Eastern Michigan Athletics
Photo by: Jonathan Knight Photography
Eastern Michigan Heading to Ann Arbor to Play Michigan Saturday
12/14/2023 12:45:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Eagles look for second-straight victory in Ann Arbor after 2014 win
| Men's Basketball at Michigan | |
| Date | Saturday, Dec. 16, at 2:30 p.m. |
| Venue | Crisler Center (13,751) | Ann Arbor, Mich. |
| Preview Info | EMU Notes (PDF) | Media Guide (PDF) |
| Live Stats | Live Stats |
| Watch | BTN |
| Listen | WEMU (89.1 FM) | The Varsity Network App |
| @EMU_MBB | @EMUAthletics | |
| Fan Information | Purchase Tickets |
ANN ARBOR, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) -- The Eastern Michigan University men's basketball team is scheduled to travel down the road to the University of Michigan, Saturday, Dec. 16, for a 2:30 p.m. contest inside the Crisler Center.
ON AIR
Eastern Michigan and Michigan will air on BTN. Wayne Randazzo and Shon Morris will be on the call. Tom Helmer and Greg Steiner will have the call live on WEMU Radio (89.1 FM) and the Varsity Network App.
OPENING TIPS
» Eastern Michigan dropped a 77-63 decision to Oakland, Dec. 8, in Ypsilanti. EMU trailed, 34-31, at the half, but OU's lead ballooned to as many as 24 in the second half. Junior Yusuf Jihad netted a season-high 15 points on 6-of-11 shooting in the game against his former school.
» Junior Tyson Acuff is averaging 22.2 points per game through nine games, which leads the MAC and ranks eighth in the nation. Acuff's season has been highlighted by a pair of 31-point performances (31 vs. Cleveland State, Nov. 18; 31 vs. North Dakota, Nov. 26).
» Junior Tyson Acuff has scored 23-plus points in five games (31 vs. Cleveland State, Nov. 18; 25 at Detroit Mercy, Nov. 21; 23 at Central Arkansas, Nov. 25; 31 vs. North Dakota, Nov. 26; 24 vs. Lake Superior State). Acuff is one of 12 players in the nation with five showings of 23 or more points.
» After topping Detroit Mercy, 76-72, Nov. 21, and Central Arkansas, 74-71, Nov. 25, Eastern Michigan has back-to-back road wins for the first time since 2017-18. With the game at Michigan, Dec. 16, the Eagles are seeking three-consecutive road wins for the first time since 1997-98 and three-consecutive non-conference road wins since 1996-97.
» Eastern Michigan's Stan Heath is in his third year at the helm of the Eagles, holding a 23-48 record at EMU and 232-255 record over 16 years as a head coach. Fifty of NCAA Division I's head coaches are coaching their alma mater, up from 48 in 2022-23.
TYSON ACUFF, MAC SCORING LEADER AND MORE
Junior Tyson Acuff is averaging 22.2 points per game through nine games, which leads the MAC and ranks seventh in the nation. Acuff's season has been highlighted by a pair of 31-point performances. Acuff is the first Eagle since Brandon Bowdry to score at least 13 points in each of the team's first nine games. Bowdry started the 2009-10 season with 13-straight contests with 14-plus points.
National scoring leaders:
1. Xavier Johnson 25.0 Southern Illinois
2. Zach Edey 24.8 Purdue
3. Jordan Johnson 23.8 New Orleans
3. Tommy Bruner 23.2 Denver
5. Tyler Thomas 23.0 Hofstra
6. Jaedon LeDee 22.8 San Diego State
7. Trey Calvin 22.4 Wright State
8. Tyson Acuff 22.2 Eastern Michigan
Vonterius Woolbright 22.2 Western Carolina
TYSON ACUFF, 5TH IN PROGRAM HISTORY PPG
Junior Tyson Acuff's 22.2 ppg would rank fifth in program history for a single season.
1. George Gervin 29.5 1971-72
2. Earl Boykins 25.7 1997-98
3. Kennedy McIntosh 25.4 1970-71
4. Grant Long 23.0 1987-88
5. Tyson Acuff 22.2 2023-24
6. Derrick Dial 20.9 1997-98
TYSON ACUFF 100+ CAREER THREE-POINTERS
Junior Tyson Acuff surpassed 100 career three-point makes with his five made three-pointers against North Dakota, Nov. 26, and sits at 108 career three-pointers made. Acuff is at 867 career points. Acuff netted 38 three-pointers and 239 points in his two seasons at Duquesne. Acuff has knocked in multiple three-pointers in each of the last seven games.
TYSON ACUFF, 36.4 MINUTES/GAME
Junior Tyson Acuff, who has played at least 37 minutes in each of the last six games, is averaging 36.4 minutes per game. The 36.4 mark leads the MAC and ranks 21st in the country. Acuff's minutes average is the most by an Eagle since 2001-02 when Ricky Cottrill averaged 37.7 minutes per game.
