Eastern Michigan Athletics
Tuesday, December 20
Philadelphia, Pa.
3 p.m.
Eastern Michigan University
vs
James Madison
Back In Action: The Eagles will compete in the St. Joe's Classic
12/18/2022 8:04:00 PM | Women's Basketball
Eastern takes on James Madison Tuesday, Dec. 20
| Women's Basketball at St. Joe's Classic Tournament | |
| Date | Tuesday, Dec. 20 | 3 p.m. | Wednesday, Dec. 21 | TBA |
| Venue | Philadelphia, Pa. | Hagan Arena |
| Preview Info | EMU Notes (PDF) | Media Guide (PDF) |
| Live Stats | Fan Stats | Media Stats |
| Watch | ESPN+ |
| @EMUWBB | @EMUAthletics | |
PHILADELPHIA, Pa. (EMUEagles.com)- The Eastern Michigan University women's basketball team (6-2) will continue on the road, taking a trip to Philadelphia, Pa., as the team will take part in the Saint Joe's Tournament hosted by Saint Joseph's University. The Eagles are scheduled to face James Madison University Tuesday, Dec. 20, before playing the winner of the Saint Joseph's and Wright State University contest the next day, Wednesday, Dec. 21.
Tuesday's game is set to tipoff at 3 p.m. and will be broadcast on ESPN+. Fans can follow the action via live stats at EMUEagles.com/livestats. Additionally, the team's official Twitter account, @EMUWBB, will provide score updates throughout the contest.
LAST TIME OUT (XAVIER): The Eastern Michigan University women's basketball team fought back from a 32-29 deficit after the third quarter to knock off the Musketeers, 51-44, thanks to a solid defensive showing on the road Saturday, Dec. 17. Junior Ce'Nara Skanes put together her 26th career double-double with 18 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Eagles (6-2). Sophomore Lachelle Austin also tacked on nine points and three steals while sophomore ZaNiya Nelson chipped in with four points, six rebounds and two steals.The Eastern Michigan defense held Xavier shooters to only 23.8 percent from the field, including 22.2 percent from three-point range.
THE TOP DOGS: The Eagles sit atop the conference in numerous statistical categories. The team's 6.1 blocks per game leads the MAC and ranks seventh nationally. Additionally, the Green and White lead the league in free throw attempts per game (21.8), and in rebounds per game (40.3).
NUMBER ONE REJECTS: The Green and White have tallied 49 total blocks in the 2022-23 campaign (6.1 per game), placing the Eagles atop the conference and seventh in the nation. Moreover, the Eagles have recorded five or more blocks in every game this season. Tayra Eke currently holds the top spot in the league in blocks per game with 2.3 and in total blocks with 18. Her four blocks against USI, Dec. 10, are the most by an Eastern Michigan player since Becca Turney recorded five versus Ferris State University, Nov. 16, 2016.
EAGLES IN THE MAC: Four Eagles are ranked in the top 15 in various statistical categories throughout the Mid-American Conference. Holding the highest ranking for the Green and White is sophomore Tayra Eke, who ranks first in the league in blocks per game (2.25), and in total blocks (18). Sophomore Lachelle Austin's 2.5 steals per game is good for third in the conference and 56th nationally, while her 87.1 free throw percentage ranks third, her 1.15 assist to turnover ratio ranks 11th and her 3.3 assists per game ranks her 13th in the league. Senior Natalia Pineda moved to second in the league for minutes played per game (34.2), and ninth in assist-to-turnover ratio (1.5). Rounding out the group is Ce'Nara Skanes, who is fourth in the league for rebounds per game (8.6), eighth in free throw percentage (75.0), and eighth in blocks per game (1.1).
BOX-OUT: With the Green and White's 42 boards against Xavier, Dec. 17, the Eagles have recorded a total of 322 rebounds thus far. The team's 40.3 boards per game average tops the conference, while junior Ce'Nara Skane's 8.6 rebounds per game ranks fourth in the MAC.
SKANES FROM beyond THE ARC: Ce'Nara Skanes opened the contest against the Musketeers, Dec. 17, with a bucket from beyond the arc to give the Green and White an early lead. The Oklahoma native has recorded a made three-pointer in three consecutive games, earning one against North Dakota State University, Dec. 1, and two against Southern Indiana University, Dec. 10. Prior to this season, the junior had only made one trey in her career. Against Xavier, she was a perfect 2-for-2 from beyond the arc.
