Eastern Michigan Athletics
Saturday, February 10
Ypsilanti, Mich.
1 p.m.
Eastern Michigan University
vs
South Alabama
Women's Hoops Hosts South Alabama in Second Part of MAC-SBC Challenge
2/8/2024 6:05:00 PM | Women's Basketball
The Eagles will take on the Jaguars at 1 p.m. Saturday
| Women's Basketball vs. South Alabama | |
| Date | Saturday, Feb. 10 | 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 |
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) -- The Eastern Michigan University women's basketball team will take a break from Mid-American Conference play as it prepares to play host to Sun Belt Conference member, the University of South Alabama, Saturday, Feb. 10, inside the George Gervin GameAbove Center. The contest, which is the second part of the MAC-SBC Challenge, is slated to begin at 1 p.m.
ON AIR
Saturday's game will be broadcast on ESPN+ where Ryan Wooley and Claire Dau will have the call. 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 marks the second part of the MAC-SBC Challenge in which 12 MAC men's basketball programs will travel to 12 SBC teams, while the 12 MAC women's basketball programs will host 12 SBC teams. The women's team has been paired up with South Alabama, based on real-time NET rankings, and will play host to the Jaguars Saturday, Feb. 10, in the inaugural meeting between the two schools. The game decision will not affect either school's conference record, but will contribute to the team's overall record.
ABOUT THE JAGS
Standing 8-16 overall and 1-11 in conference play, the Jaguars come to Ypsilanti for the first time in program history after dropping an 82-66 decision at James Madison, Feb. 7. Earlier in the season, the SBC school hosted the Chippewas of Central Michigan for the first part of the MAC-SBC Challenge, taking a 77-55 victory over EMU's in-state rival. The visiting Jaguars are 4-7 in road games. The Red and Blue are averaging 60.2 points and 38.5 rebounds per game while allowing 69.3 points and 39.0 boards per game.
NATIONALLY RANKED TAYRA
Tayra Eke's 2.10 blocks per game is good for first in the MAC and 24th 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 2.10 Eastern Michigan
69. Rochelle Norris 1.55 Central Michigan
108. Hannah Noveroske 1.29 Toledo
172. Amber Tretter 1.10 Miami
MYLES IN THE RANKINGS
Kennedi Myles ranks second in the MAC with her 8.7 rebounds per game and in total rebounds with 183. Additionally, her 1.81 steals per game is good for seventh in the league.
EAGLES IN OVERTIME
The game against Akron, Feb. 7, was the Eagles' second overtime game since Dec. 15, 2023, when the Eagles topped IUPUI in extra minutes and the first overtime game against a MAC opponent since falling, 79-73, against Toledo, Jan. 28, 2023. After the setback, EMU holds a 24-27 record in games that go into overtime.
DOUBLE-DOUBLE FOR YOU & YOU
EMU saw two players reach double doubles in the same contest, Feb. 7, for the third time this season and the first since the win at NIU, Jan. 3. It marked the second time in which Kennedi Myles and Tayra Eke both accomplished the feat in the same game after doing so at SIUE, Nov. 18. The Green and White had two double-double performances in the same contest four times one year ago, the most by any EMU team since the 2011-12 campaign, when the Eagles recorded the feat in five games.
DOUBLE-TROUBLE KENNEDI
Kennedi Myles recorded her 15th career double-double and the fifth in an Eastern jersey with her 13 points and 13 rebounds against the Zips, Feb. 7. The graduate student has earned a double-double in consecutive games after posting 17 points and 10 boards against the Bulls, Feb. 3. The back-to-back double-doubles mark the second time she has recorded the feat in her career after doing so for the first time in the 2020-21 season as a member of the Fighting Illini. In that season, Myles posted 14 and 11 against Valparaiso, Dec. 2, before collecting 13 and 14 versus Omaha, Dec. 6.
DOUBLE-DIGIT SCORING (MYLES)
Kennedi Myles' 13 points against the Zips, Feb. 7 marked the eighth contest this season with double-digit points and the 33rd of her career. Her career-high stands at 23 against Merrimack College, Dec. 10, 2019 as a member of the Fighting Illini.
NIA'S EASTERN DEBUT
Nia Boston made her debut in an Eastern jersey as the transfer played three total minutes against the Zips, Feb. 7.