TYSON ACUFF, 10-FOR-10 AT THE LINE
Junior Tyson Acuff was a perfect 10-for-10 at the free throw line against Oakland, Dec. 8, marking career-highs in both free throws made and free throws attempted. The last Eagle to make 10-plus free throws was Emoni Bates with 11 makes against Bowling Green, Jan. 3, 2023. Acuff is the 10th Eagle since 1998-99 to record at least 10 free throw makes on a perfect percentage. The most recent was Raven Lee (10-for-10) against Buffalo, Jan. 24, 2017.
TYSON ACUFF GOES FOR 31 POINTS (x2)
Junior Tyson Acuff has a pair of 31-point performances in 2023-24 as he netted 31 against North Dakota, Nov. 26, on a blistering 12-for-19 showing from the floor. He also scored 31 points in EMU's 69-62 victory over Cleveland State, Nov. 18, in an 11-for-17 shooting performance. Acuff has netted 30-plus point games four times in his career, all of which have come at EMU. Acuff is one of 12 players in the nation with multiple 31-point showings.
Games with 31-plus points in 2023-24:
1. Xavier Johnson 4 Southern Illinois
2. Tyson Acuff 2 Eastern Michigan
Tommy Bruner 2 Denver
Touko Tainamo 2 Denver
Tucker DeVries 2 Drake
Jayden Epps 2 Georgetown
Ken Evans, Jr. 2 Jacksonville
Shahada Wells 2 McNeese State
Wynston Tabbs 2 Morehead State
Clark Slajchert 2 Pennsylvania
Zach Edey 2 Purdue
Trey Calvin 2 Wright State
TYSON ACUFF, 5 GAMES WITH 23+ POINTS
Junior Tyson Acuff has scored 23-plus points in each of the last five games (31 vs. Cleveland State, Nov. 18; 25 at Detroit Mercy, Nov. 21; 23 at Central Arkansas, Nov. 25; 31 vs. North Dakota, Nov. 26; 24 vs. Lake Superior State, Dec. 1). Acuff is one of 11 players in the nation with five showings of 23 or more points.
Games with 23-plus points in 2023-24:
1. Zach Edey 7 Purdue
2. Tommy Bruner 6 Denver
Jordan Johnson 6 New Orleans
3. Tyson Acuff 5 Eastern Michigan
Mark Sears 5 Alabama
Rashad Williams 5 Arkansas Pine-Bluff
Martaz Robinson 5 Delaware State
R.J. Davis 5 North Carolina
Blake Hinson 5 Pittsburgh
Jaedon LeDee 5 San Diego State
Judah Mintz 5 Syracuse
EASTERN MICHIGAN AT MICHIGAN
Eastern Michigan won the most recent contest between the teams played at Michigan, a 45-42 win in Ann Arbor, Dec. 9, 2014. EMU is 3-25 at Michigan. The Eagles have never won consecutive road games against a Power Five school.
EMU dropped a narrow 88-83 decision to the 22nd-ranked Wolverines, Nov. 11, 2022, at Little Caesars Arena. Emoni Bates scored 30 points in his Eagles debut.
EMU AGAINST THE BIG TEN
Eastern Michigan is 12-84 all-time against current Big Ten institutions, highlighted by four wins against Michigan State and a trio of victories against Michigan. EMU's 31 all-time games against UM ranks second behind the 37 games EMU has played against MSU, among games played against Big Ten foes.
BACK-TO-BACK ROAD WINS
After topping Detroit Mercy, 76-72, Nov. 21, and Central Arkansas, 74-71, Nov. 25, Eastern Michigan has back-to-back road wins for the first time since 2017-18 when the Eagles beat Central Michigan, Feb. 17, 2018, and Western Michigan, Feb. 27, 2018. Eastern is looking for back-to-back non-conference road wins for the first time since 2007-08 when the Eagles beat Manhattan, Nov. 21, 2007, and St. Bonaventure, Nov. 24, 2007. EMU will go for its third-straight non-conference road win against Michigan, Dec. 16.
Eastern Michigan has not won three-consecutive non-conference road games since 1996-97.
Date Opponent W/L Score
Eastern Michigan has not won three-consecutive road games since 1997-98.
Date Opponent W/L Score
AHEAD OF PACE: WINS BY DATE
Eastern Michigan is well ahead of its 2022-23 win pace as the Eagles secured their fifth win of the 2023-24 season, Dec. 1 vs. Lake Superior State, nearly two months earlier into the season compared to the 2022-23 season.
2022-23 Date Win Number 2023-24 Date
TWO PLAYERS WITH FIVE ASSISTS VS. OAKLAND
Redshirt junior Julius Ellerbe and junior Tyson Acuff each tallied five assists against Oakland, Dec. 8. The last time the Eagles had two players with five or more assists was Nov. 8, 2019, against Siena Heights University as Noah Morgan and Chris Barnes each had five-plus assists.
EMU recorded 16 assists against OU, matching its season high, which was recorded against Detroit Mercy, Nov. 21.
LEGEND GEETER: 12 POINTS VS. OAKLAND
Redshirt sophomore Legend Geeter scored 12 points against Oakland, Dec. 8, with 10 points scored in a four-minute span in the second half. Geeter converted four field goals and two free throws from the 7:00 mark to the 3:00 mark in the second-half. His 12-point showing falls just a point shy of his 13-point career high set against 10th-ranked Florida Atlantic, Nov. 14.
