Eastern Michigan Athletics
Wednesday, November 26
Cincinnati Ohio
7 p.m.
Eastern Michigan University
at
Cincinnati
Photo by: Walt Middleton Photography
Eastern Taking On Cincinnati Wednesday
11/25/2025 10:38:00 PM | Men's Basketball
EMU seeking first Power Conference win since 2014 over Michigan
| Men's Basketball at Cincinnati | |
| Dates/Times | Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025 | 7 p.m. ET |
| Venue | George Gervin GameAbove Center (8,754) | Cincinnati, Ohio |
| Preview Info | EMU Notes (PDF) |
| Watch Live | ESPN+ |
| Listen Live | WEMU (89.1 FM) | The Varsity Network App |
| Live Stats | Live Stats |
| @EMU_MBB | @EMUAthletics | |
| @emumbb | @emuathletics | |
| Tickets | Tickets for home games |
CINCINNATI, Ohio (EMUEagles.com) -- The Eastern Michigan University men's basketball team stays on the road to face the University of Cincinnati Wednesday, Nov. 26, at 7 p.m. inside Fifth Third Arena.
ON AIR
Eastern Michigan and Cincinnati will air on ESPN+. Tom Helmer has the call live on WEMU (89.1 FM) and the Varsity Network App. Live stats will also be available on EMUEagles.com.
OPENING TIPS
»Mo Habhab, recorded 12 points, 11 rebounds, and a career-high four steals for his fifth double-double as Eastern was overpowered by undefeated No. 6 Louisville. Carlos Hart, who scored 11 points and was helped by a 9-of-10 showing from the free throw line, was the other Eagle to reach double-digit points.
»Mo Habhab, who is tied for third in the nation with five double-doubles, is the only player in the nation to average at least 15.0 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists.
»Eastern finished 9-9 in MAC play and 16-16 overall in the 2024-25 season and secured its bid to the MAC Tournament for the first time since 2020, playing in postseason competition in Cleveland for the first time since 2018.
»EMU replaced key contributors from last year's squad. The Eagles returned 7.8% of minutes played (502) and 2.9% of points scored (69). Jalen Terry ranked second in the MAC at 16.6 points per game while Da'Sean Nelson was sixth with 16.0 points per game. Both players were named Second Team All-MAC. Christian Henry scored 14.7 points per game and Jalin Billingsley added 10.5 points per game.
»Eastern has a quartet of high-profile road games in the 2025-26 season (Nov. 10 at Pittsburgh, Nov. 24 at #6 Louisville, Nov. 26 at Cincinnati, and Dec. 2 at Butler).
»The Eagles were picked ninth in the MAC Preseason Poll after placing tied for sixth last season.
»EMU has nine players from the state of Michigan, its most since the 2022-23 season (11).
»Eastern Michigan's Stan Heath is in his fifth year at the helm of the Eagles, holding a 50-81 record at EMU and a 259-288 record over 19 years as a collegiate head coach.
LOUISVILLE RECAP, NOV. 24
SCORING/RUNS SUMMARY AGAINST LOUISVILLE
» EMU scored the first basket
» UL had a 15-0 run, leading 31-9, as EMU went scoreless for 6:35
» EMU close the half on an 8-2 to run to trail, 33-17
» UL opened the second half with a 21-9 run, later using a 9-0
» UL won, 87-46
NOTEWORTHY PLAYERS AGAINST LOUISVILLE
» Mo Habhab: 12 points, 11 rebounds, and four steals
» Carlos Hart: 11 points (9-10 FT)
» Mehki Ellison: 13 points and four assists
KEY TEAM STATS AGAINST LOUISVILLE
» EMU was 16-of-57 (28.1%) from the field
» EMU was blocked 10 times and did not block UL
» EMU was outrebounded, 45-36, but had 11 offensive rebounds
MO HABHAB DOUBLE-DOUBLE PERFORMANCE
With his 12 points and 11 rebounds against No. 6 Louisville Monday, Nov. 24, Mo Habhab recorded with fifth double-double of the season. He also notched a career-high four steals.
Habhab's double-double makes him the first Eagle to have a double-double against a current Power Conference team since James Thompson IV posted 15 points and 14 rebounds at No. 5 Kansas, Dec. 29, 2018. Thompson IV was also the last Eagle with a double-double against a ranked team when he had 11 points and 12 rebounds against No. 16 Buffalo, Jan. 18, 2019.
Additional information on Habhab and his double-doubles is available on pages 4-5.
FIRST CAREER POINTS
Two Eagles recorded their first career buckets on their first career shots against Louisville, Nov. 24.
Gregory Lawson II scored with a long-range two-pointer with 3:35 left while Mbaye N'Diaye scored on a driving floater at the 1:39 mark.
