Eastern Michigan Athletics
Saturday, November 30
Ypsilanti, Mich.
7 p.m.
Eastern Michigan University
vs
Detroit Mercy
Eastern Hosting Detroit Mercy Saturday
11/28/2024 7:00:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Eagles looking to win fourth-straight game in 7 p.m. tip
| Men's Basketball vs. Detroit Mercy | |
| Date | Saturday, Nov. 30 | 7 p.m. |
| Venue | George Gervin GameAbove Center (8,754) | Ypsilanti, Mich. |
| Preview Info | EMU Notes (PDF) | Media Guide (PDF) |
| Live Stats | Fan Stats | Media Stats |
| Watch | ESPN+ |
| @EMU_MBB | @EMUAthletics | |
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) -- After five games away from home the Eastern Michigan University men's basketball team returns home to battle the University of Detroit Mercy Saturday, Nov. 30, at 7 p.m. inside the George Gervin GameAbove Center as the Eagles are seeking their fourth-straight win.
ON AIR
Eastern Michigan and Detroit Mercy will air on ESPN+ from the George Gervin GameAbove Center with Brent Balbinot and Reggie Butler on the call. Live stats will be available on EMU Eagles.com.
OPENING TIPS
»Despite blowing a 17-point lead with 14 minutes to go, Eastern Michigan rallied to upend Northern Arizona, Nov. 26, 72-8. Senior Da'Sean Nelson led the way with 20 points to highlight a group of four Eagles with double-digit points.
»Eastern has had four players in double figures in three-straight games for the first time since the 2020-21 team had four-straight such games to open the season.
»Although the Eagles blew a 16-point lead with eight minutes left, Eastern fought back to edge Houston Christian, 74-73, for its third road, non-conference win, marking the first season EMU has recorded three road, non-conference wins since 1996-97.
»Even though senior Jalen Terry leads the team with 15.9 points per game, perhaps his most impressive statistic relates to his relentless attention to rebounding as the 6'0 guard leads the team in rebounding with 6.1 rebounds per game and is the only player in the country 6'1 or shorter on the NCAA's list of the top 356 rebounders nationally (6.0 rpg or higher).
»Eastern has won five of six games for the first time since 2019-20 and is off to its best start since the 2019-20 team started 6-0 and 9-1. The Eagles' three-game win streak matches their best from last season while a win over UDM would yield Eastern's first four-game winning streak since 2019-20.
»The Eagles prepare to welcome back Titan players Orlando Lovejoy and Legend Geeter and assistant coach LaMonta Stone, who were all at Eastern prior to heading to Detroit Mercy.
»Eastern Michigan's Stan Heath is in his fourth year at the helm of the Eagles, holding a 36-64 record at EMU and a 245-271 record over 17 years as a head coach.
DAE DAE CAN PLAY PLAY
Senior Da'Sean Nelson showcased his versatility at the Houston Christian MTE, producing a pair of impressive showings as a play-making power forward.
Against Northern Arizona, Nov. 26, Nelson netted 20 points, which included a career-high eight made free throws, while adding a season-high seven rebounds, two assists, and a season-high two blocks. Against Houston Christian, Nov. 25, Nelson scored 19 points with a career-high nine made field goals, while adding four rebounds and three assists.
Perhaps his most impressive dime of the MTE came to fellow DePaul senior transfer Jalen Terry as Nelson found Terry for an alley-oop dunk on a two-on-one opportunity.
DILLON TINGLER AGAINST NAU
Freshman Dillon Tingler scored a career-high six points against NAU, Nov. 26, as he produced a game-best +21 plus-minus rating over a career-high 17 minutes played.
2ND HALF LEADS THAT EMU HAD AND DIDN'T KEEP
Despite the two wins at the Houston Christian MTE, the Eagles looked prime to win each game by much more as they were unable to hold significant second-half leads, surrendering big runs late in the game.
Against Northern Arizona, Nov. 26, Eastern led by 17 with 13:51 to go before NAU outscored EMU, 23-2, to lead by four with 5:34 remaining. Against Houston Christian, Nov. 25, Eastern led by 16 with 7:59 left before HCU launched a 22-4 run to lead by two with 2:15 to go.
OUTREBOUNDED BY 15, STILL WON VS. NAU
Despite being rebounded by a robust 46-31 margin, Eastern Michigan found a way to win. The Eagles had not won a game when being outrebounded by at least 15 since topping Buffalo, 81-69, Jan. 12, 2016, when being outrebounded by 17 in that game.
11 STEALS AGAINST HOUSTON CHRISTIAN
Led by a career-high four steals by sophomore Arne Osojnik against Houston Christian, Nov. 25, Eastern tallied 11 steals for the first time since Jan. 28, 2023, at Miami. Turnovers also played a key role in the NAU game, Nov. 26, as the Eagles forced 17 turnovers while turning it over just eight times.