YUSUF JIHAD AGAINST HIS FORMER TEAM
Junior Yusuf Jihad scored a season-high 15 points against his former school, Oakland, Dec. 8, on 6-for-11 shooting. Jihad's 15 points marked his second-highest scoring output of his career, coming two points shy of his 17-point outing against Detroit Mercy, Dec. 18, 2022. Jihad converted a career-high three three-pointers in a 3-for-5 showing from deep while matching his career high mark of six made field goals against Detroit Mercy, Dec. 18, 2022.
YUSUF JIHAD, 9+ POINTS IN SEVEN-OF-NINE
Junior Yusuf Jihad has scored at least nine points in seven of the team's nine contests, highlighted by a 15-point showing against his former school, Oakland, Dec. 8. Jihad had just four performances of nine-plus points, all of which came in 2022-23, in his previous 66 games played.
YUSUF JIHAD, MAC 3PT% LEADER
Junior Yusuf Jihad leads the MAC with an impressive .571 shooting percentage from deep as he is 12-for-21 on three-point attempts. Jihad does not meet the 2.5 three-pointers made per game qualifier, so is therefore not ranked nationally. Jihad was 16-for-44 (.374) on three-point attempts in 2022-23.
JULIUS ELLERBE, LEADER IN ASSISTS/REBOUNDS
Redshirt junior Julius Ellerbe leads the Eagles in both assists (28, 3.5 apg) and rebounds (41, 5.1 rpg). Ellerbe continued his versatile play for EMU in its 77-63 loss to Oakland, Dec. 8, as he matched his season high with nine rebounds while dishing out five assists. Ellerbe netted six points but also had a season-high six turnovers. Ellerbe was leading the MAC in assist/turnover ratio prior to the game, but ranks fifth in conference with a 1.65 mark prior to EMU's game at Michigan, Dec. 16.
CYRIL MARTYNOV: CAREER-HIGHS VS. LSSU
Sophomore Cyril Martynov recorded a career-high eight points and a career-high six rebounds in EMU's 68-53 win over LSSU, Dec. 1. Martynov also equaled his career high with three made field goals in his first career start.
TWO DERIK PRANGER BLOCKS VS. LSSU
Redshirt freshman Derik Pranger blocked a pair of shots in the Eagles' 68-53 win over Lake Superior State, Dec. 1. The blocks were the first of his career. Pranger joins junior Yusuf Jihad (Nov. 18 vs. Cleveland State) and freshman Arne Osojnik (Nov. 26 vs. North Dakota) as Eagles to record two blocks in a game this season.
TEN DIFFERENT PLAYERS IN STARTING LINEUP
Eastern Michigan, which used five different lineups in the opening five games of the 2023-24 season, has used 10 different players in the starting lineup this season. Junior Tyson Acuff is the lone Eagle to start every game while freshman Arne Osojnik has started eight games after not starting the season-opening game at Butler, Nov. 6. Redshirt sophomore Legend Geeter started the season's first seven games but has not started EMU's two most recent contest. Redshirt junior Julius Ellerbe ranks fourth on the team with six starts and junior Yusuf Jihad is fifth with five starts. Redshirt juniors John McGriff and Connor Serven each have three starts. Sophomore Cyril Martynov has two starts on the season, both coming in the team's two most recent games. Junior Jalin Billingsley and sophomore Orlando Lovejoy have one start apeice.
THREE EAGLES WITH 10+ POINTS, SIX IN A ROW
The Eagles, which had two players in double-digits in points in each of the first three games, have put together six-straight games of having a trio of Eagles score double-digit points. Junior Tyson Acuff scored double-figures in all six contests while junior Yusuf Jihad scored 10-plus points in four of the games while freshman Arne Osojnik and redshirt sophomore Legend Geeter each scored double-figures twice in the five-game stretch. Redshirt junior John McGriff and Julius Ellerbe and junior Jalen Billingsley each tallied at least 10 points once during the four most recent games.
THR33-POINT STR3AK, 591-STRAIGHT GAM3S
Eastern, which hit six threes against Oakland, Dec. 8, has now hit at least one triple in 591-straight games. EMU last failed to score from downtown Jan. 24, 2004, when Miami held the Eagles to 0-of-7 from behind the arc.
MICHIGAN MATCH-UPS
The Eagles are scheduled to play five in-state opponents in non-conference action with contests against Detroit Mercy (Nov. 21), Lake Superior State (Dec. 1), Oakland (Dec. 8), Michigan (Dec. 16), and Northwood (Dec. 30). EMU last played five in-state foes during the non-conference slate in 2019-20, going 4-1 in such contests. EMU topped Detroit Mercy, 76-72, Nov. 21. The Eagles won, 68-53, over LSSU, Dec. 1, before moving to 2-1 in such games after a 77-63 loss to Oakland, Dec. 8.