Both shots marked the players' first career field goal attempt.
OAKLAND RECAP, NOV. 21
SCORING/RUNS SUMMARY AGAINST OAKLAND
» Neither team led by more than three points until Oakland took at 31-27 advantage with 7:05 left in the first half.
» OU led, 39-33, before EMU used a 13-2 run to lead 46-41 at halftime.
» An 11-6 spurt by the visitors tied the game at 52-52.
» The teams traded blows before a 7-0 EMU run gave the hosts a 75-67 advantage with 8:06 left.
» OU came within two points the rest of the way as EMU led by as many as 10 down the stretch.
NOTEWORTHY PLAYERS AGAINST OAKLAND
» Mo Habhab: 24 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists, one steal, one block, and zero turnovers
» Carlos Hart: 22 points, seven rebounds, and five assists
» Mehki Ellison: 13 points and four assists
KEY TEAM STATS AGAINST OAKLAND
» EMU was 37-of-59 (62.7%) from the field
» EMU was 10-of-22 (45.5%) from three-point range
» EMU tallied 25 assists
EASTERN'S 37-OF-59 (62.7%) SHOOTING VS. OU
Eastern produced a robust 37-of-59 (62.7%) shooting performance against Oakland, Nov. 21, its fifth-best conversion rate for a single-game in program history. The 62.7% shooting percentage marked EMU's best since Nov. 21, 2023, when the Eagles shot 63.6% at Detroit Mercy. That game also marked the last time EMU won when securing four or fewer offensive rebounds as the Eagles had four against the Titans and Golden Grizzlies, respectively.
EASTERN'S 25 ASSISTS AGAINST OAKLAND
Eastern had 25 assists against Oakland, Nov. 21, tying for the second-highest mark in program history and the team's most since Dec. 11, 2016, against Siena Heights (26).
EASTERN 3-2 FOR THE THIRD-STRAIGHT YEAR
With the win against Oakland Friday, Nov. 21, Eastern would improve to 3-2 for the third-straight year.
EMU had not had three-straight seasons starting 3-2 or better since Rob Murphy's 2017-18, 2018-19, and 2019-20 teams all started 4-1 or better.
MO HABHAB TRIPLE-DOUBLE
Mo Habhab recorded 24 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists, marking the program's first triple-double and the fourth by a MAC player since the start of the 2024-25 season.
The 10 assists are the most by an Eagle since Paul Jackson posted 10, Jan. 26, 2019, against Western Michigan.
DETROIT MERCY RECAP, NOV. 18
SCORING/RUNS SUMMARY AGAINST UDM
» Eastern led, 10-2, before leading 17-8.
» The Titans outscored the Eagles, 31-13, in the rest of the half, highlighted by a 16-4 run to lead, 39-30 at halftime.
» UDM had its largest lead of the game at 43-30 but EMU held the hosts scoreless for 7:45 en route to using a 17-4 run to tie the game at 47-47.
» After the game was knotted at 54-54, EMU outscored UDM, 18-8, the rest of the way.
NOTEWORTHY PLAYERS AGAINST UDM
» Addison Patterson: 15 points (all in second half), seven rebounds, and +23 plus-minus
» Jon Sanders II: 17 points (3-7 3PT)
» Mo Habhab: 11 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists
» Godslove Nwabude: career-high 10 points and six rebounds
KEY TEAM STATS AGAINST UDM
» EMU outrebounded UDM, 40-36
» EMU was 7-of-19 (36.7%) and UDM was 1-of-19 (5.3%) from three-point range, including a 0-of-13 second-half mark
» EMU had a season-high 15 assists on 25 made baskets, compared UDM's five assists on 22 made field goals
13-POINT SECOND HALF COMEBACK
Despite trailing 43-30, with 18:16, Eastern Michigan rallied to win at Detroit Mercy, 72-62. The 13-point second-half comeback marked EMU's largest since overcoming a 17-point second-half deficit to beat Kent State in overtime, Jan. 6, 2024.
LARGEST ROAD WIN SINCE 2022
Eastern's 72-62 win at Detroit Mercy, Nov. 18, marks its largest road win since winning at Florida International by 12 points, 80-68, Nov. 30, 2021.
IU INDY RECAP, NOV. 14
SCORING/RUNS SUMMARY AGAINST IU INDY
» Eastern led, 15-7.
» IU Indy used a 14-4 run to take a 21-19 advantage.
» The Jaguars scored 26 points in the final 5:42 of the first half to lead 49-38 at the intermission.
» IU Indy extended its advantage to 52-38 before the Eagles clawed their way back, tying it at 74-74 with 6:08 left.
