Eastern Michigan Athletics
Wednesday, January 4
Ypsilanti, Mich.
7 p.m.
Eastern Michigan University
vs
Miami
Back In Action: Women's Hoops Opens MAC Play Hosting Miami RedHawks
1/2/2023 11:51:00 AM | Women's Basketball
The contest is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 3
| Women's Basketball vs. Miami | |
| Date | Wednesday, Jan. 4 | 7 p.m. |
| Venue | Ypsilanti, Mich. | George Gervin GameAbove Center |
| Preview Info | EMU Notes (PDF) | Media Guide (PDF) | Digital Game Program |
| Live Stats | Fan Stats | Media Stats |
| Watch | ESPN+ | Ryan Wooley (pxp), Lexi Ayala (analyst) |
| Listen | WEMU (89.1 WEMU-FM) | The Varsity Network App | Eastern Insider Podcast |
| @EMUWBB | @EMUAthletics | |
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com)-The Eastern Michigan University women's basketball team will open Mid-American Conference play by playing host to the RedHawks of Miami University, Wednesday, Jan. 4, inside the George Gervin GameAbove Center.
EMU looks for its third consecutive win after defeating Hillsdale College, 76-61, Dec. 28. The Eagles' (8-3, 0-0 MAC) defense held Hillsdale to only 39.6-percent shooting from the field. Meanwhile, Miami (5-8, 0-0 MAC) is coming off an 80-31, victory over Tiffin University, Dec. 31 for their fifth overall win of the season.
Wednesday's game is set to tip off at 7 p.m. and will be broadcast on ESPN+. Ryan Wooley (play-by-play), and Lexi Ayala (analyst) will have the call. It will also be broadcast live on WEMU (89.1FM) and the Varsity Network app with Tom Helmer, the Voice of Eastern Michigan Athletics, and Alex Jewell on the call. 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.
EAGLES IN THE MAC: Four Eagles remain ranked in the top 10 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 (1.91), and in total blocks (21). Additionally, her 7.2 rebounds per game is good for sixth. Sophomore Lachelle Austin's 2.0 steals per game is good for fifth in the conference while her 82.1 free throw percentage ranks fourth. Senior Natalia Pineda shares the No. 8 spot in blocks per game with junior Ce'Nara Skanes, who both record at least one rejection per game. Skanes' 7.5 rebounds per game ranks her fifth in the league while her 75.0 free throw percentage ranks ninth.
THE TOP DOGS: The Eagles sit atop the conference in three statistical categories. The team's 5.7 blocks per game leads the MAC and ranks eighth nationally, while the team's 40.36 rebounds per game also leads the league and ranks 72nd in the nation. With its 3.8 rebounding margin, the Eagles rank 104th in the nation.
BACK IN #MACTION: The Green and White's 2022-23 campaign marks the 42nd season Eastern Michigan will compete as a member of the Mid-American Conference. Playing a league schedule since the 1981-82 campaign, EMU has compiled a 299-391 record against conference opponents all-time. The Green and White look for its 300th program conference win.
EMU IN MAC OPENERS: Eastern Michigan opens its 42nd Mid-American Conference slate Wednesday, Jan. 4, versus Miami University.
The Green and White are 19-22 all-time in league openers dating back to 1981-82. EMU has won 13 of the last 20 MAC-opening tilts going back to the 2002-03 season, the most recent of which was a 77-58 dismantling of Ball State a season ago, Dec. 2.
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.
As a program, EMU has claimed four division crowns (2004, 2006, 2008, 2012) and two tournament championships (2004, 2012).
CLEAN-UP CREW: With the Green and White's 44 total boards against Hillsdale, Dec. 28, the Eagles have collected 444 total rebounds in the 11 games played this season, an improvement from the previous campaign. This season's team's 40.36 rebounds per game leads the MAC and ranks 72nd in the nation. Through 11 games last season, EMU averaged 32.73 rebounds.
HOW NICE TO BE HOME: The Eagles played their last non-conference game of the season, Dec. 28, with a 76-61 vicory over Hillsdale College. The seven total non-conference home games were the most for the program in a decade, when it played seven non-conference home games during the 2012-13 campaign. Eastern Michigan went 3-1 in its non-league home games one season ago and topped that record with a 5-2 start at home to begin the 2022-23 campaign. Prior to the loss against UND, Dec. 4, and USI, Dec. 10, this season marked the fifth in the last 10 years that EMU was 4-0 at home to begin a season.