FOUR EAGLES IN DOUBLE-FIGURES (x3)
Eastern Michigan has three-straight games with four players scoring at least 10 points for the first time since the 2020-21 team opened the season with four-such games.
-Nov. 21 at Oakland: Osojnik (16), Billingsley (14), Nelson (13), Jihad (10)
-Nov. 25 at HCU: Nelson (19), Terry (18), Billingsley (13), Henry (12)
-Nov. 26 vs. NAU: Nelson (20), Henry (15), Terry (11), Billingsley (10)
SUCCESS IN CLOSE GAMES
After another pair of tight games at the Houston Christian MTE, Eastern moves to 4-0 in games decided by four points or less. The trend has continued from the 2023-24 season when the Eagles were 8-3 in games decided by four points or less.
WINNING IS MORE FUN
Eastern won five of six games for the first time since 2019-20 and is off to its best start since the 2019-20 team started 6-0 and 9-1. The Eagles' three-game win streak matches their best from last season while a win over UDM would yield Eastern's first four-game winning streak since 2019-20.
FORMER EASTERN MICHIGAN EAGLES
There will be familiar faces on the opposing bench in this matchup as junior forward Legend Geeter, guard Orlando Lovejoy, and assistant coach LaMonta Stone, all former Eagles, return to face Eastern for the first time since departing. Geeter and Lovejoy's EMU averages of 5.5 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 1.2 apg, and 7.4 ppg, 2.6 rpg, and 1.7 apg, respectively, were valuable contributions, both playing significant minutes from 2022-2024. Lovejoy's 2023 points average of 9.8 was enough to be second on the team. Stone served as EMU's Director of Basketball Operations in 2022-23. Stone, who previously served as an assistant coach at Eastern during the 2000-01 and 2001-02 seasons, has been coaching high school and college basketball for over 30 years, including coaching Geeter at River Rouge High School.
SPARTAN COACHING CONNECTION
Eastern's fourth-year head coach, Stan Heath, and UDM's first-year head coach, Mark Montgomery both coached under the legendary Tom Izzo at Michigan State with Montgomery stepping into the assistant coach role Heath filled before becoming Kent State's head coach in the 2001-2002 season. Both saw tremendous success in the NCAA tournament with the Spartans before moving on to head coaching roles elsewhere. This will be their first time meeting as head coaches as the Eagles look to extend their three-game streak over the Titans.
JT REBOUNDING AT 6-FEET TALL
Despite standing at 6-feet-0, Jalen Terry is averaging a team-high 6.1 rebounds per game, which ranks tied for eighth in the MAC. Terry ranks third in the MAC in defensive rebounds per game at 5.7. He is the only player 6'1 or shorter listed in the NCAA top 376 rebounders (6.0 rpg or higher).
NCAA Rankings Total Rebounds (Per Game)
Rank Player Height RPG School
T326. Jalen Terry 6-0 6.1 Eastern Michigan
NCAA Rankings Defensive Rebounds (Per Game)
Rank Player Height RPG School
T95. Jalen Terry 6-0 5.7 Eastern Michigan
T155. Braden Smith 6-0 5.2 Purdue
While Terry was credited with just eight rebounds over the two games at the Houston Christian MTE, his jumping ability and basketball IQ was as prevalent as ever as he caused chaos on the offensive glass, helping the Eagles retain possession on a pair of missed free throws down the stretch against NAU, Nov. 26.
YUSUF JIHAD AGAINST HIS FORMER TEAM
Senior Yusuf Jihad, who transferred from Oakland after one season in 2020-21, scored 10 points, Nov. 21, highlighted by a pair of first-half three-pointers and a second-half dunk in his first win against OU. He also netted 15 points against his former team in the 77-63 loss to the Golden Grizzlies, Dec. 8, 2023.
OVERCAME 8-POINT HALFTIME DEFICIT AT OU
In the 68-64 win at Oakland, Nov. 21, the Eagles overcame a 36-28 halftime deficit to win as the eight-point margin marks EMU's biggest halftime deficit in a win since Eastern stunned Kent State, Jan. 6, 2024, after trailing by 12 at halftime and by as many as 17 in the second half.
SHOOTING MARKS AT OAKLAND
Eastern Michigan was 23-of-60 (38.3%) from the floor and 9-of-24 (37.5%) from three-point range while Oakland was 23-of-47 (48.9%) from the field and 3-of-18 (16.7%) from deep.
EMU's 38.3% conversion rate is its lowest in a win since shooting 37.0% in the win over Central Michigan, Jan. 7, 2023.
With the 68-64 win over OU, Nov. 21, EMU earned its first win when being outshot by at least 10% since Eastern knocked off Bowling Green, March 11, 2015, despite the Falcons outshooting the Eagles, .532-.393.
SIX TURNOVERS AT OAKLAND
Eastern turned the ball over just six times at Oakland, Nov. 21, seven less than its previous season-low of 13 at IU Indy, Nov. 14. The Eagles' six turnovers are their fewest since giving the ball away six times at Central Michigan, March 8, 2024.
