Eastern Michigan Athletics
Saturday, January 28
Ypsilanti, Mich.
1 p.m.
Eastern Michigan University
vs
Toledo
Back In Action: Women's Hoops Looks to Stretch Winning Streak; Hosts Toledo on Saturday
1/26/2023 4:42:00 PM | Women's Basketball
The Eagles will face the Rockets at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 28
| Women's Basketball vs. Toledo | |
| Date | Saturday, Jan. 28 | 1 p.m. |
| Venue | Ypsilanti, Mich. | George Gervin GameAbove Center |
| Preview Info | EMU Notes (PDF) | Media Guide (PDF) | Digital Game Program (PDF) |
| Live Stats | Fan Stats | Media Stats |
| Watch | ESPN3 | Ryan Wooley (pxp), Claire Dau (analyst) |
| @EMUWBB | @EMUAthletics | |
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) – Eastern Michigan University women's basketball continues Mid-American Conference play Saturday, Jan. 28 as it hosts the University of Toledo inside the George Gervin GameAbove Center. The Eagles will face last season's MAC regular season champions, the Rockets, at 1 p.m.
The Eagles (11-7, 3-4 MAC) saw three players score in double figures in its 63-51 win at Western Michigan, Jan. 25. The team collected its second consecutive conference win of the season, while giving the Broncos their third conference loss. Meanwhile, Toledo (14-4, 5-2 MAC) is coming off an 82-63 win over Miami University (7-13, 2-5 MAC), Jan. 25.
Saturday's game will broadcast on ESPN3 with Ryan Wooley (play-by-play) and Claire Dau (analyst) on the call. Additionally, the team's official Twitter account, @EMUWBB, will provide score updates throughout the contest.
YOUTH SPORTS CLINIC: Join Eastern Women's Basketball for a Youth Sports Clinic sponsored by the Ann Arbor Sports Commission. Register your kids now for the unique opportunity to learn and play sports with our EMU student-athletes! The clinic will begin at 11:30 a.m. prior to the 1 p.m. tipoff. Sign-up through the form below as all children are welcome to participate and will receive FREE admission to the game. Clinic Form
WE'RE BACK, BABY: After a 79-66 road setback at Kent State University, Jan. 18, the Eagles have bounced back, earning consecutive conference wins. The stretch of two began with a 66-61 overtime victory against Northern Illinois University, Jan. 21, and was followed by a 63-51 road win at Western Michigan, Jan. 25. The last time the Eagles were victorious in back-to-back conference games was when it defeated Miami, 70-61 at home, Feb. 16, 2022 and then turned around and beat Central Michigan University, 83-70, on the road, Feb. 19, 2022. Additionally, the victory in Kalamazoo, Mich. broke a three-game losing streak against the Broncos and gave Fred Castro his fifth win over one of his in-state rivals.
ONE MORE STOP: Sophomore Tayra Eke added another block against WMU, Jan. 25, to bring her season total to 32 in 18 games, a team best. The Spaniard sits in first place in total blocks and second in the MAC for blocks per game, averaging 1.8. She is just one block away from cracking the single-season top-10 in EMU's record book.
A WIN WOULD: The Eagles are coming off a thrilling 63-51 victory at WMU, Jan. 25, which marked the team's third MAC win of the season. Another win on Saturday would not only give the team its fourth MAC victory, but it would also give EMU three consecutive wins and end a three-game losing streak against Toledo. Head Coach Fred Castro is 4-8 in games played against UT and looks for his fifth victory over the Rockets on Saturday.
SHUT-EM DOWN: The Eagles held the Broncos to only 29.1 percent (16-of-55) shooting from the field in EMU's victory, Jan. 25. It was the eleventh time this season the team has kept its opponent from shooting above 40 percent from the field. In all instances but two, Eastern has out-shot its competitors. The Green and White are 9-2 in games where its competitors shoot less than 40 percent from the field.