» The visitors scored 16 of the final 25 points.
» IU Indy won, 90-83.
NOTEWORTHY PLAYERS AGAINST IU INDY
» Addison Patterson: 23 points (4-4 3PT), four rebounds, three assists, and three steals
» Jon Sanders II: 16 points in first start
» Mo Habhab: 15 points, 10 rebounds, and three steals
» Godslove Nwabude: eight points, six rebounds in 10:40 of court time
KEY TEAM STATS AGAINST IU INDY
» EMU outrebounded IU Indy, 40-36
» EMU was 7-of-25 (28.0%) and IU Indy was 10-of-21 (47.6%) from three-point range
» EMU's bench was outscored by IU Indy's, 31-12
PITTSBURGH RECAP, NOV. 10
SCORING/RUNS SUMMARY AGAINST PITTSBURGH
» Eastern led, 4-0.
» Pittsburgh scored 27 of the next 33 points to lead 27-10.
» Pittsburgh led, 45-32, at halftime.
» Pittsburgh's lead bounced from 9-16 throughout the second half as EMU most notably trimmed the deficit to 10 with 7:12 left en route to outscoring the hosts in the second half, 34-33.
» Pittsburgh won, 78-66.
NOTEWORTHY PLAYERS AGAINST PITTSBURGH
» Carlos Hart: 19 points, seven rebounds, two steals, and one block
» Mo Habhab: 15 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and one block
» Addison Patterson: 13 points, six rebounds, four assists
» Jon Sanders II: nine points (6-of-6 FT) in 9:56 of court time
KEY TEAM STATS AGAINST PITTSBURGH
» EMU was 22-for-59 (37.3%) from the floor while Pittsburgh went 30-for-60 (50.0%)
» EMU was 18-for-21 (85.7%) from the free throw line while Pittsburgh was 12-for-23 (52.2%)
» EMU had 10 turnovers but forced just eight
ON THE CINCINNATI GAME
IF EASTERN WINS...
» EMU will improve to 1-1 all-time against Cincinnati
» EMU will improve to 4-7 against current Big 12 schools
» EMU will have won against a current Big 12 school for the first time since Dec. 27, 1995, vs. Baylor (W, 71-69)
» EMU will improve to 20-129 all-time against current Power Conference schools (ACC, Big East, Big Ten, Big 12, SEC)
» EMU will have won against a current Power Conference foe for the first time since Dec. 9, 2014, at Michigan (W, 45-42)
EASTERN AGAINST THE BIG 12
Eastern is 3-7 (.300) all-time against current Big 12 schools with its last win coming in El Paso, Texas, against Texas Tech, Dec. 27, 1995.
EMU also secured a home win against Colorado, Jan. 2, 1990, and a neutral-site win over Baylor in Storrs, Conn., Jan. 11, 1975.
Eastern All-Time Wins Against Big 12 Schools:
Baylor
1-11-1975 N W 71-69
Colorado
1-2-1990 H W 109-86
Texas Tech
12-27-1995 N W 93-77
Eastern All-Time Against Big 12 Schools:
BIG 12 - 3-7
Arizona 0-2
Arizona State 0-1
Baylor 1-0
Cincinnati 0-1
Colorado 1-1
Kansas 0-1
TCU 0-2
Texas Tech 1-0
Other Current Members:
BYU • Central Florida • Houston • Iowa State • Kansas State • Oklahoma • Oklahoma State • Texas • West Virginia
EASTERN AGAINST THE POWER CONFERENCES
Eastern is 19-129 (.129) all-time against current Power Conference schools (ACC, Big East, Big Ten, Big 12, and SEC), most recently falling to No. 6 Louisville, Nov. 24.
Eastern last won a game against a current Power Conference opponent, Dec. 19, 2014, a 45-42 win at Michigan.
ACTIVE 2025-26 SEASON NOTES
SIX-STRAIGHT 11-POINT GAMES
Redshirt freshman Mo Habhab produced at least 11 points outputs in each of the season's first six games.
With Habhab's performances, he is the first Eastern freshman to have six-straight games with at least 11 points in each game since Orlando Lovejoy in the 2021-22 season, who had a streak as long as six games with at least 14 points.
If Habhab is able to score at least 11 points against Cincinnati, Nov. 26, he would be the first freshman with 11-plus points in seven-straight games since James Thompson IV had a streak of eight games in the 2015-16 season.
FIVE DOUBLE-DOUBLES IN SIX GAMES
Mo Habhab has produced five double-doubles in six games to open the 2025-26 season.
He is the first Eagle to record five double-doubles in a six-game span since James Thompson IV in the 2017-18 season, who had a stretch of nine double-doubles in a 10-game stretch
Habhab is also the first EMU freshman to record four double-doubles in one season since Thompson IV had 19 in the 2015-16 campaign.