DOUBLE-DIGIT OFFENSIVE REBOUNDS
The Eagles have impressive offensive rebounding totals so far this season, reaching double figures in the first five contests to start the year.
EMU had double-digit offensive rebounds in its first five games for the first time to start a season since at least 2002-03.
Offensive Rebounds
15 at Texas State (Nov. 4)
14 vs. Siena Heights (Nov. 8)
11 at IU Indy (Nov. 14)
14 at Cleveland State (Nov. 16)
11 at Oakland (Nov. 21)
The Eagles had just seven offensive boards at HCU, Nov. 25, before tallying nine against NAU, Nov. 26.
Eastern had a stretch of seven-consecutive games with at least 10 offensive rebounds late in the 2023-24 season.
THREE ROAD NON-CONFERENCE WINS?
With road wins at IU Indy, Nov. 14, at Oakland, Nov. 21, and at Houston Christian, Nov. 25, Eastern has three non-conference true road wins for the first time since the 1996-97 season. The wins against both HCU and Northern Arizona equaled the 2019-20 team with four non-conference wins away from home. The 2019-20 team had four non-conference wins away from (two road, two neutral site).
FIVE OF SIX TRUE ROAD GAMES TO START
Eastern Michigan has five true road games in its first six contests to start the season for the first time since 1936-37 when Elton J. Rynearson was the head coach. EMU's football stadium, which features the gray turf of "Maxx Crosby Field," is named "Rynearson Stadium" in his honor.
JT 25+ POINTS, 6+ THREE-POINTERS
Senior Jalen Terry posted back-to-back games with at least 25 points and six made three-pointers at IU Indy, Nov. 14, and at Cleveland State, Nov. 16. He is one of five MAC players to accomplish that feat and the first to do so since Jordan Dartis for Ohio University in 2019.
MAC Players With 25 Points AND 6 Three-Pointers in CONSECUTIVE Games (Since 2002-03):
MOH Michael Bramos 4 Dec. 3-13, 2008
EMU Jalen Terry 2 Nov. 14-16, 2024
OU Jordan Dartis 2 Nov. 24-30, 2019
CMU Marcus Keene 2 (x2) Dec. 3-6, 2016; Jan. 17-21, 2017
BSU Skip Mills 2 March 4-6, 2006
Terry is one of just five Eagles since 2002-03 to record multiple games with at least 25 points and six made three-pointers in a season. He would be the first in that time frame to record three such games.
EMU Players With 25 Points AND 6 Three-Pointers TOTAL Games in One Season (Since 2002-03):
Jalen Terry 2 2024-25
Tyson Acuff 2 2022-23
Emoni Bates 2 2022-23
Elijah Minnie 2 2018-19
Willie Mangum 2 2016-17
Terry was also the first Eagle since Carlos Medlock, Feb. 11-15, 2006, to knock down six three-pointers in back-to-back games.
J-BILL STUFFS THE STAT SHEET IN HOME OPENER
Senior Jalin Billingsley recorded a career-high 32 points in the 83-58 win over Siena Heights, Nov. 8. He also hauled in 10 rebounds to give him the second double-double of his career, with his other coming via a 13-point, 10-rebound performance at Miami, March 2, 2024.
Top MAC Scoring Efforts in 2024-25:
1. AJ Clayton (Ohio) 34 Portland (Nov. 22)
2. Jalin Billingsley (EMU) 32 Siena Heights (Nov. 8)
3. Javontae Campbell (BGSU) 30 Davidson (Nov. 8)
t4.Jalen Terry (EMU) 28 IU Indy (Nov. 14)
t4. Ryan Sabol (UB) 28 Fredonia (Nov. 8)
THR33-POINT STR3AK, 620-STRAIGHT GAM3S
Eastern, which hit five threes against Oakland, Nov. 21, 2024, has now hit at least one triple in 620-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.
2024-25 PRESEASON ALL-MAC TEAMS
First Team
Payton Sparks, Senior, Center, Ball State
Anthony Pritchard, Senior, Guard, Central Michigan
VonCameron Davis, R-Senior, Forward, Kent State
AJ Clayton, Senior, Forward, Ohio
Javan Simmons, Sophomore, Forward, Toledo
Second Team
Isaiah Gray, Senior, Guard, Akron
Jalen Sullinger, Senior, Guard, Kent State
Shereef Mitchell, Graduate Student, Guard, Ohio
AJ Brown, R-Sophomore, Guard, Ohio
Isaiah Adams, Fifth Year, Guard, Toledo
PRESEASON PICKED NINTH
After finishing 10th in 2023-24, EMU was picked ninth in the MAC preseason coaches' poll.