SHARP-SHOOTING SMITH: Freshman guard Olivia Smith continues to impress as she knocked down four triples in the game against Western Michigan, Jan. 25. The rookie has at least one three-point make in all but one contest this season. Additionally, with her four buckets from the three, the freshman guard has recorded three or more triples in six of her 18 collegiate games (33%), with yesterday's performance marking her third contest with four makes.
ONE-OF-TWO: Freshman guard Olivia Smith has recorded three or more triples in six of her 18 collegiate contests (33%). She is one of three "true" freshmen within the MAC to have five or more games with three or more made three-point baskets. The only other two rookies in the league to accomplish this feat are Central Michigan University's Sydney Harris, and Bridget Utberg. Harris has produced 11 games with three-plus triples while Utberg has recorded five games of the sort. Moreover, Smith, Harris, and Utberg are all one of just six freshmen across the league to have three-plus triples in a single game.
GET A HAND IN THEIR FACE: Eastern Michigan had a stellar day defensively, holding Western Michigan to 16 percent from three-point land (3-of-19). This number mark's the second-lowest three-point percentage against the EMU defense this season. The Eagles held NIU to 15.8 percent (3-of-19) from beyond the arc in its 66-61 overtime victory, Jan. 21. Moreover, this was the first time this season in which Eastern Michigan has held its opponent to 20 percent or lower from the three in consecutive games. Last season, the team held its competitors to 20 percent or worse in just one contest. In that game, the Eagles faced Grace Christian University, allowing them to shoot 20 percent from the three (4-of-20) in the 133-45 victory for EMU, Nov. 18, 2021.
THE BENCH: The Eastern Michigan bench came alive by adding 26 points to its scoring output in the win over WMU, Jan. 25. The 26 nods rank as the team's third-highest scoring total from the bench this season after the team dropped 28 against James Madison University, Dec. 20, and then its season-high 33 points at Kent State, Jan. 18. Those 33 bench points are the most for the team since it recorded 34 in a game at KSU, Jan. 8, 2020. Additionally, with its 428 total points so far, the Eastern bench has produced 288 of them, accounting for 67 percent of all EMU points this season. Last year, the bench produced 454 of the team's 1,804 total points, just over 25 percent.
BOXING OUT THE COMPETITION: Eastern Michigan had a 43-27 edge on the boards in the win, Jan. 25. It was the ninth contest this season that the Eagles have won the rebounding battle. Additionally, the 16 boards margin ties for the team's third highest marginal difference in terms of rebounds matching the 46-30 (+16) battle against Lindenwood University, Nov. 7, the 44-27 (+17) battle over Hillsdale College, and the team's high 43-20 (+23) set against Wright State University.
LOPSIDED: Eastern Michigan has been no stranger to lopsided games this year in terms of scoring margin. In Eastern's 11 wins, the Eagles have upended their competition by an average of 11.2 points per contest. That number escalated after the contest against WMU, by 0.1 points. Meanwhile, the team's seven setbacks have come by an average of 16 points. With the 66-61 win over NIU, just two games this season have been decided by five or fewer points (vs. Miami, Jan. 4). Last season, four games were decided within that margin.
THE FIRST IMPRESSION: Eastern Michigan scored 19 points in the first quarter against Western Michigan, Jan. 25. It was the 10th contest this season in which the Eagles as a team scored 15 or more points in the opening quarter. Additionally, the 19 points in the first 10 minutes of play was just three points shy of the team's high, 22 points set against Florida A&M, Nov. 19, and Hillsdale College, Dec. 28.
SOUND THE ALARM: EMU had a total of seven steals in the game against Western Michigan, Jan. 25. With this occurrence, it was the 13th time this season in 18 total games that Eastern Michigan has had at least five steals.
TEAM WORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK: Eastern Michigan finished the contest against WMU with 13 total assists, Jan. 25. It marked the 13th time this season that the Green and White have notched 10+ helpers (72%). That number is a noticeable improvement over last season's clip. EMU recorded 10 or more assists in just 10 games last year (37% of its total contests).