SWEET HOME MICHIGAN IN DECEMBER
Eastern Michigan is scheduled to play five games in December, all of which will occur in Michigan. The Eagles host Lake Superior State (Dec. 1), Oakland (Dec. 8), Hampton (Dec. 21), and Northwood (Dec. 30) while also traveling to Michigan (Dec. 16). The last time EMU stayed in Michigan for the entirety of a month while playing at least five games was November 2015, when Eastern played six contests in Michigan, four of which were played on its home floor. Eastern Michigan did not leave the Mitten State until Jan. 12, 2021, during the 2020-21 COVID-influenced season, but the Eagles played one game in November and four games in December, respectively.
NEW FOE, WHO DIS?
The Eagles played three first-time opponents as they met Butler (Nov. 6), Georgia Southern (Nov. 11), and Central Arkansas (Nov. 25). EMU dropped a 94-55 decision against Butler before beating Georgia Southern, 70-60. The Eagles edged Central Arkansas, 74-71.
MT. MARTYNOV, SEVEN-FOOTER
Sophomore Cyril Martynov stands at seven feet tall and is one of five players in the MAC scaling at least seven feet, per each MAC school's official website. Miami's Reece Potter is the tallest in the conference at 7-foot-1 while Bowling Green's Jason Spurgin, Central Michigan's Hunter Harding, and Western Michigan's Javonte Brown are all 7-foot.
WHO'S BACK??
EMU returns 10 players from its 2022-23 roster including juniors Tyson Acuff, Jalin Billingsley, Yusuf Jihad, Kevin-David Rice, and Andrew Wells; redshirt sophomores Legend Geeter, Javantae Randle, and Prakash Ketterhagen; sophomore Orlando Lovejoy; and redshirt freshman Derik Pranger.
WHO'S GONE??
EMU lost six players from its 2022-23 roster including Emoni Bates (2nd Round pick in NBA Draft), Noah Farrakhan (transfer to West Virginia), Derek Ballard Jr. (graduation), Luka Savicevic (transfer to Lafayette), Collin Golson Jr. (transfer to Wayne State), and JZ Zaher (transfer to Bowling Green).
WHAT'S GONE??
EMU lost 1,114 of its 2,239 points (49.8%) from the 2022-23 season, most notably being the program's 15th NBA draftee as Emoni Bates was picked in the second round of the 2023 NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers (49th overall).
FRESH FACES
EMU added six newcomers to its 2023-24 roster including redshirt juniors John McGriff (Binghamton), Julius Ellerbe (East Central CC), Connor Serven (Illinois), and Micah Schnyders (Wheaton College), sophomore Cyril Martynov (Georgia Tech), and freshman Arne Osojnik (Ljubljana, Slovenia).
HALF MICHIGAN-MADE
Half of the Eastern Michigan 16-player roster hails from Michigan while Illinois (two), Maryland (two), Colorado (one) are represented, as well as a pair of international student-athletes with one from Canada and another from Slovenia. A complete breakdown of the EMU roster can be found on page 12.
DOUBLEHEADER DAY
The Eagles are scheduled to play five double-headers with the EMU women's basketball team in 2023-24 with four of the five double-headers taking place in Ypsilanti. Both the EMU men's and women's teams will play Nov.18 (men vs. Cleveland State, women vs. SIUE), Jan. 6 (men vs. Kent State, women vs. Toledo), Jan. 20 (at Ohio), Jan. 27 (men vs. Buffalo, women vs. Ball State), Feb. 17 (men vs. Bowling Green, women vs. Northern Illinois). The EMU men also hosted a doubleheader with the EMU's volleyball team, Nov. 11.
Men's basketball beat Georgia Southern, 70-60, while volleyball beat Kent State, 3-0, Nov. 11. Men's basketball beat Cleveland State, 69-62, Nov.18, while women's basketball topped SIUE, 68-65.
EMONI BATES NBA + G-LEAGUE
Former Eagle Emoni Bates played his first significant minutes in the NBA, Oct. 31, for the Cleveland Cavaliers against the New York Knicks as the rookie netted nine points with six rebounds in 23 minutes. Bates later sent shockwaves through the G-League in his first game with the Cleveland Charge, scoring 29 points with seven made three-pointers, Nov. 10, in Cleveland's 119-106 win over the Wisconsin Herd. Bates is averaging 25.5 points per game, which ranks second in the G-League behind Cam Whitmore's 26.9 points per game, and has four outings of 29-plus points for the Charge.
NEXT UP
Eastern Michigan is scheduled to host Hampton University, Thursday, Dec. 21, for a 1:00 p.m. contest.
FOLLOW US
For the most up-to-date information on the Eagles, visit EMUEagles.com. Fans can also follow the team on social media, including Twitter (@EMU_MBB) and Instagram (@EMUMBB).
ON AIR
Eastern Michigan and Michigan will air on BTN. Wayne Randazzo and Shon Morris will be on the call. Tom Helmer and Greg Steiner will have the call live on WEMU Radio (89.1 FM) and the Varsity Network App.
OPENING TIPS
» Eastern Michigan dropped a 77-63 decision to Oakland, Dec. 8, in Ypsilanti. EMU trailed, 34-31, at the half, but OU's lead ballooned to as many as 24 in the second half. Junior Yusuf Jihad netted a season-high 15 points on 6-of-11 shooting in the game against his former school.