2024-25 MAC Men's Basketball Preseason Coaches' Poll
(First Place Votes)
1. Ohio (11) – 121
2. Akron (1) – 106
3. Kent State – 99
4. Toledo – 95
5. Bowling Green – 73
6. Miami – 72
7. Ball State – 67
8. Central Michigan – 55
9. Eastern Michigan – 36
10. Western Michigan – 33
11. Northern Illinois – 24
12. Buffalo – 11
Tournament Champion: Ohio (8), Kent State (3), Toledo (1)
The six Ohio schools made up the top six while the bottom six is filled with the rest of the MAC schools.
MICHIGAN MATCH-UPS
The Eagles play three in-state opponents in non-conference action with contests against Siena Heights (Nov. 8), Oakland (Nov. 21), and Detroit Mercy (Nov. 30).
NEW FOE, WHO DIS?
The Eagles added competition against three first-time opponents this season; they face off against Texas State, Nov. 4 (L, 44-64), Houston Christian, Nov. 25, and Wright State, Dec. 21.
WHO'S BACK??
EMU returns four players from its 2023-24 roster including seniors Jalin Billingsley, Yusuf Jihad, and Micah Schnyders, as well as sophomore Arne Osojnik.
WHO'S GONE??
EMU lost 10 players from its 2023-24 game one roster including Tyson Acuff (Rutgers), Orlando Lovejoy (Detroit Mercy), Legend Geeter (Detroit Mercy), Conner Serven (Virginia Tech), Cyril Martynov (Eastern Kentucky), Julius Ellerbe (Coppin State), John McGriff (transfer portal - no destination), Javantae Randle (Central State), Prakash Ketterhagen (Lourdes), and Andrew Wells (graduation). The Eagles also lost Director of Operations LaMonta Stone (Assistant Coach - Detroit Mercy) and Graduate Assistant Nick Madray (graduation --> Utah Jazz).
WHAT'S GONE??
EMU lost 1,332 of its 2,047 points (65.07%) from the 2023-24 season, most notably leading scorer Tyson Acuff, who averaged 21.7 ppg (8th in the nation) on 43/29/81 shooting splits and transferred to Rutgers.
FRESH FACES
EMU added 11 newcomers to its 2024-25 roster including seniors Jalen Terry (DePaul), Da'Sean Nelson (DePaul), John Shanu II (UTRGV), and Cooper Smith (Michigan), juniors Christian Henry (Panola College), Julian Lewis (Miami), and Trey Pettigrew (Salt Lake CC), and freshmen Mario Brunetto (Classical Gymnasium), Mbaye N'Diaye (SEED Academy), Godslove Nwabude (Zion Prep), and Dillon Tingler (Huntington Prep).
DEPAUL DUO TO YPSILANTI
Jalen Terry and Da'Sean Nelson both came to Ypsilanti from DePaul and are expected to have big roles for the Eagles in 2024-25. Terry averaged 8.5 ppg and Nelson scored 9.7 ppg for the Blue Demons in 2023-24.
STAYING HOME
Eastern Michigan has just four players (Yusuf Jihad, Farmington Hills; Jalen Terry, Flint; Cooper Smith, Mio; and Julian Lewis, Ypsilanti) from the Mitten State on its 2024-25 roster, EMU's fewest since 2020-21 (four).
INTERNATIONAL INFLUX
International student-athlete representation doubled on the Eagles 15-player roster this season, as they added three true freshmen from Senegal (Mbaye N'Diaye), Nigeria (Godslove Nwabude), and Italy (Mario Brunetto), respectively. The trio joins sophomore Arne Osojnik who represented Slovenia twice as a member of the U18 national team at the Euro Championships. A complete breakdown of the EMU roster can be found on page 11.
Most international true freshmen in the nation:
1. Buffalo - 6
2. Florida Atlantic - 5
t3. Eastern Michigan - 3
Manhattan - 3
Oregon State - 3
San Francisco - 3
Seattle - 3
UT-Martin - 3
Weber State - 3
Most African true freshmen in the nation:
t1. Eastern Michigan - 2
Seton Hall - 2
Osojnik is one of five players from Slovenia in the country.
Slovenian MBB Players at NCAA Division I:
Arne Osojnik - Eastern Michigan
Klemen Vuga - UAPB
Urban Klavzar - Florida
Jan Vide - LMU (Calif.)
Sasa Ciani - UIC
Brunetto is one of 17 Italians players while N'Diaye is one of 32 Senegalese players and Nwabude is one of 38 Nigerian players.
DOUBLEHEADER DAY
The Eagles are scheduled to play three double-headers with the EMU women's basketball team in 2023-24 with four of the five doubleheaders taking place in Ypsilanti. Both the EMU men's and women's teams will play Jan. 11 (vs. Akron), Feb. 15 (men vs. Toledo, women vs. Ball State), and Feb. 22 (Northern Illinois).
The men's team was 5-0 at home in doubleheader games in 2023-24.
EMONI BATES NBA + G-LEAGUE
Former Eagle Emoni Bates was named a G-League All-Star with the Cleveland Charge in 2023-24, averaging 24.8 ppg. Bates also appeared in 15 games with the Cavaliers during the 2023-24 season. He underwent surgery in early October to repair a torn meniscus and is expected to return to action at some point during the 2024-25 season.