LAST TIME OUT: Sophomore Lachelle Austin and senior Irekpitan Ozzy-Momodu both recorded double-doubles to help lead EMU over the Hillsdale College Chargers, 76-61, Dec. 28. The double-double efforts by Austin, who had 11 points and 12 rebounds, and Ozzy-Momodu, who had 11 points and 11 rebounds, led the Eagles in the contest. Junior Ce'Nara Skanes paced the Eastern scoring effort with 23 points, while adding in seven rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Ozzy-Momodu pulled down seven offensive rebounds to lead a scoring unit that racked up 10 second-chance points on 15 offensive rebounds. EMU's defense held Hillsdale to only 39.6-percent shooting from the field.
NUMBER 1 REJECTS: The Green and White have led the MAC in blocks per game throughout the entirety of the season. Tallying 63 total blocks in the 11 games played so far, the Eagles are top 10 in the nation for blocks per game (5.8), holding the eigth spot. Moreover, the Eagles have recorded five or more blocks in all but two games this season. Tayra Eke continues to hold the top spot in the league in blocks per game with 1.9 and in total blocks with 21. 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.
SHUT-EM DOWN: The Eagles held the Chargers to only 39.6 percent shooting from the field in the victory, Dec. 28. It was the sixth 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. Additionally, EMU is 57-16 under Head Coach Fred Castro when outshooting its opponent.
SKANES FROM beyond THE ARC: Ce'Nara Skanes led the Eagles with a game and season-high 23 points, Dec. 28. Additionally, Skanes had a career-high four triples against the Chargers. The Oklahoma native has recorded a made three-pointer in consecutive games, earning one against Wright State University, Dec. 21. Prior to this season, the junior had only made one trey in her career. This season, Skanes is 11-for-37 in three pointers (29.7%).
Furthermore, Skanes' four made triples are the most by an EMU front court player (forward/center) since former Eagle Olivia Fouty hit the same number in a game against Butler University, Nov. 13, 2013.
DOUBLE-DIGIT SCORERS: EMU had four players in double digit points against the Chargers, Dec. 28. It was the eighth game in which the team has registered three or more players in double figures and the fifth with four players in double digits this season.
TREY'S ON TREY'S: Eastern Michigan lit it up from three point land, knocking down eight treys in the game, Dec. 28. The eight makes ties for the team's season high in triples, doing so on two other occasions (vs. North Dakota State, Dec. 1, and vs. North Dakota, Dec. 4.
EIGHT IS GREAT: A total of eight players scored all of Eastern's points in the victory over Hillsdale, Dec. 28. With this effort, it was the fourth game the Eagles have had eight different players score in a single game this season with the highest being nine Eagles against James Madison University, Dec. 20.
HALFTIME LEADERS: The Eagles built a three-point lead by halftime in the contest against Hillsdale, Dec. 28. It marked the sixth game in which the Eagles have led their opponents heading into halftime this season.
TWO DOUBLE-DOUBLES W/ CHEESE: Two Eagles earned double-doubles in the victory over Hillsdale, Dec. 28. It was the first time two Eagles recorded the feat in the same contest since the Green and White defeated IUPUI, Nov. 23. In that game, Tayra Eke tabbed her first collegiate double-double with 15 points and 11 boards, while Ce'Nara Skanes added her 25th career double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds.
A BETTER START: With only seven wins the season before, the Eagles are off to a better start with an 8-3 non-conference record before starting MAC play in January. The team's eight non-conference victories are the most for the program ahead of conference play since the 2015-16 campaign when the Eagles won nine.
SCOUTING MIAMI: The RedHawks are 5-8 to begin the 2022-23 campaign, and are coming off an 80-31 victory over Tiffin University, Dec. 31. Averaging 68.2 points and 34.3 rebounds, Miami ranks 10th in the league. Their top scorer, Ivy Wolf has played all 13 games, averaging 17.5 points per game.
ALL-TIME AGAINST THE REDHAWKS: Wednesday's matchup will mark the 66th meeting between Eastern Michigan and Miami. The RedHawks lead the all-time series, 42-23. However, EMU has won the last four battles and come out on top in six of the last 10 games.
LAST TIME AGAINST THE REDHAWKS: EMU escaped Miami for the home victory, 70-61, Feb. 16, inside the George Gervin GameAbove Center. The Eagles were led by former Eagle Areanna Combs with 19 points, hitting 7-of-16 shots from the field. Additionally, Danielle Rainey added 14 points, while Ce'Nara Skanes tacked on 10. Natalia Pineda paced the team in assists with three.