SKANES' RESUME: Junior Ce'Nara Skanes has had quite an impression on not only the Mid-American Conference but the entire NCAA Division-I. With her 28 career double-doubles, Skanes ranks tied for 26th among all active D-I women's basketball players. Additionally, she is second among the MAC with NIU's A'Jah Davis ranking 12th with 43 career double-doubles. Davis secured her 42nd career double-double against EMU, Jan. 21, scoring 21 points and 13 rebounds. Taking it one step further, Skanes is just one of 12 players from a "Group of Five" institution among the top-25 in the nation.
BUILDING A BETTER WALL: EMU has registered a total of 89 blocks in the 18 games played (4.9 blocks per game). A season ago, the Green and White earned 88 blocks in 27 games (3.3 blocks per game). Not only did the Eagles surpass the previous season's total in almost half the amount of games, but they are on pace to have the most successful blocking average in program history.
KEEP THE BLOCK PARTY GOING: Tallying 89 total blocks in the 18 games played so far, the Eagles are 19th in the nation for blocks per game (4.9) and second in the MAC. Eastern Michigan's 4.9 blocks per game is on pace to be a program record. The Eagles' 2009-10 squad currently hold the top spot. That season, the Green and White averaged 4.2 swats per game.
BOARD GAMES: The addition of sophomore Tayra Eke along with 500-Rebounds Club member Ce'Nara Skanes has made quite the impact on the defensive rebounds count for Eastern Michigan. This season, the team has recorded 491 defensive boards in 18 games (27.3 rpg) with help from Eke (83), and Skanes (97). Last season, the Green and White collected 685 defensive rebounds in 27 games (25.4 rpg). The Eagles are on pace to top the previous season's defensive rebounding average.
Moreover, EMU is out-rebounding its opponents 705-637 in the 2022-23 campaign. Last season, the Eagles lost the rebounding battle 1,029-1,008. Additionally, the team's 39.2 rebounds per game leads the MAC.
EAGLES IN THE MAC: Four Eagles rank in various statistical categories throughout the MAC. Holding the highest ranking for the Green and White is sophomore Tayra Eke, who is second in the league in blocks per game (1.8). Her 32 blocks this season remains strong in the top spot in the MAC and 42nd in the nation. Additionally, Eke's 6.7 rebounds per game is good for eighth in the league. Freshman Olivia Smith ranks 10th in the MAC in three-pointers per game (1.9) while sophomore Lachelle Austin's 1.9 steals per game is good for eighth in the conference. Junior Ce'Nara Skanes' 8.1 rebounds per game ranks her fourth in the league and her 1.0 blocks per game ranks her ninth.
SCOUTING TOLEDO: UT is 14-4 overall and 5-2 in the MAC this season. The Rockets are coming off a 82-63 triumph over Miami University, Jan. 25. Prior to the home victory, Toledo enjoyed a 76-63 victory over the University of Akron, Jan. 21. A good defensive team, UT leads the league in Three-Point Percentage Defense (28.6) and ranks second in the MAC in defensive rebounds (28.1). Capitalizing on Toledo turnovers would benefit EMU as the Rockets rank second in the league in most turnovers averaging 13.0 per game. Leading the Ohio-based school offensively is senior Quinesha Lockett who ranks fifth in the MAC in both points and points per game while leading her team in points (17.4 pg), made field goals (6.4 pg), made threes (1.3), and made free-throws (3.3).
LAST TIME AGAINST THE ROCKETS: EMU saw a 28-point showing from the bench, but fell, 75-51, to Toledo, Feb. 26. Ce'Nara Skanes secured a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Eagles. Former Eagle Courtnie Lewis added six points and eight rebounds for the Green and White in her last appearance at home, while Lachelle Austin chipped in as well with nine points off of the bench. Eastern forced 14 Toledo turnovers while committing 12 themselves in the game. The Eagles turned those takeaways into 10 points on the offensive end of the floor.