HALFTIME DEFICIT: Eastern Michigan faced a 17-16 halftime deficit in the win against Xavier, Dec. 17. Just the third time trailing after 20 minutes this season, the one-point disadvantage tied for the lowest for the team in a game this season. The Eagles trailed North Dakota State University by one, 30-29, after one half of play, Dec. 1, before outscoring the Bison by 19 in the second half to secure a 73-55 win.
NO-NO-NO: As a squad, the Eagles blocked a total of 10 shots at Xavier, Dec. 17. It has been 19 years since EMU has accomplished that feat, totaling 10 rejections versus the University of Akron, January, 7, 2004. Additionally, the Eagles were just one block shy of tying the program's record in the modern statistical era (since 1998-99), when the 2003-04 team blocked 11 shots at Michigan State University, Nov. 28, 2003.
SOUND THE ALARM: Eastern Michigan tallied six steals in the game with Xavier, Dec. 17. It was the team's eighth consecutive contest with five or more robberies. Additionally, Lachelle Austin's three steals gives her 18 on the season, ranking third in the MAC for steals per game (2.6). She has had a steal in every contest she has appeared in this season, but one.
ROAD WINS: Eastern Michigan is 2-0 in road games to begin the 2022-23 season. The last time the Green and White started its season with two road wins was in the 2020-21 campaign when the Eagles defeated Southern Illinois University, 65-52, Nov. 25, and Ball State University, 77-58, Dec. 2, respectively. In that year, EMU extended its road record to 3-0, beating Southeast Missouri University, 63-49, Dec. 6, before falling to Bowling Green on the road, 71-64, Dec. 11.
ALONE AT THE TOP: In just her second year as an active member of the team in 2021-22, Ce'Nara Skanes became the program's all-time leader in double-doubles with 23 following a 21-point, 10-rebound effort at Miami University, Jan. 29.
After posting 18 points and 12 rebounds against Xavier, Dec. 17, Skanes has recorded double-doubles in 26 of her 55 career games at EMU (47%), the best percentage of anyone on the 2022-23 roster. Prior to the most recent season, former Eagles Sarah VanMetre and Olivia Fouty tied for the most double-doubles in EMU history with 17.
THE BIG EAST: Following their first meeting with the Musketeers, the Eagles are 5-9 against Big East Conference members, earning three victories over Butler University, and one over Creighton University in previous seasons. Moreover, Xavier tabs as just the sixth Big East member the Green and White have faced in its 47 seasons.
YOU ONLY GET 44: Eastern's 51 points in the contest against Xavier, Dec. 17, is the lowest number of tallies the team has recorded this season. However, the Musketeers' 44 points are also the lowest number of points EMU has allowed.
UNDER 10 IN THE FIRST 10: The Eagles held the Musketeers to just six points in the first quarter of the 51-44 victory, Dec. 17. The last time the Green and White held its opponent to under 10 points in the first quarter was in the 71-49 victory over IUPUI, Nov. 23, when the Jaguars scored just seven points in the first 10 minutes of play. With today's game, the Green and White have held its opponent to under 10 in the first 10 minutes three times in eight games. Last season, the Eagles accomplished the feat just twice in 27 games.
SHUT-EM DOWN: Eastern Michigan held Xavier to only 23.8% shooting from the field. It is the fourth time this season the team has kept its opponent from shooting above 40 percent from the field. In all instances, Eastern has out-shot its competitors.
ALLOW 50 OR LESS: The Eagles are 2-0 this season in games that the defense only allows 50 or less points. Earlier in the season, the Green and White kept IUPUI to only 49 points in the victory, Nov. 23. This weekend, the team only allowed 44 Musketeer points, ranking it the lowest amount of scores allowed this season. Additiionally, the team is 22-6 when allowing 50-59 points under head coach Fred Castro.
CLOSE CONNECTIONS: John Bilello, the Assistant Director of Communications for James Madison Women's Basketball, spent time at EMU before heading to Virginia. Bilello earned his master's degree from EMU as a graduate assistant in the Communications office. During his two years at Eastern, Bilello covered both men's and women's cross country, men's and women's track and field, and oversaw communications for the lacrosse program in its first season.