NEXT UP
Eastern Michigan will travel to Chicago, Ill. to face traditional mid-major power Loyola Chicago Tuesday Dec. 3 at 8:30 p.m. ET.
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 Detroit Mercy will air on ESPN+ from the George Gervin GameAbove Center with Brent Balbinot and Reggie Butler on the call. Live stats will be available on EMU Eagles.com.
OPENING TIPS
»Despite blowing a 17-point lead with 14 minutes to go, Eastern Michigan rallied to upend Northern Arizona, Nov. 26, 72-8. Senior Da'Sean Nelson led the way with 20 points to highlight a group of four Eagles with double-digit points.
»Eastern has had four players in double figures in three-straight games for the first time since the 2020-21 team had four-straight such games to open the season.
»Although the Eagles blew a 16-point lead with eight minutes left, Eastern fought back to edge Houston Christian, 74-73, for its third road, non-conference win, marking the first season EMU has recorded three road, non-conference wins since 1996-97.
»Even though senior Jalen Terry leads the team with 15.9 points per game, perhaps his most impressive statistic relates to his relentless attention to rebounding as the 6'0 guard leads the team in rebounding with 6.1 rebounds per game and is the only player in the country 6'1 or shorter on the NCAA's list of the top 356 rebounders nationally (6.0 rpg or higher).
»Eastern has won five of six games for the first time since 2019-20 and is off to its best start since the 2019-20 team started 6-0 and 9-1. The Eagles' three-game win streak matches their best from last season while a win over UDM would yield Eastern's first four-game winning streak since 2019-20.
»The Eagles prepare to welcome back Titan players Orlando Lovejoy and Legend Geeter and assistant coach LaMonta Stone, who were all at Eastern prior to heading to Detroit Mercy.
»Eastern Michigan's Stan Heath is in his fourth year at the helm of the Eagles, holding a 36-64 record at EMU and a 245-271 record over 17 years as a head coach.
DAE DAE CAN PLAY PLAY
Senior Da'Sean Nelson showcased his versatility at the Houston Christian MTE, producing a pair of impressive showings as a play-making power forward.
Against Northern Arizona, Nov. 26, Nelson netted 20 points, which included a career-high eight made free throws, while adding a season-high seven rebounds, two assists, and a season-high two blocks. Against Houston Christian, Nov. 25, Nelson scored 19 points with a career-high nine made field goals, while adding four rebounds and three assists.
Perhaps his most impressive dime of the MTE came to fellow DePaul senior transfer Jalen Terry as Nelson found Terry for an alley-oop dunk on a two-on-one opportunity.
DILLON TINGLER AGAINST NAU
Freshman Dillon Tingler scored a career-high six points against NAU, Nov. 26, as he produced a game-best +21 plus-minus rating over a career-high 17 minutes played.
2ND HALF LEADS THAT EMU HAD AND DIDN'T KEEP
Despite the two wins at the Houston Christian MTE, the Eagles looked prime to win each game by much more as they were unable to hold significant second-half leads, surrendering big runs late in the game.
Against Northern Arizona, Nov. 26, Eastern led by 17 with 13:51 to go before NAU outscored EMU, 23-2, to lead by four with 5:34 remaining. Against Houston Christian, Nov. 25, Eastern led by 16 with 7:59 left before HCU launched a 22-4 run to lead by two with 2:15 to go.
OUTREBOUNDED BY 15, STILL WON VS. NAU
Despite being rebounded by a robust 46-31 margin, Eastern Michigan found a way to win. The Eagles had not won a game when being outrebounded by at least 15 since topping Buffalo, 81-69, Jan. 12, 2016, when being outrebounded by 17 in that game.
11 STEALS AGAINST HOUSTON CHRISTIAN
Led by a career-high four steals by sophomore Arne Osojnik against Houston Christian, Nov. 25, Eastern tallied 11 steals for the first time since Jan. 28, 2023, at Miami. Turnovers also played a key role in the NAU game, Nov. 26, as the Eagles forced 17 turnovers while turning it over just eight times.
FOUR EAGLES IN DOUBLE-FIGURES (x3)
Eastern Michigan has three-straight games with four players scoring at least 10 points for the first time since the 2020-21 team opened the season with four-such games.
-Nov. 21 at Oakland: Osojnik (16), Billingsley (14), Nelson (13), Jihad (10)
-Nov. 25 at HCU: Nelson (19), Terry (18), Billingsley (13), Henry (12)
-Nov. 26 vs. NAU: Nelson (20), Henry (15), Terry (11), Billingsley (10)
SUCCESS IN CLOSE GAMES
After another pair of tight games at the Houston Christian MTE, Eastern moves to 4-0 in games decided by four points or less. The trend has continued from the 2023-24 season when the Eagles were 8-3 in games decided by four points or less.