ALL-TIME AGAINST THE ROCKETS: Saturday's matchup will mark the 90th meeting between Eastern Michigan and Toledo. Toledo leads the all-time series, 54-35, with the Rockets coming away with the most recent win, Feb. 26, 2022. In that game, the Eagles fell, 75-51. EMU looks to break a three-game losing streak against UT and pick up Head Coach Fred Castro's fifth victory over the Ohio-based team.
CLOSE CONNECTIONS: Eastern Michigan's assistant coach Ke'Sha Blanton is a native of Toledo, Ohio, and graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications with a concentration in broadcast journalism from the University of Toledo in 2009. Additionally, Toledo's Associate AD for Communications, Paul Helgren began his career as an assistant media relations director at Eastern Michigan after graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in English literature in 1985, and was later promoted to director of promotions and ticket sales at EMU.
RECORD BOOK WATCH: Forward Ce'Nara Skanes, now in her fourth season with the Eagles, is on pace to reach the 1,000-point plateau in 2023. Already a 1,000-point collegiate scorer (1,120, including 250 at Florida International in 2018-19), Skanes would become Eastern Michigan's 25th 1,000-point scorer if she can hit the mark (130 points away). Areanna Combs (2019-22) was the last player to eclipse the milestone, finishing her career in the No. 15 spot for all-time scoring at EMU (1,257).
LAST TIME OUT: The Eagles saw three players score in double figures, led by ZaNiya Nelson, who had 12 points and six rebounds in the victory over WMU, Jan. 25. Olivia Smith tacked on 12 points and three steals and Irekpitan Ozzy-Momodu helped out with 10 points and eight rebounds. EMU grabbed 43 rebounds in the game compared to WMU's 27, led by nine boards from Tayra Eke. Eastern's defense held Western's to only 15.8 percent shooting from beyond the arc and 29.1 percent from the field. The Eagles also limited Maddie Watters to 1-of-7 shooting from downtown and six points in the game. The Broncos did not have much luck cleaning up their misses on the offensive glass either, as they finished with eight offensive rebounds and managed six second-chance points while Eastern Michigan cleared 35 defensive boards.
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 302-395 record against conference opponents all-time.
RING CHASING: Eastern entered 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).
ON THE HORIZON: Wednesday, Feb. 1st is National Girls and Women in Sports Day, and Eastern Athletics invites you to join us and celebrate with our Women's Basketball team! The game will feature an inspiring message from our student-athletes, Title IX awareness, female athlete appreciation, and more! Tipoff for Wednesday's game is set for 7 p.m. against the Bobcats of Ohio for a Mid-American Conference matchup! Show your support and purchase your tickets through the link below for just $5!
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.
The Eagles (11-7, 3-4 MAC) saw three players score in double figures in its 63-51 win at Western Michigan, Jan. 25. The team collected its second consecutive conference win of the season, while giving the Broncos their third conference loss. Meanwhile, Toledo (14-4, 5-2 MAC) is coming off an 82-63 win over Miami University (7-13, 2-5 MAC), Jan. 25.
Saturday's game will broadcast on ESPN3 with Ryan Wooley (play-by-play) and Claire Dau (analyst) on the call. Additionally, the team's official Twitter account, @EMUWBB, will provide score updates throughout the contest.
YOUTH SPORTS CLINIC: Join Eastern Women's Basketball for a Youth Sports Clinic sponsored by the Ann Arbor Sports Commission. Register your kids now for the unique opportunity to learn and play sports with our EMU student-athletes! The clinic will begin at 11:30 a.m. prior to the 1 p.m. tipoff. Sign-up through the form below as all children are welcome to participate and will receive FREE admission to the game. Clinic Form
WE'RE BACK, BABY: After a 79-66 road setback at Kent State University, Jan. 18, the Eagles have bounced back, earning consecutive conference wins. The stretch of two began with a 66-61 overtime victory against Northern Illinois University, Jan. 21, and was followed by a 63-51 road win at Western Michigan, Jan. 25. The last time the Eagles were victorious in back-to-back conference games was when it defeated Miami, 70-61 at home, Feb. 16, 2022 and then turned around and beat Central Michigan University, 83-70, on the road, Feb. 19, 2022. Additionally, the victory in Kalamazoo, Mich. broke a three-game losing streak against the Broncos and gave Fred Castro his fifth win over one of his in-state rivals.
