Eastern Michigan Athletics
Saturday, February 17
Ypsilanti, Mich.
1 p.m.
Eastern Michigan University
vs
Northern Illinois
Women's Hoops Hosts NIU Saturday in EMU Doubleheader
2/15/2024 12:51:00 PM | Women's Basketball
Retro Arcade Day
| Women's Basketball vs. Northern Illinois | |
| Date | Saturday, Feb. 17 | 1 p.m. |
| Venue | George Gervin GameAbove Center (8,754) |
| Preview Info | EMU Notes (PDF) | Media Guide (PDF) |
| Live Stats | Fan Stats | Media Stats |
| Watch | ESPN+ |
| Listen | WEMU (89.1 FM) | The Varsity Network App |
| @EMUWBB | @EMUAthletics | |
| Fan Information | Purchase Tickets |
Retro Arcade Day
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) -- The Eastern Michigan University women's basketball team is slated to play host to Mid-American Conference foe, Northern Illinois University, Saturday, Feb. 17, in the first part of an EMU Basketball doubleheader with the men's team, who will play host to Bowling Green State University. The women's tip is scheduled for 1 p.m. with the men going 30 minutes after the conclusion of the women's game.
ON AIR
Saturday's game will be broadcast on ESPN+ where Ryan Wooley and Claire Dau will have the call. Tom Helmer will have the radio call on WEMU 89.1 FM and the Varsity Network App. Fans can also follow the action via live stats at EMUEagles.com/livestats. Additionally, the team's official Twitter account, @EMUWBB, will provide score updates throughout the contest.
INSIDE THE CONTEST
Saturday's contest will mark the 63rd meeting between Eastern Michigan and Northern Illinois in a series history that dates back to 1981. EMU leads the all-time series, 40-22, after defeating the Huskies earlier in the season by a 67-49 decision in DeKalb, Ill. In that contest, interim Head Coach Ke'Sha Blanton earned her third straight victory at the helm of the program and the first MAC win of the season.
EMU VS. NIU AT HOME
The contest will be the 30th inside the George Gervin GameAbove Center with the Eagles claiming victory in 21-of-29 home games against the Huskies. The last time NIU traveled to Ypsilanti was one season ago when EMU defeated Northern Illinois, 66-61 in overtime, Jan. 21, 2023.
RETRO-ARCADE DAY
EMU is set to host Retro Arcade Day, sponsored by DTE, taking place during the Saturday doubleheader. Fans are invited to step back in time and relive the nostalgia of classic arcade games while cheering on their Eagles. Retro Arcade Day promises to be an unforgettable experience for fans of all ages. Attendees have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a retro gaming wonderland, with a wide array of classic arcade games available to play, including Galaga, Ms. Pac-Man, Street Fighter, Donkey Kong, Tetris, Centipede, Puzzle Bobble, and others.
BACK IN #MACTION
The Green and White's 2023-24 campaign marks the 43rd 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 307-410 record against conference opponents all-time.
ABOUT THE HUSKIES
With an even 11-11 overall record and 4-6 in conference play, the Huskies come to Ypsilanti after a home loss to the Broncos of WMU, Feb. 14. Earlier in the season, the two schools met when interim head coach Ke'Sha Blanton earned her third straight victory after taking the reins. The Eagles topped NIU, 67-49, in that game to open MAC play. NIU is averaging 67.6 points per game while allowing 71.4. In terms of rebounds, Northern Illinois is collecting 36.4 rebounds per game while giving up 39.3.
NATIONALLY RANKED TAYRA
Tayra Eke's 2.00 blocks per game is good for first in the MAC and 28th nationally. Of 248 total players ranked in the category, only three other players are members of the MAC, with Eke holding the highest ranking.
National Blocks Per Game Leaders (MAC only):
24. Tayra Eke 2.00 Eastern Michigan
56. Rochelle Norris 1.62 Central Michigan
119. Hannah Noveroske 1.27 Toledo
136. Amber Tretter 1.18 Miami
MYLES IN THE RANKINGS
Kennedi Myles ranks third in the MAC with her 8.8 rebounds per game and in total rebounds with 193. Additionally, her 1.77 steals per game is good for seventh in the league.
