 9-55 when trailing at the break.
TAKING CARE OF THE BALL: Eastern's ability to protect the ball has certainly contributed to its recent success. EMU has forced 191 turnovers while only relinquishing possession on 137 occasions during its last nine games, in which it boasts a 6-3 record.
HIGH SCORING AFFAIR: Eastern put up its third-best scoring total of the season when it notched 82 points against MAC West leader Central Michigan, Jan. 22. That total is the most points the Chippewas have allowed in a conference game this season, and also marked the fourth time this season the Green and White has eclipsed the 80-point plateau. EMU has put up 80+ points 15 times during the Fred Castro era, which dates back to the 2016-17 season. The Eagles are 9-6 in those games.
THE CURSE OF THE 80s: Although it has a winning record when scoring 80 points, EMU's kryptonite has been allowing 80-or-more points in games. This season, Eastern is 0-3 when opponents hit that number. In the Fred Castro era, the team is 0-23 when an opponent scores 80-or-better.
FEEL FOR THE STEAL: Sophomore Jenna Annecchiarico has been nearly automatic when it comes to swiping the ball. The Baldwin, N.Y. native has recorded at least one steal in each of the Eagles' last 10 contests, dating back to Dec. 7, at Wichita State. She leads the team with 30 steals (1.8 spg), a number that ranks 16th in the MAC.
CRASH THE BOARDS: EMU front man Fred Castro preaches the importance of rebounding, and for good reason. The Eagles have out-rebounded opponents six times during the 2019-20 season. Their record in those games: 5-1.
LINE OR DIE: Free throws are a crucial ingredient for winning basketball games. When Eastern has more free throw attempts than its opponents, it is a perfect 6-0 on the season. When it has less attempts, the Eagles are just 2-9.
FACING THE HUSKIES: Saturday's MAC West tilt between Eastern Michigan and Northern Illinois will be the 54th meeting between the two squads all-time. EMU holds the edge, leading the series 36-17, but NIU has taken the last two meetings.
LAST TIME AGAINST NIU: A ferocious comeback effort fell short as Eastern fell to Northern, 70-60, Feb. 27, 2019. Eastern trailed by as many as 11 before pulling within two midway through the final period, but Northern Illinois hit 20-of-25 free throws to hand the Eagles a road setback.
Three Eagles finished in double digits, led by then-sophomore Courtnie Lewis' 18 points. Joining Lewis in double figures were then-redshirt sophomore Corrione Cardwell and then-freshman Natalia Pineda, who added 11 points apiece.
Eastern Michigan finished 24-of-70 from the floor, good for a 34.3 percent clip, while Northern Illinois converted 34.8 percent (23-of-66) of its shots. EMU held the advantage from distance, 32.0 to 21.1 percent, as the Eagles doubled up the Huskies with eight three-balls compared to NIU's four.
LAST WIN AGAINST NORTHERN: An incredible defensive performance in the fourth quarter fueled No. 9 Eastern to an 84-77 upset over No. 8-seed Northern Illinois, March 5, 2018, at the NIU Convocation Center. EMU (11-19, 6-12 MAC) held NIU (15-15, 7-11 MAC) without a field goal for the final four minutes to oust the Huskies from the first round of the Mid-American Conference Tournament. With the win, Eastern Michigan registered its seventh tournament win over a better-ranked opponent in program history, and its first since 2016.
Former Eagle Danielle Minott and then-freshman Courtnie Lewis poured in 22 points apiece to lead EMU as four Eagles reached double figures. One-time Eagle Micah Robinson came up clutch off the bench, scoring 15 points on 5-of-7 shooting to go along with two steals, an assist, and a block.
BACK IN #MACtion: The Green and White's 2019-20 campaign marks the 39th season Eastern Michigan will compete as a member of the Mid-American Conference. Having been a member of the Cleveland, Ohio-based league since the 1981-82 campaign, EMU has compiled a 268-360 record against conference opponents all-time.
RING CHASING: Eastern enters league play in search of its first conference championship since 2012. That year, the Eagles captured both the MAC West and MAC Tournament titles. Overall, EMU has claimed four division crowns (2004, 2006, 2008, 2012) and two tournament championships (2004, 2012).
ON THE HORIZON: Eastern hits the road for a Mid-American Conference matchup with I-75 rival the University of Toledo, Wednesday, Jan. 29 at Savage Arena. Tipoff is slated for 7 p.m.
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