DOUBLE-DOUBLE FOR EKE
Tayra Eke's 17 points and 11 rebounds against Akron, Feb. 7 was good for her fifth season double-double and the 10th of her career. The last time the junior recorded the feat was when she posted 12 points and 11 rebounds versus Miami, Jan. 17.
CLIMBING THE LADDER
The double-double posted by Tayra Eke vs. Akron, Feb. 7, was the 10th of her career, placing her tied for 13th in EMU career double-doubles leader's history with former Eagle Areanna Combs. Kennedi Myles' fifth double-double at EMU ranks tied for 17th.
DOUBLE-DIGIT SHOOTERS
Four Eagles recorded double-digit points in the same game for the fourth time this season as Lachelle Austin posted 11, Kennedi Myles earned 13, Dara Capaldi scored 14, and Tayra Eke led with 17.
EKE'S MULTI-BLOCK PERFORMANCE
Tayra Eke recorded multiple blocks in a single game for the 11th time this season after posting two against the Zips, Feb. 7. Last season, the junior recorded the feat in 17 contests.
HELPFUL AUSTIN
Lachelle Austin recorded a career-high eight assists in the setback to Akron, Feb. 7. The eight helpers tops the juniors previous career-high of seven set in two separate contest's and the last being against Toledo, Jan. 28, 2023.
DARA'S STARTING DEBUT
Dara Capaldi earned her third collegiate start in the game with the Zips, Feb. 7 after doing so for the first time against WMU, Jan. 31. The Michigan native posted a personal best 14 points with two made three's and one block in her first double-digit performance game.
DOUBLE-DIGIT SCORING (CAPALDI)
Dara Capaldi posted a career-high 14 points in the loss to Akron, Feb. 7, marking just the first time in her career with double-figure points. Additionally, the sophomore has recorded nine-plus points in consecutive games after posting nine at Buffalo, Feb. 2.
SHARP-SHOOTING SMITH
Olivia Smith connected on two shots from beyond the arc in the contest versus the Zips, Feb. 7. It was the 17th 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).
TRACKING TAYRA
After her 11 rebounds against the Zips, Feb. 7, Tayra Eke sits just 56 boards away from her career milestone 500. Additionally, the junior is just 10 blocks away from her career milestone 150.
THE BLOCKING BATTLE
EMU won the blocking-battle against the Zips, 5-2. It was the 11th time this season the Eagles have out-blocked their opponent. Last season, the team recorded more blocks than its foe in 19 contests.
ON THE HORIZON
Eastern will step back into conference play as the team readies to take on NIU Saturday, Feb. 17 at home. The contest will take place inside the George Gervin GameAbove Center and will tip off at 1 p.m.
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.
ON AIR
Saturday's game will be broadcast on ESPN+ where Ryan Wooley and Claire Dau will have the call. 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 marks the second part of the MAC-SBC Challenge in which 12 MAC men's basketball programs will travel to 12 SBC teams, while the 12 MAC women's basketball programs will host 12 SBC teams. The women's team has been paired up with South Alabama, based on real-time NET rankings, and will play host to the Jaguars Saturday, Feb. 10, in the inaugural meeting between the two schools. The game decision will not affect either school's conference record, but will contribute to the team's overall record.
ABOUT THE JAGS
Standing 8-16 overall and 1-11 in conference play, the Jaguars come to Ypsilanti for the first time in program history after dropping an 82-66 decision at James Madison, Feb. 7. Earlier in the season, the SBC school hosted the Chippewas of Central Michigan for the first part of the MAC-SBC Challenge, taking a 77-55 victory over EMU's in-state rival. The visiting Jaguars are 4-7 in road games. The Red and Blue are averaging 60.2 points and 38.5 rebounds per game while allowing 69.3 points and 39.0 boards per game.
NATIONALLY RANKED TAYRA
Tayra Eke's 2.10 blocks per game is good for first in the MAC and 24th 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 2.10 Eastern Michigan
69. Rochelle Norris 1.55 Central Michigan
108. Hannah Noveroske 1.29 Toledo
172. Amber Tretter 1.10 Miami
MYLES IN THE RANKINGS
Kennedi Myles ranks second in the MAC with her 8.7 rebounds per game and in total rebounds with 183. Additionally, her 1.81 steals per game is good for seventh in the league.