ONE MORE STOP: Sophomore Tayra Eke added another block against WMU, Jan. 25, to bring her season total to 32 in 18 games, a team best. The Spaniard sits in first place in total blocks and second in the MAC for blocks per game, averaging 1.8. She is just one block away from cracking the single-season top-10 in EMU's record book.
A WIN WOULD: The Eagles are coming off a thrilling 63-51 victory at WMU, Jan. 25, which marked the team's third MAC win of the season. Another win on Saturday would not only give the team its fourth MAC victory, but it would also give EMU three consecutive wins and end a three-game losing streak against Toledo. Head Coach Fred Castro is 4-8 in games played against UT and looks for his fifth victory over the Rockets on Saturday.
SHUT-EM DOWN: The Eagles held the Broncos to only 29.1 percent (16-of-55) shooting from the field in EMU's victory, Jan. 25. It was the eleventh time this season the team has kept its opponent from shooting above 40 percent from the field. In all instances but two, Eastern has out-shot its competitors. The Green and White are 9-2 in games where its competitors shoot less than 40 percent from the field.
SHARP-SHOOTING SMITH: Freshman guard Olivia Smith continues to impress as she knocked down four triples in the game against Western Michigan, Jan. 25. The rookie has at least one three-point make in all but one contest this season. Additionally, with her four buckets from the three, the freshman guard has recorded three or more triples in six of her 18 collegiate games (33%), with yesterday's performance marking her third contest with four makes.
ONE-OF-TWO: Freshman guard Olivia Smith has recorded three or more triples in six of her 18 collegiate contests (33%). She is one of three "true" freshmen within the MAC to have five or more games with three or more made three-point baskets. The only other two rookies in the league to accomplish this feat are Central Michigan University's Sydney Harris, and Bridget Utberg. Harris has produced 11 games with three-plus triples while Utberg has recorded five games of the sort. Moreover, Smith, Harris, and Utberg are all one of just six freshmen across the league to have three-plus triples in a single game.
GET A HAND IN THEIR FACE: Eastern Michigan had a stellar day defensively, holding Western Michigan to 16 percent from three-point land (3-of-19). This number mark's the second-lowest three-point percentage against the EMU defense this season. The Eagles held NIU to 15.8 percent (3-of-19) from beyond the arc in its 66-61 overtime victory, Jan. 21. Moreover, this was the first time this season in which Eastern Michigan has held its opponent to 20 percent or lower from the three in consecutive games. Last season, the team held its competitors to 20 percent or worse in just one contest. In that game, the Eagles faced Grace Christian University, allowing them to shoot 20 percent from the three (4-of-20) in the 133-45 victory for EMU, Nov. 18, 2021.
THE BENCH: The Eastern Michigan bench came alive by adding 26 points to its scoring output in the win over WMU, Jan. 25. The 26 nods rank as the team's third-highest scoring total from the bench this season after the team dropped 28 against James Madison University, Dec. 20, and then its season-high 33 points at Kent State, Jan. 18. Those 33 bench points are the most for the team since it recorded 34 in a game at KSU, Jan. 8, 2020. Additionally, with its 428 total points so far, the Eastern bench has produced 288 of them, accounting for 67 percent of all EMU points this season. Last year, the bench produced 454 of the team's 1,804 total points, just over 25 percent.
BOXING OUT THE COMPETITION: Eastern Michigan had a 43-27 edge on the boards in the win, Jan. 25. It was the ninth contest this season that the Eagles have won the rebounding battle. Additionally, the 16 boards margin ties for the team's third highest marginal difference in terms of rebounds matching the 46-30 (+16) battle against Lindenwood University, Nov. 7, the 44-27 (+17) battle over Hillsdale College, and the team's high 43-20 (+23) set against Wright State University.