WINNING IS MORE FUN
Eastern won five of six games for the first time since 2019-20 and is off to its best start since the 2019-20 team started 6-0 and 9-1. The Eagles' three-game win streak matches their best from last season while a win over UDM would yield Eastern's first four-game winning streak since 2019-20.
FORMER EASTERN MICHIGAN EAGLES
There will be familiar faces on the opposing bench in this matchup as junior forward Legend Geeter, guard Orlando Lovejoy, and assistant coach LaMonta Stone, all former Eagles, return to face Eastern for the first time since departing. Geeter and Lovejoy's EMU averages of 5.5 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 1.2 apg, and 7.4 ppg, 2.6 rpg, and 1.7 apg, respectively, were valuable contributions, both playing significant minutes from 2022-2024. Lovejoy's 2023 points average of 9.8 was enough to be second on the team. Stone served as EMU's Director of Basketball Operations in 2022-23. Stone, who previously served as an assistant coach at Eastern during the 2000-01 and 2001-02 seasons, has been coaching high school and college basketball for over 30 years, including coaching Geeter at River Rouge High School.
SPARTAN COACHING CONNECTION
Eastern's fourth-year head coach, Stan Heath, and UDM's first-year head coach, Mark Montgomery both coached under the legendary Tom Izzo at Michigan State with Montgomery stepping into the assistant coach role Heath filled before becoming Kent State's head coach in the 2001-2002 season. Both saw tremendous success in the NCAA tournament with the Spartans before moving on to head coaching roles elsewhere. This will be their first time meeting as head coaches as the Eagles look to extend their three-game streak over the Titans.
JT REBOUNDING AT 6-FEET TALL
Despite standing at 6-feet-0, Jalen Terry is averaging a team-high 6.1 rebounds per game, which ranks tied for eighth in the MAC. Terry ranks third in the MAC in defensive rebounds per game at 5.7. He is the only player 6'1 or shorter listed in the NCAA top 376 rebounders (6.0 rpg or higher).
NCAA Rankings Total Rebounds (Per Game)
Rank Player Height RPG School
T326. Jalen Terry 6-0 6.1 Eastern Michigan
NCAA Rankings Defensive Rebounds (Per Game)
Rank Player Height RPG School
T95. Jalen Terry 6-0 5.7 Eastern Michigan
T155. Braden Smith 6-0 5.2 Purdue
While Terry was credited with just eight rebounds over the two games at the Houston Christian MTE, his jumping ability and basketball IQ was as prevalent as ever as he caused chaos on the offensive glass, helping the Eagles retain possession on a pair of missed free throws down the stretch against NAU, Nov. 26.
YUSUF JIHAD AGAINST HIS FORMER TEAM
Senior Yusuf Jihad, who transferred from Oakland after one season in 2020-21, scored 10 points, Nov. 21, highlighted by a pair of first-half three-pointers and a second-half dunk in his first win against OU. He also netted 15 points against his former team in the 77-63 loss to the Golden Grizzlies, Dec. 8, 2023.
OVERCAME 8-POINT HALFTIME DEFICIT AT OU
In the 68-64 win at Oakland, Nov. 21, the Eagles overcame a 36-28 halftime deficit to win as the eight-point margin marks EMU's biggest halftime deficit in a win since Eastern stunned Kent State, Jan. 6, 2024, after trailing by 12 at halftime and by as many as 17 in the second half.
SHOOTING MARKS AT OAKLAND
Eastern Michigan was 23-of-60 (38.3%) from the floor and 9-of-24 (37.5%) from three-point range while Oakland was 23-of-47 (48.9%) from the field and 3-of-18 (16.7%) from deep.
EMU's 38.3% conversion rate is its lowest in a win since shooting 37.0% in the win over Central Michigan, Jan. 7, 2023.
With the 68-64 win over OU, Nov. 21, EMU earned its first win when being outshot by at least 10% since Eastern knocked off Bowling Green, March 11, 2015, despite the Falcons outshooting the Eagles, .532-.393.
SIX TURNOVERS AT OAKLAND
Eastern turned the ball over just six times at Oakland, Nov. 21, seven less than its previous season-low of 13 at IU Indy, Nov. 14. The Eagles' six turnovers are their fewest since giving the ball away six times at Central Michigan, March 8, 2024.
DOUBLE-DIGIT OFFENSIVE REBOUNDS
The Eagles have impressive offensive rebounding totals so far this season, reaching double figures in the first five contests to start the year.
EMU had double-digit offensive rebounds in its first five games for the first time to start a season since at least 2002-03.
Offensive Rebounds
15 at Texas State (Nov. 4)
14 vs. Siena Heights (Nov. 8)
11 at IU Indy (Nov. 14)
14 at Cleveland State (Nov. 16)
11 at Oakland (Nov. 21)
The Eagles had just seven offensive boards at HCU, Nov. 25, before tallying nine against NAU, Nov. 26.