HABHAB AMONG THE NATION'S LEADERS
Mo Habhab has five double-doubles, averaging 15.0 points and 10.8 rebounds.
Habhab is tied for third nationally in double-doubles, two behind MAC counterpart Delrecco Gillespie.
National Leaders in Double-Doubles:
1. Delrecco Gillespie Kent State 7
2. Michael Ajayi Butler 6
T3. Mo Habhab EMU 5
Prophet Johnson Sac St. 5
Demetrius Lilley Binghamton 5
Charles Johnston Furman 5
Mouhamed Sylla GA Tech 5
Habhab ranks 17th in the nation in rebounding per game at 10.8.
HABHAB DOING IT ALL
Mo Habhab is averaging 15.0 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.7 blocks.
Habhab is one of five players in the nation to average at least 13.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists.
Players with 13.0 PPG, 10.0 RPG, and 3.0 APG:
Mo Habhab EMU 15.0/10.8/3.7
Michael Ajayi Butler 15.2/12.5/3.3
Justin Neely UNCG 14.5/11.8/3.5
JT Toppin Texas Tech 21.8/10.4/3.0
Cameron Boozer Duke 21.1/10.0/3.9
Habhab and Boozer are the only freshmen on the list.
Habhab is the only player in the nation to average at least 15.0 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists.
REBOUNDING SO FAR
Eastern Michigan leads the MAC in rebounding per game at 39.3 boards per game. The Eagles' 12.5 offensive rebounds per game ranks fifth in the conference.
Eastern, which won with only four offensive boards against Oakland, Nov. 21, has at least 10 offensive rebounds in five of the season's first six games for the second-straight season. Previously, no EMU team had recorded double-digit offensive boards in five of the first six games since the 2018-19 season.
If Eastern is able to secure at least 10 offensive rebounds against Cincinnati, Nov. 25, it would be the first time for EMU to do so in six of the first seven games since the 2018-19 season (seven of first eight).
THR33-POINT STR3AK, 652-STRAIGHT GAM3S
After converting two three-pointers against Louisville, Nov. 24, Eastern has hit at least one three-pointer in 652-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.
EASTERN IN THE MAC-SBC CHALLENGE
Eastern is 3-2 in the MAC-SBC Challenge and 3-0 at home. The Eagles will play a road game, Feb. 7, against a to-be-determined opponent in the second leg of the MAC-SBC Challenge.
Eastern's MAC-SBC Challenge Results:
Date Against Score
Nov. 3, 2025 Georgia State W, 71-49
Feb. 8, 2025 Old Dominion W, 76-70
Nov. 4, 2024 at Texas State L, 44-64
Feb. 10, 2024 at Louisiana-Monroe L, 76-82
Nov. 11, 2023 Georgia Southern W, 70-60
PREVIOUSLY IN THE 2025-26 SEASON NOTES
BACK-TO-BACK 16-POINT GAMES
Jon Sanders II scored 16 points against IU Indy, Nov. 14, and 17 points at Detroit Mercy, Nov. 18.
Sanders II has scored 16-plus points in back-to-back games at three different Division I schools but has never done so in three-straight games.
Sanders II opened the 2024-25 season at Northwestern State by scoring 16 points against Dallas Christian and 18 points against Texas Tech after scoring 17 points against Wofford and 17 points against College of Charleston while at Coastal Carolina.
MO HABHAB'S PERFORMANCE AGAINST GSU
Mo Habhab, just a redshirt freshman, produced an impressive 15 points, 16 rebounds, four assists, and two blocks in the 71-49 win over Georgia State, Nov. 3.
Habhab is the first player in the MAC to record that stat line or better since Nov. 22, 2003, when Northern Illinois' Marcus Smallwood had 17 points, 21 rebounds, six assists, and four blocks.
There was a total of eight performances in Division I with a player tallying at least 15 points, 16 rebounds, four assists, and two blocks in the 2024-25 season, none of which were by freshmen. Through games, Nov. 11, 2025, Habhab is the only player in Division I to achieve that line this season.
Habhab is the first freshman in the nation to record at least 15 points, 16 rebounds, four assists, and two blocks since former Gonzaga Bulldog and recent NBA champion Chet Holmgren had 20 points, 17 rebounds, four assists, and five blocks, Feb. 5, 2022, against BYU.
Habhab is the first Eagle to have 15+ and 15+ rebounds in one game since James Thompson IV had 20 points and 23 rebounds, March 5, 2019, against Ball State.