IN THE WIN COLUMN
EMU cruised past South Alabama in the second leg of the MAC-SBC Challenge with a score of 81-69, Feb. 10, at home. The last time the Eagles were victorious was when the team defeated Miami University, 53-48, Jan. 17 at home. After the home win over South Alabama, the Green and White hold a 4-6 record when playing inside the George Gervin GameAbove Center this season.
DOUBLE-TROUBLE KENNEDI
Kennedi Myles recorded her 16th career double-double and the sixth in an Eastern jersey with her 11 points and 10 rebounds against the Jaguars, Feb. 10. The graduate student has earned a double-double in three consecutive games for the first time in her career. (13 pts/13 reb vs. Akron, Feb. 7, and 17 pts/10 reb at Buffalo, Feb. 3).
(KEN) SHE HELP?
Kennedi Myles chipped in with three assists against the Jaguars defense, Feb. 10, marking her sixth game at Eastern with three or more helpers in a single contest and the 21st of her career.
NIA'S STARTING DEBUT
After making her Eastern debut against Akron, Feb. 7, Nia Boston earned her first start as an Eagle as she posted a season-high five points and two assists in 16 minutes of play against USA, Feb. 10.
DOUBLE-DIGIT SHOOTERS
Five Eagles recorded double-digit points in the same game for just the second time this season as Dara Capaldi scored 10, Olivia Westphal and Kennedi Myles posted 11 each, Olivia Smith earned 12, and Tayra Eke led with 13. The last time the team accomplished the feat was when five players entered double-digit points in the overtime victory over IUPUI, Dec. 15. Prior to that, EMU had not seen the feat since Jan. 8, 2022, when EMU topped Central Michigan with five players earning 10+ points.
DARA'S CATCHING FIRE
Dara Capaldi earned her fourth collegiate start in the game with South Alabama, Feb. 10, after doing so for the first time against WMU, Jan. 31. The Michigan native posted 10 points in the victory for her second consecutive double-digit performance after posting a personal-best 14 points versus Akron, Feb. 7.
SHARP-SHOOTING SMITH
Olivia Smith connected on two shots from beyond the arc, going 2-of-4 from the three point line in the contest versus the Jaguars, Feb. 10. It was the 18th contest this season in which Smith has made a single three-pointer. Last season, the then-rookie led the team in triples recording a single make in 25 total games. Her longest streak of consecutive games with a made triple was 13 (Dec. 17, 2022- Feb. 1, 2023).
CONSECUTIVE WESTY
Olivia Westphal hit three three's in the victory over USA, Feb. 10, for the first time since she went a perfect 3-for-3 from deep against the Ohio Bobcats, Jan. 20. It was just the fourth contest she has connected on three or more triples and the fifth of her career. Her 11 points tied her season-high at EMU and fell one short of her career-high 12 set against Brown University, Nov. 11, 2022, as a Duquesne Duke, marking just the fourth appearance with double-figure points.
CAREER-HIGH STEALS
Olivia Westphal snagged four steals in the win over the Jaguars, Feb. 10. The four takeaways marked a career-high for the junior transfer topping the three she recorded at Ohio, Jan. 20.
TRACKING TAYRA
After her four rebounds against USA, Feb. 10, Tayra Eke sits just 52 boards away from her career milestone 500. Additionally, the junior is just 10 blocks away from her career milestone 150.
EAGLES FROM DEEP
EMU hit seven triples in the win, Feb. 10. It marked the fifth time this season the team has hit seven or more with eight being the team's season high, set in two different occasions this season.
BIG TIME SCORING
The team's 81 total points in the victory over South Alabama, Feb. 10, marked the second time this season the Eagles have scored 80+ points, going 2-0 in such games. The Eagles last scored 80+ points when they topped IUPUI in overtime, 84-74, Dec. 15. Last season, the team did not have an 80+ point game with the closest being 77 in the 77-70 victory over FAMU, Nov. 19, 2022.
FORCING TURNOVERS
The Eagles forced 23 South Alabama turnovers in the win, Feb. 10. It marked the sixth time this season in which EMU has forced 20 or more turnovers in a single game, the most being 25 against IUPUI, Dec. 15.
FOLLOW THE LEADERS
The Eagles never trailed after taking a 20-7 first quarter lead. The Green and White's largest lead over the Jaguars was 18. The team managed to hold the lead for the longest amount of time of the season, holding it for 38:20.