LOPSIDED: Eastern Michigan has been no stranger to lopsided games this year in terms of scoring margin. In Eastern's 11 wins, the Eagles have upended their competition by an average of 11.2 points per contest. That number escalated after the contest against WMU, by 0.1 points. Meanwhile, the team's seven setbacks have come by an average of 16 points. With the 66-61 win over NIU, just two games this season have been decided by five or fewer points (vs. Miami, Jan. 4). Last season, four games were decided within that margin.
THE FIRST IMPRESSION: Eastern Michigan scored 19 points in the first quarter against Western Michigan, Jan. 25. It was the 10th contest this season in which the Eagles as a team scored 15 or more points in the opening quarter. Additionally, the 19 points in the first 10 minutes of play was just three points shy of the team's high, 22 points set against Florida A&M, Nov. 19, and Hillsdale College, Dec. 28.
SOUND THE ALARM: EMU had a total of seven steals in the game against Western Michigan, Jan. 25. With this occurrence, it was the 13th time this season in 18 total games that Eastern Michigan has had at least five steals.
TEAM WORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK: Eastern Michigan finished the contest against WMU with 13 total assists, Jan. 25. It marked the 13th time this season that the Green and White have notched 10+ helpers (72%). That number is a noticeable improvement over last season's clip. EMU recorded 10 or more assists in just 10 games last year (37% of its total contests).
SKANES' RESUME: Junior Ce'Nara Skanes has had quite an impression on not only the Mid-American Conference but the entire NCAA Division-I. With her 28 career double-doubles, Skanes ranks tied for 26th among all active D-I women's basketball players. Additionally, she is second among the MAC with NIU's A'Jah Davis ranking 12th with 43 career double-doubles. Davis secured her 42nd career double-double against EMU, Jan. 21, scoring 21 points and 13 rebounds. Taking it one step further, Skanes is just one of 12 players from a "Group of Five" institution among the top-25 in the nation.
BUILDING A BETTER WALL: EMU has registered a total of 89 blocks in the 18 games played (4.9 blocks per game). A season ago, the Green and White earned 88 blocks in 27 games (3.3 blocks per game). Not only did the Eagles surpass the previous season's total in almost half the amount of games, but they are on pace to have the most successful blocking average in program history.
KEEP THE BLOCK PARTY GOING: Tallying 89 total blocks in the 18 games played so far, the Eagles are 19th in the nation for blocks per game (4.9) and second in the MAC. Eastern Michigan's 4.9 blocks per game is on pace to be a program record. The Eagles' 2009-10 squad currently hold the top spot. That season, the Green and White averaged 4.2 swats per game.
BOARD GAMES: The addition of sophomore Tayra Eke along with 500-Rebounds Club member Ce'Nara Skanes has made quite the impact on the defensive rebounds count for Eastern Michigan. This season, the team has recorded 491 defensive boards in 18 games (27.3 rpg) with help from Eke (83), and Skanes (97). Last season, the Green and White collected 685 defensive rebounds in 27 games (25.4 rpg). The Eagles are on pace to top the previous season's defensive rebounding average.
Moreover, EMU is out-rebounding its opponents 705-637 in the 2022-23 campaign. Last season, the Eagles lost the rebounding battle 1,029-1,008. Additionally, the team's 39.2 rebounds per game leads the MAC.
EAGLES IN THE MAC: Four Eagles rank in various statistical categories throughout the MAC. Holding the highest ranking for the Green and White is sophomore Tayra Eke, who is second in the league in blocks per game (1.8). Her 32 blocks this season remains strong in the top spot in the MAC and 42nd in the nation. Additionally, Eke's 6.7 rebounds per game is good for eighth in the league. Freshman Olivia Smith ranks 10th in the MAC in three-pointers per game (1.9) while sophomore Lachelle Austin's 1.9 steals per game is good for eighth in the conference. Junior Ce'Nara Skanes' 8.1 rebounds per game ranks her fourth in the league and her 1.0 blocks per game ranks her ninth.