Habhab is the first Eagle to record 16 rebounds in one game since Boubacar Toure had 17 against Akron, Jan. 4, 2020. In regard to Habhab's eight offensive rebounds against Georgia State, Toure is also the last Eagle with at least eight offensive rebounds in one game, grabbing nine against Michigan-Dearborn, Nov. 14, 2019. James Thompson IV's 11 offensive rebounds against Ball State, Jan. 8, 2019, marks the last time an Eagle had at least eight against a Division I foe.
PRE-2025-26 SEASON NOTES
WHAT IS EASTERN RETURNING FROM LAST YEAR?
Eastern returned four players from its 2024-25 roster. The Eagles returned 7.8% of minutes played (502) and 2.9% of points scored (69).
» John Shanu II: 287 minutes, 38 points
» Godslove Nwabude: 207 minutes, 29 points
» Cooper Smith: 7 minutes, 2 points
» Mbaye N'Diaye: 1 minute, 0 points
TOUGH ROAD CONTESTS ON THE HORIZON
Eastern will have a quartet of high-profile road games in the 2025-26 season:
» Nov. 10 at Pittsburgh; L, 66-78
» Nov. 24 at #6 Louisville; L, 46-87
» Nov. 26 at Cincinnati
» Dec. 2 at Butler
Eastern has not played four Power Conference foes in one season since the 2018-19 season when the Eagles took on Duke, Rutgers, TCU, and Kansas, all on the road.
EMU began the 2023-24 season by playing at Butler.
DePAUL DUO --> NORTHWESTERN STATE DUO
Out with one transfer duo and in with another. After DePaul transfers Da'Sean Nelson and Jalen Terry teamed up to both earn Second-Team All-MAC honors in the 2024-25 season, Eastern acquired another transfer duo in the offseason as Northwestern State transfers Addison Patterson and Jon Sanders II decided to become Eagles.
MAC --> EASTERN MICHIGAN
Eastern added a trio of players who were at MAC schools at one point in their careers:
» Mo Habhab: Central Michigan in 2024-25
» Braelon Green: Bowling Green in 2024-25
» Aidan Rubio: Central Michigan in 2023-24
NCAA ELIGIBILITY: PATTERSON AND SMITH
Both Addison Patterson and Cooper Smith had waivers approved by the NCAA to be eligible for the 2025-26 season. EMU compliance officers Alex Hensley and Kayla Gribble played a key role in getting both student-athletes eligible with Patterson's ruling coming exactly one month prior to the first game.
PRESEASON PICKED NINTH
After finishing tied for sixth in 2024-25, EMU was picked ninth in the MAC preseason coaches' poll.
2025-26 MAC Men's Basketball Preseason Coaches' Poll
(First Place Votes)
1. Akron (11) – 143
2. Miami (2) – 133
3. Kent State – 122
4. Ohio – 108
5. UMass – 98
6. Toledo – 95
7. Bowling Green – 73
8. Ball State – 62
9. Eastern Michigan – 52
10. Western Michigan – 46
11. Buffalo – 37
12. Central Michigan – 31
13. Northern Illinois – 14
Tournament Champion: Akron (8), Miami (2), Kent State (1), Ohio (1) UMass (1)
The six Ohio schools made up six of the top seven with UMass taking fifth, while the bottom six is filled with the rest of the MAC schools.
STAYING HOME
Eastern Michigan has nine players from the state of Michigan, its most since the 2022-23 season (11).
EASTERN MICHIGAN IS HOME
Eastern's 14 players have combined to play for 28 different schools prior to coming to Eastern Michigan. In total, three Eagles (Gregory Lawson II, Godslove Nwabude, and Mbaye N'Diaye) began their collegiate careers at EMU.
ANY STAFF CHANGES?
Eastern's staff saw minor changes in the offseason:
» Carlos McMath: promoted to Director of Operations/Assistant Coach from Director of Operations
» Pritish Kokate: promoted to Head Student Manager from Student Manager
» Alex Kling: hired as Graduate Manager
» Shawn McCall: hired as Graduate Manager
COOPER SMITH: 9TH-OLDEST PLAYER
Cooper Smith is the ninth-oldest player in Division I, and one of 14 known players born in the 20th century:
1. Ramel Bethea, Green Bay - July 27, 1996
2. Brett White III, Oakland - Feb. 17, 1998
3. Corey Sands, Chicago State - Jan. 5, 1999
4. Nginyu Ngala, Kansas - April 3, 1999
5. Curt Lewis, Southern Miss - May 19, 1999
6. Olajuwon Ibrahim, FIU - May 26, 1999
7. Antwaan Jones, UNCG - May 29, 1999
8. Blaise Keita, Western Kentucky - June 29, 1999
9. Cooper Smith, Eastern Michigan - July 12, 1999
10. Devin Haid, South Florida - Aug. 22, 1999
11. Hunter Erickson, Hawaii - Sept. 14, 1999
12. Dawson Baker, BYU - Oct. 29, 1999
13. Bouna Kebe, Delaware - Dec. 24, 1999
14. Jordan Brinson, CSUN - Dec. 31, 1999
UP NEXT
Eastern host NJIT Friday, Nov. 28, at 4 p.m. inside the George Gervin GameAbove Center.