» Junior Tyson Acuff is averaging 22.2 points per game through nine games, which leads the MAC and ranks eighth in the nation. Acuff's season has been highlighted by a pair of 31-point performances (31 vs. Cleveland State, Nov. 18; 31 vs. North Dakota, Nov. 26).
» Junior Tyson Acuff has scored 23-plus points in five games (31 vs. Cleveland State, Nov. 18; 25 at Detroit Mercy, Nov. 21; 23 at Central Arkansas, Nov. 25; 31 vs. North Dakota, Nov. 26; 24 vs. Lake Superior State). Acuff is one of 12 players in the nation with five showings of 23 or more points.
» After topping Detroit Mercy, 76-72, Nov. 21, and Central Arkansas, 74-71, Nov. 25, Eastern Michigan has back-to-back road wins for the first time since 2017-18. With the game at Michigan, Dec. 16, the Eagles are seeking three-consecutive road wins for the first time since 1997-98 and three-consecutive non-conference road wins since 1996-97.
» Eastern Michigan's Stan Heath is in his third year at the helm of the Eagles, holding a 23-48 record at EMU and 232-255 record over 16 years as a head coach. Fifty of NCAA Division I's head coaches are coaching their alma mater, up from 48 in 2022-23.
TYSON ACUFF, MAC SCORING LEADER AND MORE
Junior Tyson Acuff is averaging 22.2 points per game through nine games, which leads the MAC and ranks seventh in the nation. Acuff's season has been highlighted by a pair of 31-point performances. Acuff is the first Eagle since Brandon Bowdry to score at least 13 points in each of the team's first nine games. Bowdry started the 2009-10 season with 13-straight contests with 14-plus points.
National scoring leaders:
1. Xavier Johnson 25.0 Southern Illinois
2. Zach Edey 24.8 Purdue
3. Jordan Johnson 23.8 New Orleans
3. Tommy Bruner 23.2 Denver
5. Tyler Thomas 23.0 Hofstra
6. Jaedon LeDee 22.8 San Diego State
7. Trey Calvin 22.4 Wright State
8. Tyson Acuff 22.2 Eastern Michigan
Vonterius Woolbright 22.2 Western Carolina
TYSON ACUFF, 5TH IN PROGRAM HISTORY PPG
Junior Tyson Acuff's 22.2 ppg would rank fifth in program history for a single season.
1. George Gervin 29.5 1971-72
2. Earl Boykins 25.7 1997-98
3. Kennedy McIntosh 25.4 1970-71
4. Grant Long 23.0 1987-88
5. Tyson Acuff 22.2 2023-24
6. Derrick Dial 20.9 1997-98
TYSON ACUFF 100+ CAREER THREE-POINTERS
Junior Tyson Acuff surpassed 100 career three-point makes with his five made three-pointers against North Dakota, Nov. 26, and sits at 108 career three-pointers made. Acuff is at 867 career points. Acuff netted 38 three-pointers and 239 points in his two seasons at Duquesne. Acuff has knocked in multiple three-pointers in each of the last seven games.
TYSON ACUFF, 36.4 MINUTES/GAME
Junior Tyson Acuff, who has played at least 37 minutes in each of the last six games, is averaging 36.4 minutes per game. The 36.4 mark leads the MAC and ranks 21st in the country. Acuff's minutes average is the most by an Eagle since 2001-02 when Ricky Cottrill averaged 37.7 minutes per game.
TYSON ACUFF, 10-FOR-10 AT THE LINE
Junior Tyson Acuff was a perfect 10-for-10 at the free throw line against Oakland, Dec. 8, marking career-highs in both free throws made and free throws attempted. The last Eagle to make 10-plus free throws was Emoni Bates with 11 makes against Bowling Green, Jan. 3, 2023. Acuff is the 10th Eagle since 1998-99 to record at least 10 free throw makes on a perfect percentage. The most recent was Raven Lee (10-for-10) against Buffalo, Jan. 24, 2017.
TYSON ACUFF GOES FOR 31 POINTS (x2)
Junior Tyson Acuff has a pair of 31-point performances in 2023-24 as he netted 31 against North Dakota, Nov. 26, on a blistering 12-for-19 showing from the floor. He also scored 31 points in EMU's 69-62 victory over Cleveland State, Nov. 18, in an 11-for-17 shooting performance. Acuff has netted 30-plus point games four times in his career, all of which have come at EMU. Acuff is one of 12 players in the nation with multiple 31-point showings.
Games with 31-plus points in 2023-24:
1. Xavier Johnson 4 Southern Illinois
2. Tyson Acuff 2 Eastern Michigan
Tommy Bruner 2 Denver
Touko Tainamo 2 Denver
Tucker DeVries 2 Drake
Jayden Epps 2 Georgetown
Ken Evans, Jr. 2 Jacksonville
Shahada Wells 2 McNeese State
Wynston Tabbs 2 Morehead State
Clark Slajchert 2 Pennsylvania
Zach Edey 2 Purdue
Trey Calvin 2 Wright State
TYSON ACUFF, 5 GAMES WITH 23+ POINTS
Junior Tyson Acuff has scored 23-plus points in each of the last five games (31 vs. Cleveland State, Nov. 18; 25 at Detroit Mercy, Nov. 21; 23 at Central Arkansas, Nov. 25; 31 vs. North Dakota, Nov. 26; 24 vs. Lake Superior State, Dec. 1). Acuff is one of 11 players in the nation with five showings of 23 or more points.