Eastern had a stretch of seven-consecutive games with at least 10 offensive rebounds late in the 2023-24 season.
THREE ROAD NON-CONFERENCE WINS?
With road wins at IU Indy, Nov. 14, at Oakland, Nov. 21, and at Houston Christian, Nov. 25, Eastern has three non-conference true road wins for the first time since the 1996-97 season. The wins against both HCU and Northern Arizona equaled the 2019-20 team with four non-conference wins away from home. The 2019-20 team had four non-conference wins away from (two road, two neutral site).
FIVE OF SIX TRUE ROAD GAMES TO START
Eastern Michigan has five true road games in its first six contests to start the season for the first time since 1936-37 when Elton J. Rynearson was the head coach. EMU's football stadium, which features the gray turf of "Maxx Crosby Field," is named "Rynearson Stadium" in his honor.
JT 25+ POINTS, 6+ THREE-POINTERS
Senior Jalen Terry posted back-to-back games with at least 25 points and six made three-pointers at IU Indy, Nov. 14, and at Cleveland State, Nov. 16. He is one of five MAC players to accomplish that feat and the first to do so since Jordan Dartis for Ohio University in 2019.
MAC Players With 25 Points AND 6 Three-Pointers in CONSECUTIVE Games (Since 2002-03):
MOH Michael Bramos 4 Dec. 3-13, 2008
EMU Jalen Terry 2 Nov. 14-16, 2024
OU Jordan Dartis 2 Nov. 24-30, 2019
CMU Marcus Keene 2 (x2) Dec. 3-6, 2016; Jan. 17-21, 2017
BSU Skip Mills 2 March 4-6, 2006
Terry is one of just five Eagles since 2002-03 to record multiple games with at least 25 points and six made three-pointers in a season. He would be the first in that time frame to record three such games.
EMU Players With 25 Points AND 6 Three-Pointers TOTAL Games in One Season (Since 2002-03):
Jalen Terry 2 2024-25
Tyson Acuff 2 2022-23
Emoni Bates 2 2022-23
Elijah Minnie 2 2018-19
Willie Mangum 2 2016-17
Terry was also the first Eagle since Carlos Medlock, Feb. 11-15, 2006, to knock down six three-pointers in back-to-back games.
J-BILL STUFFS THE STAT SHEET IN HOME OPENER
Senior Jalin Billingsley recorded a career-high 32 points in the 83-58 win over Siena Heights, Nov. 8. He also hauled in 10 rebounds to give him the second double-double of his career, with his other coming via a 13-point, 10-rebound performance at Miami, March 2, 2024.
Top MAC Scoring Efforts in 2024-25:
1. AJ Clayton (Ohio) 34 Portland (Nov. 22)
2. Jalin Billingsley (EMU) 32 Siena Heights (Nov. 8)
3. Javontae Campbell (BGSU) 30 Davidson (Nov. 8)
t4.Jalen Terry (EMU) 28 IU Indy (Nov. 14)
t4. Ryan Sabol (UB) 28 Fredonia (Nov. 8)
THR33-POINT STR3AK, 620-STRAIGHT GAM3S
Eastern, which hit five threes against Oakland, Nov. 21, 2024, has now hit at least one triple in 620-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.
2024-25 PRESEASON ALL-MAC TEAMS
First Team
Payton Sparks, Senior, Center, Ball State
Anthony Pritchard, Senior, Guard, Central Michigan
VonCameron Davis, R-Senior, Forward, Kent State
AJ Clayton, Senior, Forward, Ohio
Javan Simmons, Sophomore, Forward, Toledo
Second Team
Isaiah Gray, Senior, Guard, Akron
Jalen Sullinger, Senior, Guard, Kent State
Shereef Mitchell, Graduate Student, Guard, Ohio
AJ Brown, R-Sophomore, Guard, Ohio
Isaiah Adams, Fifth Year, Guard, Toledo
PRESEASON PICKED NINTH
After finishing 10th in 2023-24, EMU was picked ninth in the MAC preseason coaches' poll.
2024-25 MAC Men's Basketball Preseason Coaches' Poll
(First Place Votes)
1. Ohio (11) – 121
2. Akron (1) – 106
3. Kent State – 99
4. Toledo – 95
5. Bowling Green – 73
6. Miami – 72
7. Ball State – 67
8. Central Michigan – 55
9. Eastern Michigan – 36
10. Western Michigan – 33
11. Northern Illinois – 24
12. Buffalo – 11
Tournament Champion: Ohio (8), Kent State (3), Toledo (1)
The six Ohio schools made up the top six while the bottom six is filled with the rest of the MAC schools.
MICHIGAN MATCH-UPS
The Eagles play three in-state opponents in non-conference action with contests against Siena Heights (Nov. 8), Oakland (Nov. 21), and Detroit Mercy (Nov. 30).
NEW FOE, WHO DIS?