ON THE HORIZON
Eastern will continue conference play as it readies to take a midweek trip to Kalamazoo, Mich., to face the Broncos of Western Michigan, Wednesday, Feb. 21. The contest is slated for a 7 p.m. start.
FOLLOW US
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.
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) -- The Eastern Michigan University women's basketball team is slated to play host to Mid-American Conference foe, Northern Illinois University, Saturday, Feb. 17, in the first part of an EMU Basketball doubleheader with the men's team, who will play host to Bowling Green State University. The women's tip is scheduled for 1 p.m. with the men going 30 minutes after the conclusion of the women's game.
ON AIR
Saturday's game will be broadcast on ESPN+ where Ryan Wooley and Claire Dau will have the call. Tom Helmer will have the radio call on WEMU 89.1 FM and the Varsity Network App. Fans can also follow the action via live stats at EMUEagles.com/livestats. Additionally, the team's official Twitter account, @EMUWBB, will provide score updates throughout the contest.
INSIDE THE CONTEST
Saturday's contest will mark the 63rd meeting between Eastern Michigan and Northern Illinois in a series history that dates back to 1981. EMU leads the all-time series, 40-22, after defeating the Huskies earlier in the season by a 67-49 decision in DeKalb, Ill. In that contest, interim Head Coach Ke'Sha Blanton earned her third straight victory at the helm of the program and the first MAC win of the season.
EMU VS. NIU AT HOME
The contest will be the 30th inside the George Gervin GameAbove Center with the Eagles claiming victory in 21-of-29 home games against the Huskies. The last time NIU traveled to Ypsilanti was one season ago when EMU defeated Northern Illinois, 66-61 in overtime, Jan. 21, 2023.
RETRO-ARCADE DAY
EMU is set to host Retro Arcade Day, sponsored by DTE, taking place during the Saturday doubleheader. Fans are invited to step back in time and relive the nostalgia of classic arcade games while cheering on their Eagles. Retro Arcade Day promises to be an unforgettable experience for fans of all ages. Attendees have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a retro gaming wonderland, with a wide array of classic arcade games available to play, including Galaga, Ms. Pac-Man, Street Fighter, Donkey Kong, Tetris, Centipede, Puzzle Bobble, and others.
BACK IN #MACTION
The Green and White's 2023-24 campaign marks the 43rd 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 307-410 record against conference opponents all-time.
ABOUT THE HUSKIES
With an even 11-11 overall record and 4-6 in conference play, the Huskies come to Ypsilanti after a home loss to the Broncos of WMU, Feb. 14. Earlier in the season, the two schools met when interim head coach Ke'Sha Blanton earned her third straight victory after taking the reins. The Eagles topped NIU, 67-49, in that game to open MAC play. NIU is averaging 67.6 points per game while allowing 71.4. In terms of rebounds, Northern Illinois is collecting 36.4 rebounds per game while giving up 39.3.
NATIONALLY RANKED TAYRA
Tayra Eke's 2.00 blocks per game is good for first in the MAC and 28th nationally. Of 248 total players ranked in the category, only three other players are members of the MAC, with Eke holding the highest ranking.
National Blocks Per Game Leaders (MAC only):
24. Tayra Eke 2.00 Eastern Michigan
56. Rochelle Norris 1.62 Central Michigan
119. Hannah Noveroske 1.27 Toledo
136. Amber Tretter 1.18 Miami
MYLES IN THE RANKINGS
Kennedi Myles ranks third in the MAC with her 8.8 rebounds per game and in total rebounds with 193. Additionally, her 1.77 steals per game is good for seventh in the league.
IN THE WIN COLUMN
EMU cruised past South Alabama in the second leg of the MAC-SBC Challenge with a score of 81-69, Feb. 10, at home. The last time the Eagles were victorious was when the team defeated Miami University, 53-48, Jan. 17 at home. After the home win over South Alabama, the Green and White hold a 4-6 record when playing inside the George Gervin GameAbove Center this season.
DOUBLE-TROUBLE KENNEDI
Kennedi Myles recorded her 16th career double-double and the sixth in an Eastern jersey with her 11 points and 10 rebounds against the Jaguars, Feb. 10. The graduate student has earned a double-double in three consecutive games for the first time in her career. (13 pts/13 reb vs. Akron, Feb. 7, and 17 pts/10 reb at Buffalo, Feb. 3).