Games with 23-plus points in 2023-24:
1. Zach Edey 7 Purdue
2. Tommy Bruner 6 Denver
Jordan Johnson 6 New Orleans
3. Tyson Acuff 5 Eastern Michigan
Mark Sears 5 Alabama
Rashad Williams 5 Arkansas Pine-Bluff
Martaz Robinson 5 Delaware State
R.J. Davis 5 North Carolina
Blake Hinson 5 Pittsburgh
Jaedon LeDee 5 San Diego State
Judah Mintz 5 Syracuse
EASTERN MICHIGAN AT MICHIGAN
Eastern Michigan won the most recent contest between the teams played at Michigan, a 45-42 win in Ann Arbor, Dec. 9, 2014. EMU is 3-25 at Michigan. The Eagles have never won consecutive road games against a Power Five school.
EMU dropped a narrow 88-83 decision to the 22nd-ranked Wolverines, Nov. 11, 2022, at Little Caesars Arena. Emoni Bates scored 30 points in his Eagles debut.
EMU AGAINST THE BIG TEN
Eastern Michigan is 12-84 all-time against current Big Ten institutions, highlighted by four wins against Michigan State and a trio of victories against Michigan. EMU's 31 all-time games against UM ranks second behind the 37 games EMU has played against MSU, among games played against Big Ten foes.
BACK-TO-BACK ROAD WINS
After topping Detroit Mercy, 76-72, Nov. 21, and Central Arkansas, 74-71, Nov. 25, Eastern Michigan has back-to-back road wins for the first time since 2017-18 when the Eagles beat Central Michigan, Feb. 17, 2018, and Western Michigan, Feb. 27, 2018. Eastern is looking for back-to-back non-conference road wins for the first time since 2007-08 when the Eagles beat Manhattan, Nov. 21, 2007, and St. Bonaventure, Nov. 24, 2007. EMU will go for its third-straight non-conference road win against Michigan, Dec. 16.
Eastern Michigan has not won three-consecutive non-conference road games since 1996-97.
Date Opponent W/L Score
12-14-96 at Syracuse W 68-65
12-7-96 at Jackson State W 84-69
11-30-96 at Drake W 96-81
12-7-96 at Jackson State W 84-69
11-30-96 at Drake W 96-81
Eastern Michigan has not won three-consecutive road games since 1997-98.
Date Opponent W/L Score
2-18-98 at Central Michigan* W 97-82
2-11-98 at Ball State* W 89-77
2-7-98 at Kent State* W 79-74
2-11-98 at Ball State* W 89-77
2-7-98 at Kent State* W 79-74
AHEAD OF PACE: WINS BY DATE
Eastern Michigan is well ahead of its 2022-23 win pace as the Eagles secured their fifth win of the 2023-24 season, Dec. 1 vs. Lake Superior State, nearly two months earlier into the season compared to the 2022-23 season.
2022-23 Date Win Number 2023-24 Date
Nov. 7 vs. Wayne State 1 Nov. 11 vs. Georgia Southern
Nov. 30 at FIU 2 Nov. 18 vs. Cleveland State
Dec. 18 vs. Detroit Mercy 3 Nov. 21 at Detroit Mercy
Jan. 7 vs. Central Mich. 4 Nov. 25 at Central Arkansas
Jan. 28 at Miami 5 Dec. 1 vs. Lake Superior State
Jan. 31 vs. Ohio 6 ???
Feb. 21 vs. Western Mich. 7 ???
Feb. 25 vs. Ball State 8 ???
Nov. 30 at FIU 2 Nov. 18 vs. Cleveland State
Dec. 18 vs. Detroit Mercy 3 Nov. 21 at Detroit Mercy
Jan. 7 vs. Central Mich. 4 Nov. 25 at Central Arkansas
Jan. 28 at Miami 5 Dec. 1 vs. Lake Superior State
Jan. 31 vs. Ohio 6 ???
Feb. 21 vs. Western Mich. 7 ???
Feb. 25 vs. Ball State 8 ???
TWO PLAYERS WITH FIVE ASSISTS VS. OAKLAND
Redshirt junior Julius Ellerbe and junior Tyson Acuff each tallied five assists against Oakland, Dec. 8. The last time the Eagles had two players with five or more assists was Nov. 8, 2019, against Siena Heights University as Noah Morgan and Chris Barnes each had five-plus assists.
EMU recorded 16 assists against OU, matching its season high, which was recorded against Detroit Mercy, Nov. 21.