ON THE HORIZON: Following the St. Joe's Classic, the team will enjoy a week of the christmas break before hosting Hillsdale College, Saturday, Dec. 28, with a 7 p.m. tipoff inside the George Gervin GameABove Center. The contest is set to be broadcast on ESPN+.
FOLLOW THE ACTION ALL SEASON LONG: Stay connected with the Eagles all season long by following @EMUWBB and @EMUAthletics on Twitter for all of the latest EMU women's basketball updates. Be sure to also follow the Green and White on Instagram, @EMUWBB.
Tuesday's game is set to tipoff at 3 p.m. and will be broadcast on ESPN+. Fans can follow the action via live stats at EMUEagles.com/livestats. Additionally, the team's official Twitter account, @EMUWBB, will provide score updates throughout the contest.
LAST TIME OUT (XAVIER): The Eastern Michigan University women's basketball team fought back from a 32-29 deficit after the third quarter to knock off the Musketeers, 51-44, thanks to a solid defensive showing on the road Saturday, Dec. 17. Junior Ce'Nara Skanes put together her 26th career double-double with 18 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Eagles (6-2). Sophomore Lachelle Austin also tacked on nine points and three steals while sophomore ZaNiya Nelson chipped in with four points, six rebounds and two steals.The Eastern Michigan defense held Xavier shooters to only 23.8 percent from the field, including 22.2 percent from three-point range.
THE TOP DOGS: The Eagles sit atop the conference in numerous statistical categories. The team's 6.1 blocks per game leads the MAC and ranks seventh nationally. Additionally, the Green and White lead the league in free throw attempts per game (21.8), and in rebounds per game (40.3).
NUMBER ONE REJECTS: The Green and White have tallied 49 total blocks in the 2022-23 campaign (6.1 per game), placing the Eagles atop the conference and seventh in the nation. Moreover, the Eagles have recorded five or more blocks in every game this season. Tayra Eke currently holds the top spot in the league in blocks per game with 2.3 and in total blocks with 18. Her four blocks against USI, Dec. 10, are the most by an Eastern Michigan player since Becca Turney recorded five versus Ferris State University, Nov. 16, 2016.
EAGLES IN THE MAC: Four Eagles are ranked in the top 15 in various statistical categories throughout the Mid-American Conference. Holding the highest ranking for the Green and White is sophomore Tayra Eke, who ranks first in the league in blocks per game (2.25), and in total blocks (18). Sophomore Lachelle Austin's 2.5 steals per game is good for third in the conference and 56th nationally, while her 87.1 free throw percentage ranks third, her 1.15 assist to turnover ratio ranks 11th and her 3.3 assists per game ranks her 13th in the league. Senior Natalia Pineda moved to second in the league for minutes played per game (34.2), and ninth in assist-to-turnover ratio (1.5). Rounding out the group is Ce'Nara Skanes, who is fourth in the league for rebounds per game (8.6), eighth in free throw percentage (75.0), and eighth in blocks per game (1.1).
BOX-OUT: With the Green and White's 42 boards against Xavier, Dec. 17, the Eagles have recorded a total of 322 rebounds thus far. The team's 40.3 boards per game average tops the conference, while junior Ce'Nara Skane's 8.6 rebounds per game ranks fourth in the MAC.
SKANES FROM beyond THE ARC: Ce'Nara Skanes opened the contest against the Musketeers, Dec. 17, with a bucket from beyond the arc to give the Green and White an early lead. The Oklahoma native has recorded a made three-pointer in three consecutive games, earning one against North Dakota State University, Dec. 1, and two against Southern Indiana University, Dec. 10. Prior to this season, the junior had only made one trey in her career. Against Xavier, she was a perfect 2-for-2 from beyond the arc.
HALFTIME DEFICIT: Eastern Michigan faced a 17-16 halftime deficit in the win against Xavier, Dec. 17. Just the third time trailing after 20 minutes this season, the one-point disadvantage tied for the lowest for the team in a game this season. The Eagles trailed North Dakota State University by one, 30-29, after one half of play, Dec. 1, before outscoring the Bison by 19 in the second half to secure a 73-55 win.