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 Cincinnati will air on ESPN+. Tom Helmer has the call live on WEMU (89.1 FM) and the Varsity Network App. Live stats will also be available on EMUEagles.com.
OPENING TIPS
»Mo Habhab, recorded 12 points, 11 rebounds, and a career-high four steals for his fifth double-double as Eastern was overpowered by undefeated No. 6 Louisville. Carlos Hart, who scored 11 points and was helped by a 9-of-10 showing from the free throw line, was the other Eagle to reach double-digit points.
»Mo Habhab, who is tied for third in the nation with five double-doubles, is the only player in the nation to average at least 15.0 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists.
»Eastern finished 9-9 in MAC play and 16-16 overall in the 2024-25 season and secured its bid to the MAC Tournament for the first time since 2020, playing in postseason competition in Cleveland for the first time since 2018.
»EMU replaced key contributors from last year's squad. The Eagles returned 7.8% of minutes played (502) and 2.9% of points scored (69). Jalen Terry ranked second in the MAC at 16.6 points per game while Da'Sean Nelson was sixth with 16.0 points per game. Both players were named Second Team All-MAC. Christian Henry scored 14.7 points per game and Jalin Billingsley added 10.5 points per game.
»Eastern has a quartet of high-profile road games in the 2025-26 season (Nov. 10 at Pittsburgh, Nov. 24 at #6 Louisville, Nov. 26 at Cincinnati, and Dec. 2 at Butler).
»The Eagles were picked ninth in the MAC Preseason Poll after placing tied for sixth last season.
»EMU has nine players from the state of Michigan, its most since the 2022-23 season (11).
»Eastern Michigan's Stan Heath is in his fifth year at the helm of the Eagles, holding a 50-81 record at EMU and a 259-288 record over 19 years as a collegiate head coach.
LOUISVILLE RECAP, NOV. 24
SCORING/RUNS SUMMARY AGAINST LOUISVILLE
» EMU scored the first basket
» UL had a 15-0 run, leading 31-9, as EMU went scoreless for 6:35
» EMU close the half on an 8-2 to run to trail, 33-17
» UL opened the second half with a 21-9 run, later using a 9-0
» UL won, 87-46
NOTEWORTHY PLAYERS AGAINST LOUISVILLE
» Mo Habhab: 12 points, 11 rebounds, and four steals
» Carlos Hart: 11 points (9-10 FT)
» Mehki Ellison: 13 points and four assists
KEY TEAM STATS AGAINST LOUISVILLE
» EMU was 16-of-57 (28.1%) from the field
» EMU was blocked 10 times and did not block UL
» EMU was outrebounded, 45-36, but had 11 offensive rebounds
MO HABHAB DOUBLE-DOUBLE PERFORMANCE
With his 12 points and 11 rebounds against No. 6 Louisville Monday, Nov. 24, Mo Habhab recorded with fifth double-double of the season. He also notched a career-high four steals.
Habhab's double-double makes him the first Eagle to have a double-double against a current Power Conference team since James Thompson IV posted 15 points and 14 rebounds at No. 5 Kansas, Dec. 29, 2018. Thompson IV was also the last Eagle with a double-double against a ranked team when he had 11 points and 12 rebounds against No. 16 Buffalo, Jan. 18, 2019.
Additional information on Habhab and his double-doubles is available on pages 4-5.
FIRST CAREER POINTS
Two Eagles recorded their first career buckets on their first career shots against Louisville, Nov. 24.
Gregory Lawson II scored with a long-range two-pointer with 3:35 left while Mbaye N'Diaye scored on a driving floater at the 1:39 mark.
Both shots marked the players' first career field goal attempt.
OAKLAND RECAP, NOV. 21
SCORING/RUNS SUMMARY AGAINST OAKLAND
» Neither team led by more than three points until Oakland took at 31-27 advantage with 7:05 left in the first half.
» OU led, 39-33, before EMU used a 13-2 run to lead 46-41 at halftime.
» An 11-6 spurt by the visitors tied the game at 52-52.
» The teams traded blows before a 7-0 EMU run gave the hosts a 75-67 advantage with 8:06 left.
» OU came within two points the rest of the way as EMU led by as many as 10 down the stretch.