EAGLES IN OVERTIME
The game against Akron, Feb. 7, was the Eagles' second overtime game since Dec. 15, 2023, when the Eagles topped IUPUI in extra minutes and the first overtime game against a MAC opponent since falling, 79-73, against Toledo, Jan. 28, 2023. After the setback, EMU holds a 24-27 record in games that go into overtime.
DOUBLE-DOUBLE FOR YOU & YOU
EMU saw two players reach double doubles in the same contest, Feb. 7, for the third time this season and the first since the win at NIU, Jan. 3. It marked the second time in which Kennedi Myles and Tayra Eke both accomplished the feat in the same game after doing so at SIUE, Nov. 18. The Green and White had two double-double performances in the same contest four times one year ago, the most by any EMU team since the 2011-12 campaign, when the Eagles recorded the feat in five games.
DOUBLE-TROUBLE KENNEDI
Kennedi Myles recorded her 15th career double-double and the fifth in an Eastern jersey with her 13 points and 13 rebounds against the Zips, Feb. 7. The graduate student has earned a double-double in consecutive games after posting 17 points and 10 boards against the Bulls, Feb. 3. The back-to-back double-doubles mark the second time she has recorded the feat in her career after doing so for the first time in the 2020-21 season as a member of the Fighting Illini. In that season, Myles posted 14 and 11 against Valparaiso, Dec. 2, before collecting 13 and 14 versus Omaha, Dec. 6.
DOUBLE-DIGIT SCORING (MYLES)
Kennedi Myles' 13 points against the Zips, Feb. 7 marked the eighth contest this season with double-digit points and the 33rd of her career. Her career-high stands at 23 against Merrimack College, Dec. 10, 2019 as a member of the Fighting Illini.
NIA'S EASTERN DEBUT
Nia Boston made her debut in an Eastern jersey as the transfer played three total minutes against the Zips, Feb. 7.
DOUBLE-DOUBLE FOR EKE
Tayra Eke's 17 points and 11 rebounds against Akron, Feb. 7 was good for her fifth season double-double and the 10th of her career. The last time the junior recorded the feat was when she posted 12 points and 11 rebounds versus Miami, Jan. 17.
CLIMBING THE LADDER
The double-double posted by Tayra Eke vs. Akron, Feb. 7, was the 10th of her career, placing her tied for 13th in EMU career double-doubles leader's history with former Eagle Areanna Combs. Kennedi Myles' fifth double-double at EMU ranks tied for 17th.
DOUBLE-DIGIT SHOOTERS
Four Eagles recorded double-digit points in the same game for the fourth time this season as Lachelle Austin posted 11, Kennedi Myles earned 13, Dara Capaldi scored 14, and Tayra Eke led with 17.
EKE'S MULTI-BLOCK PERFORMANCE
Tayra Eke recorded multiple blocks in a single game for the 11th time this season after posting two against the Zips, Feb. 7. Last season, the junior recorded the feat in 17 contests.
HELPFUL AUSTIN
Lachelle Austin recorded a career-high eight assists in the setback to Akron, Feb. 7. The eight helpers tops the juniors previous career-high of seven set in two separate contest's and the last being against Toledo, Jan. 28, 2023.
DARA'S STARTING DEBUT
Dara Capaldi earned her third collegiate start in the game with the Zips, Feb. 7 after doing so for the first time against WMU, Jan. 31. The Michigan native posted a personal best 14 points with two made three's and one block in her first double-digit performance game.
DOUBLE-DIGIT SCORING (CAPALDI)
Dara Capaldi posted a career-high 14 points in the loss to Akron, Feb. 7, marking just the first time in her career with double-figure points. Additionally, the sophomore has recorded nine-plus points in consecutive games after posting nine at Buffalo, Feb. 2.
SHARP-SHOOTING SMITH
Olivia Smith connected on two shots from beyond the arc in the contest versus the Zips, Feb. 7. It was the 17th 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).
TRACKING TAYRA
After her 11 rebounds against the Zips, Feb. 7, Tayra Eke sits just 56 boards away from her career milestone 500. Additionally, the junior is just 10 blocks away from her career milestone 150.
THE BLOCKING BATTLE
EMU won the blocking-battle against the Zips, 5-2. It was the 11th time this season the Eagles have out-blocked their opponent. Last season, the team recorded more blocks than its foe in 19 contests.
ON THE HORIZON
Eastern will step back into conference play as the team readies to take on NIU Saturday, Feb. 17 at home. The contest will take place inside the George Gervin GameAbove Center and will tip off at 1 p.m.
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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