LEGEND GEETER: 12 POINTS VS. OAKLAND
Redshirt sophomore Legend Geeter scored 12 points against Oakland, Dec. 8, with 10 points scored in a four-minute span in the second half. Geeter converted four field goals and two free throws from the 7:00 mark to the 3:00 mark in the second-half. His 12-point showing falls just a point shy of his 13-point career high set against 10th-ranked Florida Atlantic, Nov. 14.
YUSUF JIHAD AGAINST HIS FORMER TEAM
Junior Yusuf Jihad scored a season-high 15 points against his former school, Oakland, Dec. 8, on 6-for-11 shooting. Jihad's 15 points marked his second-highest scoring output of his career, coming two points shy of his 17-point outing against Detroit Mercy, Dec. 18, 2022. Jihad converted a career-high three three-pointers in a 3-for-5 showing from deep while matching his career high mark of six made field goals against Detroit Mercy, Dec. 18, 2022.
YUSUF JIHAD, 9+ POINTS IN SEVEN-OF-NINE
Junior Yusuf Jihad has scored at least nine points in seven of the team's nine contests, highlighted by a 15-point showing against his former school, Oakland, Dec. 8. Jihad had just four performances of nine-plus points, all of which came in 2022-23, in his previous 66 games played.
YUSUF JIHAD, MAC 3PT% LEADER
Junior Yusuf Jihad leads the MAC with an impressive .571 shooting percentage from deep as he is 12-for-21 on three-point attempts. Jihad does not meet the 2.5 three-pointers made per game qualifier, so is therefore not ranked nationally. Jihad was 16-for-44 (.374) on three-point attempts in 2022-23.
JULIUS ELLERBE, LEADER IN ASSISTS/REBOUNDS
Redshirt junior Julius Ellerbe leads the Eagles in both assists (28, 3.5 apg) and rebounds (41, 5.1 rpg). Ellerbe continued his versatile play for EMU in its 77-63 loss to Oakland, Dec. 8, as he matched his season high with nine rebounds while dishing out five assists. Ellerbe netted six points but also had a season-high six turnovers. Ellerbe was leading the MAC in assist/turnover ratio prior to the game, but ranks fifth in conference with a 1.65 mark prior to EMU's game at Michigan, Dec. 16.
CYRIL MARTYNOV: CAREER-HIGHS VS. LSSU
Sophomore Cyril Martynov recorded a career-high eight points and a career-high six rebounds in EMU's 68-53 win over LSSU, Dec. 1. Martynov also equaled his career high with three made field goals in his first career start.
TWO DERIK PRANGER BLOCKS VS. LSSU
Redshirt freshman Derik Pranger blocked a pair of shots in the Eagles' 68-53 win over Lake Superior State, Dec. 1. The blocks were the first of his career. Pranger joins junior Yusuf Jihad (Nov. 18 vs. Cleveland State) and freshman Arne Osojnik (Nov. 26 vs. North Dakota) as Eagles to record two blocks in a game this season.
TEN DIFFERENT PLAYERS IN STARTING LINEUP
Eastern Michigan, which used five different lineups in the opening five games of the 2023-24 season, has used 10 different players in the starting lineup this season. Junior Tyson Acuff is the lone Eagle to start every game while freshman Arne Osojnik has started eight games after not starting the season-opening game at Butler, Nov. 6. Redshirt sophomore Legend Geeter started the season's first seven games but has not started EMU's two most recent contest. Redshirt junior Julius Ellerbe ranks fourth on the team with six starts and junior Yusuf Jihad is fifth with five starts. Redshirt juniors John McGriff and Connor Serven each have three starts. Sophomore Cyril Martynov has two starts on the season, both coming in the team's two most recent games. Junior Jalin Billingsley and sophomore Orlando Lovejoy have one start apeice.
THREE EAGLES WITH 10+ POINTS, SIX IN A ROW
The Eagles, which had two players in double-digits in points in each of the first three games, have put together six-straight games of having a trio of Eagles score double-digit points. Junior Tyson Acuff scored double-figures in all six contests while junior Yusuf Jihad scored 10-plus points in four of the games while freshman Arne Osojnik and redshirt sophomore Legend Geeter each scored double-figures twice in the five-game stretch. Redshirt junior John McGriff and Julius Ellerbe and junior Jalen Billingsley each tallied at least 10 points once during the four most recent games.
THR33-POINT STR3AK, 591-STRAIGHT GAM3S
Eastern, which hit six threes against Oakland, Dec. 8, has now hit at least one triple in 591-straight games. EMU last failed to score from downtown Jan. 24, 2004, when Miami held the Eagles to 0-of-7 from behind the arc.
MICHIGAN MATCH-UPS
The Eagles are scheduled to play five in-state opponents in non-conference action with contests against Detroit Mercy (Nov. 21), Lake Superior State (Dec. 1), Oakland (Dec. 8), Michigan (Dec. 16), and Northwood (Dec. 30). EMU last played five in-state foes during the non-conference slate in 2019-20, going 4-1 in such contests. EMU topped Detroit Mercy, 76-72, Nov. 21. The Eagles won, 68-53, over LSSU, Dec. 1, before moving to 2-1 in such games after a 77-63 loss to Oakland, Dec. 8.