NOTEWORTHY PLAYERS AGAINST OAKLAND
» Mo Habhab: 24 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists, one steal, one block, and zero turnovers
» Carlos Hart: 22 points, seven rebounds, and five assists
» Mehki Ellison: 13 points and four assists
KEY TEAM STATS AGAINST OAKLAND
» EMU was 37-of-59 (62.7%) from the field
» EMU was 10-of-22 (45.5%) from three-point range
» EMU tallied 25 assists
EASTERN'S 37-OF-59 (62.7%) SHOOTING VS. OU
Eastern produced a robust 37-of-59 (62.7%) shooting performance against Oakland, Nov. 21, its fifth-best conversion rate for a single-game in program history. The 62.7% shooting percentage marked EMU's best since Nov. 21, 2023, when the Eagles shot 63.6% at Detroit Mercy. That game also marked the last time EMU won when securing four or fewer offensive rebounds as the Eagles had four against the Titans and Golden Grizzlies, respectively.
EASTERN'S 25 ASSISTS AGAINST OAKLAND
Eastern had 25 assists against Oakland, Nov. 21, tying for the second-highest mark in program history and the team's most since Dec. 11, 2016, against Siena Heights (26).
EASTERN 3-2 FOR THE THIRD-STRAIGHT YEAR
With the win against Oakland Friday, Nov. 21, Eastern would improve to 3-2 for the third-straight year.
EMU had not had three-straight seasons starting 3-2 or better since Rob Murphy's 2017-18, 2018-19, and 2019-20 teams all started 4-1 or better.
MO HABHAB TRIPLE-DOUBLE
Mo Habhab recorded 24 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists, marking the program's first triple-double and the fourth by a MAC player since the start of the 2024-25 season.
The 10 assists are the most by an Eagle since Paul Jackson posted 10, Jan. 26, 2019, against Western Michigan.
DETROIT MERCY RECAP, NOV. 18
SCORING/RUNS SUMMARY AGAINST UDM
» Eastern led, 10-2, before leading 17-8.
» The Titans outscored the Eagles, 31-13, in the rest of the half, highlighted by a 16-4 run to lead, 39-30 at halftime.
» UDM had its largest lead of the game at 43-30 but EMU held the hosts scoreless for 7:45 en route to using a 17-4 run to tie the game at 47-47.
» After the game was knotted at 54-54, EMU outscored UDM, 18-8, the rest of the way.
NOTEWORTHY PLAYERS AGAINST UDM
» Addison Patterson: 15 points (all in second half), seven rebounds, and +23 plus-minus
» Jon Sanders II: 17 points (3-7 3PT)
» Mo Habhab: 11 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists
» Godslove Nwabude: career-high 10 points and six rebounds
KEY TEAM STATS AGAINST UDM
» EMU outrebounded UDM, 40-36
» EMU was 7-of-19 (36.7%) and UDM was 1-of-19 (5.3%) from three-point range, including a 0-of-13 second-half mark
» EMU had a season-high 15 assists on 25 made baskets, compared UDM's five assists on 22 made field goals
13-POINT SECOND HALF COMEBACK
Despite trailing 43-30, with 18:16, Eastern Michigan rallied to win at Detroit Mercy, 72-62. The 13-point second-half comeback marked EMU's largest since overcoming a 17-point second-half deficit to beat Kent State in overtime, Jan. 6, 2024.
LARGEST ROAD WIN SINCE 2022
Eastern's 72-62 win at Detroit Mercy, Nov. 18, marks its largest road win since winning at Florida International by 12 points, 80-68, Nov. 30, 2021.
IU INDY RECAP, NOV. 14
SCORING/RUNS SUMMARY AGAINST IU INDY
» Eastern led, 15-7.
» IU Indy used a 14-4 run to take a 21-19 advantage.
» The Jaguars scored 26 points in the final 5:42 of the first half to lead 49-38 at the intermission.
» IU Indy extended its advantage to 52-38 before the Eagles clawed their way back, tying it at 74-74 with 6:08 left.
» The visitors scored 16 of the final 25 points.
» IU Indy won, 90-83.
NOTEWORTHY PLAYERS AGAINST IU INDY
» Addison Patterson: 23 points (4-4 3PT), four rebounds, three assists, and three steals
» Jon Sanders II: 16 points in first start
» Mo Habhab: 15 points, 10 rebounds, and three steals
» Godslove Nwabude: eight points, six rebounds in 10:40 of court time
KEY TEAM STATS AGAINST IU INDY
» EMU outrebounded IU Indy, 40-36
» EMU was 7-of-25 (28.0%) and IU Indy was 10-of-21 (47.6%) from three-point range
» EMU's bench was outscored by IU Indy's, 31-12
PITTSBURGH RECAP, NOV. 10
SCORING/RUNS SUMMARY AGAINST PITTSBURGH
» Eastern led, 4-0.