NO-NO-NO: As a squad, the Eagles blocked a total of 10 shots at Xavier, Dec. 17. It has been 19 years since EMU has accomplished that feat, totaling 10 rejections versus the University of Akron, January, 7, 2004. Additionally, the Eagles were just one block shy of tying the program's record in the modern statistical era (since 1998-99), when the 2003-04 team blocked 11 shots at Michigan State University, Nov. 28, 2003.
SOUND THE ALARM: Eastern Michigan tallied six steals in the game with Xavier, Dec. 17. It was the team's eighth consecutive contest with five or more robberies. Additionally, Lachelle Austin's three steals gives her 18 on the season, ranking third in the MAC for steals per game (2.6). She has had a steal in every contest she has appeared in this season, but one.
ROAD WINS: Eastern Michigan is 2-0 in road games to begin the 2022-23 season. The last time the Green and White started its season with two road wins was in the 2020-21 campaign when the Eagles defeated Southern Illinois University, 65-52, Nov. 25, and Ball State University, 77-58, Dec. 2, respectively. In that year, EMU extended its road record to 3-0, beating Southeast Missouri University, 63-49, Dec. 6, before falling to Bowling Green on the road, 71-64, Dec. 11.
ALONE AT THE TOP: In just her second year as an active member of the team in 2021-22, Ce'Nara Skanes became the program's all-time leader in double-doubles with 23 following a 21-point, 10-rebound effort at Miami University, Jan. 29.
After posting 18 points and 12 rebounds against Xavier, Dec. 17, Skanes has recorded double-doubles in 26 of her 55 career games at EMU (47%), the best percentage of anyone on the 2022-23 roster. Prior to the most recent season, former Eagles Sarah VanMetre and Olivia Fouty tied for the most double-doubles in EMU history with 17.
THE BIG EAST: Following their first meeting with the Musketeers, the Eagles are 5-9 against Big East Conference members, earning three victories over Butler University, and one over Creighton University in previous seasons. Moreover, Xavier tabs as just the sixth Big East member the Green and White have faced in its 47 seasons.
YOU ONLY GET 44: Eastern's 51 points in the contest against Xavier, Dec. 17, is the lowest number of tallies the team has recorded this season. However, the Musketeers' 44 points are also the lowest number of points EMU has allowed.
UNDER 10 IN THE FIRST 10: The Eagles held the Musketeers to just six points in the first quarter of the 51-44 victory, Dec. 17. The last time the Green and White held its opponent to under 10 points in the first quarter was in the 71-49 victory over IUPUI, Nov. 23, when the Jaguars scored just seven points in the first 10 minutes of play. With today's game, the Green and White have held its opponent to under 10 in the first 10 minutes three times in eight games. Last season, the Eagles accomplished the feat just twice in 27 games.
SHUT-EM DOWN: Eastern Michigan held Xavier to only 23.8% shooting from the field. It is the fourth time this season the team has kept its opponent from shooting above 40 percent from the field. In all instances, Eastern has out-shot its competitors.
ALLOW 50 OR LESS: The Eagles are 2-0 this season in games that the defense only allows 50 or less points. Earlier in the season, the Green and White kept IUPUI to only 49 points in the victory, Nov. 23. This weekend, the team only allowed 44 Musketeer points, ranking it the lowest amount of scores allowed this season. Additiionally, the team is 22-6 when allowing 50-59 points under head coach Fred Castro.
CLOSE CONNECTIONS: John Bilello, the Assistant Director of Communications for James Madison Women's Basketball, spent time at EMU before heading to Virginia. Bilello earned his master's degree from EMU as a graduate assistant in the Communications office. During his two years at Eastern, Bilello covered both men's and women's cross country, men's and women's track and field, and oversaw communications for the lacrosse program in its first season.
ON THE HORIZON: Following the St. Joe's Classic, the team will enjoy a week of the christmas break before hosting Hillsdale College, Saturday, Dec. 28, with a 7 p.m. tipoff inside the George Gervin GameABove Center. The contest is set to be broadcast on ESPN+.
FOLLOW THE ACTION ALL SEASON LONG: Stay connected with the Eagles all season long by following @EMUWBB and @EMUAthletics on Twitter for all of the latest EMU women's basketball updates. Be sure to also follow the Green and White on Instagram, @EMUWBB.
Players Mentioned
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