ON THE HORIZON: Following the conference matchup with Miami, the Green and White will hit the road for the first time in 2023, traveling to Bowling Green, Ohio, to take on the Falcons of Bowling Green State University Saturday, Jan. 7 The game is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m.
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.
EMU looks for its third consecutive win after defeating Hillsdale College, 76-61, Dec. 28. The Eagles' (8-3, 0-0 MAC) defense held Hillsdale to only 39.6-percent shooting from the field. Meanwhile, Miami (5-8, 0-0 MAC) is coming off an 80-31, victory over Tiffin University, Dec. 31 for their fifth overall win of the season.
Wednesday's game is set to tip off at 7 p.m. and will be broadcast on ESPN+. Ryan Wooley (play-by-play), and Lexi Ayala (analyst) will have the call. It will also be broadcast live on WEMU (89.1FM) and the Varsity Network app with Tom Helmer, the Voice of Eastern Michigan Athletics, and Alex Jewell on the call. 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.
EAGLES IN THE MAC: Four Eagles remain ranked in the top 10 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 (1.91), and in total blocks (21). Additionally, her 7.2 rebounds per game is good for sixth. Sophomore Lachelle Austin's 2.0 steals per game is good for fifth in the conference while her 82.1 free throw percentage ranks fourth. Senior Natalia Pineda shares the No. 8 spot in blocks per game with junior Ce'Nara Skanes, who both record at least one rejection per game. Skanes' 7.5 rebounds per game ranks her fifth in the league while her 75.0 free throw percentage ranks ninth.
THE TOP DOGS: The Eagles sit atop the conference in three statistical categories. The team's 5.7 blocks per game leads the MAC and ranks eighth nationally, while the team's 40.36 rebounds per game also leads the league and ranks 72nd in the nation. With its 3.8 rebounding margin, the Eagles rank 104th in the nation.
BACK IN #MACTION: The Green and White's 2022-23 campaign marks the 42nd season Eastern Michigan will compete as a member of the Mid-American Conference. Playing a league schedule since the 1981-82 campaign, EMU has compiled a 299-391 record against conference opponents all-time. The Green and White look for its 300th program conference win.
EMU IN MAC OPENERS: Eastern Michigan opens its 42nd Mid-American Conference slate Wednesday, Jan. 4, versus Miami University.
The Green and White are 19-22 all-time in league openers dating back to 1981-82. EMU has won 13 of the last 20 MAC-opening tilts going back to the 2002-03 season, the most recent of which was a 77-58 dismantling of Ball State a season ago, Dec. 2.
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.
As a program, EMU has claimed four division crowns (2004, 2006, 2008, 2012) and two tournament championships (2004, 2012).
CLEAN-UP CREW: With the Green and White's 44 total boards against Hillsdale, Dec. 28, the Eagles have collected 444 total rebounds in the 11 games played this season, an improvement from the previous campaign. This season's team's 40.36 rebounds per game leads the MAC and ranks 72nd in the nation. Through 11 games last season, EMU averaged 32.73 rebounds.
HOW NICE TO BE HOME: The Eagles played their last non-conference game of the season, Dec. 28, with a 76-61 vicory over Hillsdale College. The seven total non-conference home games were the most for the program in a decade, when it played seven non-conference home games during the 2012-13 campaign. Eastern Michigan went 3-1 in its non-league home games one season ago and topped that record with a 5-2 start at home to begin the 2022-23 campaign. Prior to the loss against UND, Dec. 4, and USI, Dec. 10, this season marked the fifth in the last 10 years that EMU was 4-0 at home to begin a season.
LAST TIME OUT: Sophomore Lachelle Austin and senior Irekpitan Ozzy-Momodu both recorded double-doubles to help lead EMU over the Hillsdale College Chargers, 76-61, Dec. 28. The double-double efforts by Austin, who had 11 points and 12 rebounds, and Ozzy-Momodu, who had 11 points and 11 rebounds, led the Eagles in the contest. Junior Ce'Nara Skanes paced the Eastern scoring effort with 23 points, while adding in seven rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Ozzy-Momodu pulled down seven offensive rebounds to lead a scoring unit that racked up 10 second-chance points on 15 offensive rebounds. EMU's defense held Hillsdale to only 39.6-percent shooting from the field.