The Eagles added competition against three first-time opponents this season; they face off against Texas State, Nov. 4 (L, 44-64), Houston Christian, Nov. 25, and Wright State, Dec. 21.
WHO'S BACK??
EMU returns four players from its 2023-24 roster including seniors Jalin Billingsley, Yusuf Jihad, and Micah Schnyders, as well as sophomore Arne Osojnik.
WHO'S GONE??
EMU lost 10 players from its 2023-24 game one roster including Tyson Acuff (Rutgers), Orlando Lovejoy (Detroit Mercy), Legend Geeter (Detroit Mercy), Conner Serven (Virginia Tech), Cyril Martynov (Eastern Kentucky), Julius Ellerbe (Coppin State), John McGriff (transfer portal - no destination), Javantae Randle (Central State), Prakash Ketterhagen (Lourdes), and Andrew Wells (graduation). The Eagles also lost Director of Operations LaMonta Stone (Assistant Coach - Detroit Mercy) and Graduate Assistant Nick Madray (graduation --> Utah Jazz).
WHAT'S GONE??
EMU lost 1,332 of its 2,047 points (65.07%) from the 2023-24 season, most notably leading scorer Tyson Acuff, who averaged 21.7 ppg (8th in the nation) on 43/29/81 shooting splits and transferred to Rutgers.
FRESH FACES
EMU added 11 newcomers to its 2024-25 roster including seniors Jalen Terry (DePaul), Da'Sean Nelson (DePaul), John Shanu II (UTRGV), and Cooper Smith (Michigan), juniors Christian Henry (Panola College), Julian Lewis (Miami), and Trey Pettigrew (Salt Lake CC), and freshmen Mario Brunetto (Classical Gymnasium), Mbaye N'Diaye (SEED Academy), Godslove Nwabude (Zion Prep), and Dillon Tingler (Huntington Prep).
DEPAUL DUO TO YPSILANTI
Jalen Terry and Da'Sean Nelson both came to Ypsilanti from DePaul and are expected to have big roles for the Eagles in 2024-25. Terry averaged 8.5 ppg and Nelson scored 9.7 ppg for the Blue Demons in 2023-24.
STAYING HOME
Eastern Michigan has just four players (Yusuf Jihad, Farmington Hills; Jalen Terry, Flint; Cooper Smith, Mio; and Julian Lewis, Ypsilanti) from the Mitten State on its 2024-25 roster, EMU's fewest since 2020-21 (four).
INTERNATIONAL INFLUX
International student-athlete representation doubled on the Eagles 15-player roster this season, as they added three true freshmen from Senegal (Mbaye N'Diaye), Nigeria (Godslove Nwabude), and Italy (Mario Brunetto), respectively. The trio joins sophomore Arne Osojnik who represented Slovenia twice as a member of the U18 national team at the Euro Championships. A complete breakdown of the EMU roster can be found on page 11.
Most international true freshmen in the nation:
1. Buffalo - 6
2. Florida Atlantic - 5
t3. Eastern Michigan - 3
Manhattan - 3
Oregon State - 3
San Francisco - 3
Seattle - 3
UT-Martin - 3
Weber State - 3
Most African true freshmen in the nation:
t1. Eastern Michigan - 2
Seton Hall - 2
Osojnik is one of five players from Slovenia in the country.
Slovenian MBB Players at NCAA Division I:
Arne Osojnik - Eastern Michigan
Klemen Vuga - UAPB
Urban Klavzar - Florida
Jan Vide - LMU (Calif.)
Sasa Ciani - UIC
Brunetto is one of 17 Italians players while N'Diaye is one of 32 Senegalese players and Nwabude is one of 38 Nigerian players.
DOUBLEHEADER DAY
The Eagles are scheduled to play three double-headers with the EMU women's basketball team in 2023-24 with four of the five doubleheaders taking place in Ypsilanti. Both the EMU men's and women's teams will play Jan. 11 (vs. Akron), Feb. 15 (men vs. Toledo, women vs. Ball State), and Feb. 22 (Northern Illinois).
The men's team was 5-0 at home in doubleheader games in 2023-24.
EMONI BATES NBA + G-LEAGUE
Former Eagle Emoni Bates was named a G-League All-Star with the Cleveland Charge in 2023-24, averaging 24.8 ppg. Bates also appeared in 15 games with the Cavaliers during the 2023-24 season. He underwent surgery in early October to repair a torn meniscus and is expected to return to action at some point during the 2024-25 season.
NEXT UP
Eastern Michigan will travel to Chicago, Ill. to face traditional mid-major power Loyola Chicago Tuesday Dec. 3 at 8:30 p.m. ET.
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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/ Men's BasketballBen Braun Video at MAC Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
Friday, May 30
Ben Braun at MAC Hall of Fame Induction
Friday, May 30
Charles E. Ramsey - MAC Hall of Fame Induction of Ben Braun
Friday, May 30
Jack Brusewitz - MAC Hall of Fame Induction of Ben Braun
Friday, May 30