SWEET HOME MICHIGAN IN DECEMBER
Eastern Michigan is scheduled to play five games in December, all of which will occur in Michigan. The Eagles host Lake Superior State (Dec. 1), Oakland (Dec. 8), Hampton (Dec. 21), and Northwood (Dec. 30) while also traveling to Michigan (Dec. 16). The last time EMU stayed in Michigan for the entirety of a month while playing at least five games was November 2015, when Eastern played six contests in Michigan, four of which were played on its home floor. Eastern Michigan did not leave the Mitten State until Jan. 12, 2021, during the 2020-21 COVID-influenced season, but the Eagles played one game in November and four games in December, respectively.
NEW FOE, WHO DIS?
The Eagles played three first-time opponents as they met Butler (Nov. 6), Georgia Southern (Nov. 11), and Central Arkansas (Nov. 25). EMU dropped a 94-55 decision against Butler before beating Georgia Southern, 70-60. The Eagles edged Central Arkansas, 74-71.
MT. MARTYNOV, SEVEN-FOOTER
Sophomore Cyril Martynov stands at seven feet tall and is one of five players in the MAC scaling at least seven feet, per each MAC school's official website. Miami's Reece Potter is the tallest in the conference at 7-foot-1 while Bowling Green's Jason Spurgin, Central Michigan's Hunter Harding, and Western Michigan's Javonte Brown are all 7-foot.
WHO'S BACK??
EMU returns 10 players from its 2022-23 roster including juniors Tyson Acuff, Jalin Billingsley, Yusuf Jihad, Kevin-David Rice, and Andrew Wells; redshirt sophomores Legend Geeter, Javantae Randle, and Prakash Ketterhagen; sophomore Orlando Lovejoy; and redshirt freshman Derik Pranger.
WHO'S GONE??
EMU lost six players from its 2022-23 roster including Emoni Bates (2nd Round pick in NBA Draft), Noah Farrakhan (transfer to West Virginia), Derek Ballard Jr. (graduation), Luka Savicevic (transfer to Lafayette), Collin Golson Jr. (transfer to Wayne State), and JZ Zaher (transfer to Bowling Green).
WHAT'S GONE??
EMU lost 1,114 of its 2,239 points (49.8%) from the 2022-23 season, most notably being the program's 15th NBA draftee as Emoni Bates was picked in the second round of the 2023 NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers (49th overall).
FRESH FACES
EMU added six newcomers to its 2023-24 roster including redshirt juniors John McGriff (Binghamton), Julius Ellerbe (East Central CC), Connor Serven (Illinois), and Micah Schnyders (Wheaton College), sophomore Cyril Martynov (Georgia Tech), and freshman Arne Osojnik (Ljubljana, Slovenia).
HALF MICHIGAN-MADE
Half of the Eastern Michigan 16-player roster hails from Michigan while Illinois (two), Maryland (two), Colorado (one) are represented, as well as a pair of international student-athletes with one from Canada and another from Slovenia. A complete breakdown of the EMU roster can be found on page 12.
DOUBLEHEADER DAY
The Eagles are scheduled to play five double-headers with the EMU women's basketball team in 2023-24 with four of the five double-headers taking place in Ypsilanti. Both the EMU men's and women's teams will play Nov.18 (men vs. Cleveland State, women vs. SIUE), Jan. 6 (men vs. Kent State, women vs. Toledo), Jan. 20 (at Ohio), Jan. 27 (men vs. Buffalo, women vs. Ball State), Feb. 17 (men vs. Bowling Green, women vs. Northern Illinois). The EMU men also hosted a doubleheader with the EMU's volleyball team, Nov. 11.
Men's basketball beat Georgia Southern, 70-60, while volleyball beat Kent State, 3-0, Nov. 11. Men's basketball beat Cleveland State, 69-62, Nov.18, while women's basketball topped SIUE, 68-65.
EMONI BATES NBA + G-LEAGUE
Former Eagle Emoni Bates played his first significant minutes in the NBA, Oct. 31, for the Cleveland Cavaliers against the New York Knicks as the rookie netted nine points with six rebounds in 23 minutes. Bates later sent shockwaves through the G-League in his first game with the Cleveland Charge, scoring 29 points with seven made three-pointers, Nov. 10, in Cleveland's 119-106 win over the Wisconsin Herd. Bates is averaging 25.5 points per game, which ranks second in the G-League behind Cam Whitmore's 26.9 points per game, and has four outings of 29-plus points for the Charge.
NEXT UP
Eastern Michigan is scheduled to host Hampton University, Thursday, Dec. 21, for a 1:00 p.m. contest.
FOLLOW US
For the most up-to-date information on the Eagles, visit EMUEagles.com. Fans can also follow the team on social media, including Twitter (@EMU_MBB) and Instagram (@EMUMBB).
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Billy Donlon Introductory Press Conference
Thursday, March 26
Bringing the Energy! Thank You to the Crowd vs. No. 21 Miami
Wednesday, February 25
Addison Patterson Dunk vs. Akron
Wednesday, February 04
Cinematic Recap: Jan. 24 Basketball Doubleheader
Saturday, January 24