NUMBER 1 REJECTS: The Green and White have led the MAC in blocks per game throughout the entirety of the season. Tallying 63 total blocks in the 11 games played so far, the Eagles are top 10 in the nation for blocks per game (5.8), holding the eigth spot. Moreover, the Eagles have recorded five or more blocks in all but two games this season. Tayra Eke continues to hold the top spot in the league in blocks per game with 1.9 and in total blocks with 21. 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.
SHUT-EM DOWN: The Eagles held the Chargers to only 39.6 percent shooting from the field in the victory, Dec. 28. It was the sixth 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. Additionally, EMU is 57-16 under Head Coach Fred Castro when outshooting its opponent.
SKANES FROM beyond THE ARC: Ce'Nara Skanes led the Eagles with a game and season-high 23 points, Dec. 28. Additionally, Skanes had a career-high four triples against the Chargers. The Oklahoma native has recorded a made three-pointer in consecutive games, earning one against Wright State University, Dec. 21. Prior to this season, the junior had only made one trey in her career. This season, Skanes is 11-for-37 in three pointers (29.7%).
Furthermore, Skanes' four made triples are the most by an EMU front court player (forward/center) since former Eagle Olivia Fouty hit the same number in a game against Butler University, Nov. 13, 2013.
DOUBLE-DIGIT SCORERS: EMU had four players in double digit points against the Chargers, Dec. 28. It was the eighth game in which the team has registered three or more players in double figures and the fifth with four players in double digits this season.
TREY'S ON TREY'S: Eastern Michigan lit it up from three point land, knocking down eight treys in the game, Dec. 28. The eight makes ties for the team's season high in triples, doing so on two other occasions (vs. North Dakota State, Dec. 1, and vs. North Dakota, Dec. 4.
EIGHT IS GREAT: A total of eight players scored all of Eastern's points in the victory over Hillsdale, Dec. 28. With this effort, it was the fourth game the Eagles have had eight different players score in a single game this season with the highest being nine Eagles against James Madison University, Dec. 20.
HALFTIME LEADERS: The Eagles built a three-point lead by halftime in the contest against Hillsdale, Dec. 28. It marked the sixth game in which the Eagles have led their opponents heading into halftime this season.
TWO DOUBLE-DOUBLES W/ CHEESE: Two Eagles earned double-doubles in the victory over Hillsdale, Dec. 28. It was the first time two Eagles recorded the feat in the same contest since the Green and White defeated IUPUI, Nov. 23. In that game, Tayra Eke tabbed her first collegiate double-double with 15 points and 11 boards, while Ce'Nara Skanes added her 25th career double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds.
A BETTER START: With only seven wins the season before, the Eagles are off to a better start with an 8-3 non-conference record before starting MAC play in January. The team's eight non-conference victories are the most for the program ahead of conference play since the 2015-16 campaign when the Eagles won nine.
SCOUTING MIAMI: The RedHawks are 5-8 to begin the 2022-23 campaign, and are coming off an 80-31 victory over Tiffin University, Dec. 31. Averaging 68.2 points and 34.3 rebounds, Miami ranks 10th in the league. Their top scorer, Ivy Wolf has played all 13 games, averaging 17.5 points per game.
ALL-TIME AGAINST THE REDHAWKS: Wednesday's matchup will mark the 66th meeting between Eastern Michigan and Miami. The RedHawks lead the all-time series, 42-23. However, EMU has won the last four battles and come out on top in six of the last 10 games.
LAST TIME AGAINST THE REDHAWKS: EMU escaped Miami for the home victory, 70-61, Feb. 16, inside the George Gervin GameAbove Center. The Eagles were led by former Eagle Areanna Combs with 19 points, hitting 7-of-16 shots from the field. Additionally, Danielle Rainey added 14 points, while Ce'Nara Skanes tacked on 10. Natalia Pineda paced the team in assists with three.
ON THE HORIZON: Following the conference matchup with Miami, the Green and White will hit the road for the first time in 2023, traveling to Bowling Green, Ohio, to take on the Falcons of Bowling Green State University Saturday, Jan. 7 The game is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m.
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
G
/ Women's Basketball
G
/ Women's Basketball
C
/ Women's Basketball
G
/ Women's Basketball
G
/ Women's Basketball
F
/ Women's BasketballWomen's Basketball Practice Highlights Week of Aug. 4, 2025
Sunday, August 10
Inaugural Bowling with the Eagles Event
Friday, August 08
Women's Basketball Practice Highlights Week of July 28, 2025
Friday, August 08
2025 Women's Basketball Alumni Panel
Wednesday, July 30