(KEN) SHE HELP?
Kennedi Myles chipped in with three assists against the Jaguars defense, Feb. 10, marking her sixth game at Eastern with three or more helpers in a single contest and the 21st of her career.
NIA'S STARTING DEBUT
After making her Eastern debut against Akron, Feb. 7, Nia Boston earned her first start as an Eagle as she posted a season-high five points and two assists in 16 minutes of play against USA, Feb. 10.
DOUBLE-DIGIT SHOOTERS
Five Eagles recorded double-digit points in the same game for just the second time this season as Dara Capaldi scored 10, Olivia Westphal and Kennedi Myles posted 11 each, Olivia Smith earned 12, and Tayra Eke led with 13. The last time the team accomplished the feat was when five players entered double-digit points in the overtime victory over IUPUI, Dec. 15. Prior to that, EMU had not seen the feat since Jan. 8, 2022, when EMU topped Central Michigan with five players earning 10+ points.
DARA'S CATCHING FIRE
Dara Capaldi earned her fourth collegiate start in the game with South Alabama, Feb. 10, after doing so for the first time against WMU, Jan. 31. The Michigan native posted 10 points in the victory for her second consecutive double-digit performance after posting a personal-best 14 points versus Akron, Feb. 7.
SHARP-SHOOTING SMITH
Olivia Smith connected on two shots from beyond the arc, going 2-of-4 from the three point line in the contest versus the Jaguars, Feb. 10. It was the 18th contest this season in which Smith has made a single three-pointer. Last season, the then-rookie led the team in triples recording a single make in 25 total games. Her longest streak of consecutive games with a made triple was 13 (Dec. 17, 2022- Feb. 1, 2023).
CONSECUTIVE WESTY
Olivia Westphal hit three three's in the victory over USA, Feb. 10, for the first time since she went a perfect 3-for-3 from deep against the Ohio Bobcats, Jan. 20. It was just the fourth contest she has connected on three or more triples and the fifth of her career. Her 11 points tied her season-high at EMU and fell one short of her career-high 12 set against Brown University, Nov. 11, 2022, as a Duquesne Duke, marking just the fourth appearance with double-figure points.
CAREER-HIGH STEALS
Olivia Westphal snagged four steals in the win over the Jaguars, Feb. 10. The four takeaways marked a career-high for the junior transfer topping the three she recorded at Ohio, Jan. 20.
TRACKING TAYRA
After her four rebounds against USA, Feb. 10, Tayra Eke sits just 52 boards away from her career milestone 500. Additionally, the junior is just 10 blocks away from her career milestone 150.
EAGLES FROM DEEP
EMU hit seven triples in the win, Feb. 10. It marked the fifth time this season the team has hit seven or more with eight being the team's season high, set in two different occasions this season.
BIG TIME SCORING
The team's 81 total points in the victory over South Alabama, Feb. 10, marked the second time this season the Eagles have scored 80+ points, going 2-0 in such games. The Eagles last scored 80+ points when they topped IUPUI in overtime, 84-74, Dec. 15. Last season, the team did not have an 80+ point game with the closest being 77 in the 77-70 victory over FAMU, Nov. 19, 2022.
FORCING TURNOVERS
The Eagles forced 23 South Alabama turnovers in the win, Feb. 10. It marked the sixth time this season in which EMU has forced 20 or more turnovers in a single game, the most being 25 against IUPUI, Dec. 15.
FOLLOW THE LEADERS
The Eagles never trailed after taking a 20-7 first quarter lead. The Green and White's largest lead over the Jaguars was 18. The team managed to hold the lead for the longest amount of time of the season, holding it for 38:20.
ON THE HORIZON
Eastern will continue conference play as it readies to take a midweek trip to Kalamazoo, Mich., to face the Broncos of Western Michigan, Wednesday, Feb. 21. The contest is slated for a 7 p.m. start.
FOLLOW US
Stay connected with the Eagles all season long by following @EMUWBB and @EMUAthletics on Twitter for all of the latest EMU women's basketball updates. Be sure to also follow the Green and White on Instagram, @EMUWBB.
Players Mentioned
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