SCOUTING TOLEDO: UT is 14-4 overall and 5-2 in the MAC this season. The Rockets are coming off a 82-63 triumph over Miami University, Jan. 25. Prior to the home victory, Toledo enjoyed a 76-63 victory over the University of Akron, Jan. 21. A good defensive team, UT leads the league in Three-Point Percentage Defense (28.6) and ranks second in the MAC in defensive rebounds (28.1). Capitalizing on Toledo turnovers would benefit EMU as the Rockets rank second in the league in most turnovers averaging 13.0 per game. Leading the Ohio-based school offensively is senior Quinesha Lockett who ranks fifth in the MAC in both points and points per game while leading her team in points (17.4 pg), made field goals (6.4 pg), made threes (1.3), and made free-throws (3.3).
LAST TIME AGAINST THE ROCKETS: EMU saw a 28-point showing from the bench, but fell, 75-51, to Toledo, Feb. 26. Ce'Nara Skanes secured a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Eagles. Former Eagle Courtnie Lewis added six points and eight rebounds for the Green and White in her last appearance at home, while Lachelle Austin chipped in as well with nine points off of the bench. Eastern forced 14 Toledo turnovers while committing 12 themselves in the game. The Eagles turned those takeaways into 10 points on the offensive end of the floor.
ALL-TIME AGAINST THE ROCKETS: Saturday's matchup will mark the 90th meeting between Eastern Michigan and Toledo. Toledo leads the all-time series, 54-35, with the Rockets coming away with the most recent win, Feb. 26, 2022. In that game, the Eagles fell, 75-51. EMU looks to break a three-game losing streak against UT and pick up Head Coach Fred Castro's fifth victory over the Ohio-based team.
CLOSE CONNECTIONS: Eastern Michigan's assistant coach Ke'Sha Blanton is a native of Toledo, Ohio, and graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications with a concentration in broadcast journalism from the University of Toledo in 2009. Additionally, Toledo's Associate AD for Communications, Paul Helgren began his career as an assistant media relations director at Eastern Michigan after graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in English literature in 1985, and was later promoted to director of promotions and ticket sales at EMU.
RECORD BOOK WATCH: Forward Ce'Nara Skanes, now in her fourth season with the Eagles, is on pace to reach the 1,000-point plateau in 2023. Already a 1,000-point collegiate scorer (1,120, including 250 at Florida International in 2018-19), Skanes would become Eastern Michigan's 25th 1,000-point scorer if she can hit the mark (130 points away). Areanna Combs (2019-22) was the last player to eclipse the milestone, finishing her career in the No. 15 spot for all-time scoring at EMU (1,257).
LAST TIME OUT: The Eagles saw three players score in double figures, led by ZaNiya Nelson, who had 12 points and six rebounds in the victory over WMU, Jan. 25. Olivia Smith tacked on 12 points and three steals and Irekpitan Ozzy-Momodu helped out with 10 points and eight rebounds. EMU grabbed 43 rebounds in the game compared to WMU's 27, led by nine boards from Tayra Eke. Eastern's defense held Western's to only 15.8 percent shooting from beyond the arc and 29.1 percent from the field. The Eagles also limited Maddie Watters to 1-of-7 shooting from downtown and six points in the game. The Broncos did not have much luck cleaning up their misses on the offensive glass either, as they finished with eight offensive rebounds and managed six second-chance points while Eastern Michigan cleared 35 defensive boards.
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 302-395 record against conference opponents all-time.
RING CHASING: Eastern entered 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).
ON THE HORIZON: Wednesday, Feb. 1st is National Girls and Women in Sports Day, and Eastern Athletics invites you to join us and celebrate with our Women's Basketball team! The game will feature an inspiring message from our student-athletes, Title IX awareness, female athlete appreciation, and more! Tipoff for Wednesday's game is set for 7 p.m. against the Bobcats of Ohio for a Mid-American Conference matchup! Show your support and purchase your tickets through the link below for just $5!
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.
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