» Pittsburgh scored 27 of the next 33 points to lead 27-10.
» Pittsburgh led, 45-32, at halftime.
» Pittsburgh's lead bounced from 9-16 throughout the second half as EMU most notably trimmed the deficit to 10 with 7:12 left en route to outscoring the hosts in the second half, 34-33.
» Pittsburgh won, 78-66.
NOTEWORTHY PLAYERS AGAINST PITTSBURGH
» Carlos Hart: 19 points, seven rebounds, two steals, and one block
» Mo Habhab: 15 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and one block
» Addison Patterson: 13 points, six rebounds, four assists
» Jon Sanders II: nine points (6-of-6 FT) in 9:56 of court time
KEY TEAM STATS AGAINST PITTSBURGH
» EMU was 22-for-59 (37.3%) from the floor while Pittsburgh went 30-for-60 (50.0%)
» EMU was 18-for-21 (85.7%) from the free throw line while Pittsburgh was 12-for-23 (52.2%)
» EMU had 10 turnovers but forced just eight
ON THE CINCINNATI GAME
IF EASTERN WINS...
» EMU will improve to 1-1 all-time against Cincinnati
» EMU will improve to 4-7 against current Big 12 schools
» EMU will have won against a current Big 12 school for the first time since Dec. 27, 1995, vs. Baylor (W, 71-69)
» EMU will improve to 20-129 all-time against current Power Conference schools (ACC, Big East, Big Ten, Big 12, SEC)
» EMU will have won against a current Power Conference foe for the first time since Dec. 9, 2014, at Michigan (W, 45-42)
EASTERN AGAINST THE BIG 12
Eastern is 3-7 (.300) all-time against current Big 12 schools with its last win coming in El Paso, Texas, against Texas Tech, Dec. 27, 1995.
EMU also secured a home win against Colorado, Jan. 2, 1990, and a neutral-site win over Baylor in Storrs, Conn., Jan. 11, 1975.
Eastern All-Time Wins Against Big 12 Schools:
Baylor
1-11-1975 N W 71-69
Colorado
1-2-1990 H W 109-86
Texas Tech
12-27-1995 N W 93-77
Eastern All-Time Against Big 12 Schools:
BIG 12 - 3-7
Arizona 0-2
Arizona State 0-1
Baylor 1-0
Cincinnati 0-1
Colorado 1-1
Kansas 0-1
TCU 0-2
Texas Tech 1-0
Other Current Members:
BYU • Central Florida • Houston • Iowa State • Kansas State • Oklahoma • Oklahoma State • Texas • West Virginia
EASTERN AGAINST THE POWER CONFERENCES
Eastern is 19-129 (.129) all-time against current Power Conference schools (ACC, Big East, Big Ten, Big 12, and SEC), most recently falling to No. 6 Louisville, Nov. 24.
Eastern last won a game against a current Power Conference opponent, Dec. 19, 2014, a 45-42 win at Michigan.
ACTIVE 2025-26 SEASON NOTES
SIX-STRAIGHT 11-POINT GAMES
Redshirt freshman Mo Habhab produced at least 11 points outputs in each of the season's first six games.
With Habhab's performances, he is the first Eastern freshman to have six-straight games with at least 11 points in each game since Orlando Lovejoy in the 2021-22 season, who had a streak as long as six games with at least 14 points.
If Habhab is able to score at least 11 points against Cincinnati, Nov. 26, he would be the first freshman with 11-plus points in seven-straight games since James Thompson IV had a streak of eight games in the 2015-16 season.
FIVE DOUBLE-DOUBLES IN SIX GAMES
Mo Habhab has produced five double-doubles in six games to open the 2025-26 season.
He is the first Eagle to record five double-doubles in a six-game span since James Thompson IV in the 2017-18 season, who had a stretch of nine double-doubles in a 10-game stretch
Habhab is also the first EMU freshman to record four double-doubles in one season since Thompson IV had 19 in the 2015-16 campaign.
HABHAB AMONG THE NATION'S LEADERS
Mo Habhab has five double-doubles, averaging 15.0 points and 10.8 rebounds.
Habhab is tied for third nationally in double-doubles, two behind MAC counterpart Delrecco Gillespie.
National Leaders in Double-Doubles:
1. Delrecco Gillespie Kent State 7
2. Michael Ajayi Butler 6
T3. Mo Habhab EMU 5
Prophet Johnson Sac St. 5
Demetrius Lilley Binghamton 5
Charles Johnston Furman 5
Mouhamed Sylla GA Tech 5
Habhab ranks 17th in the nation in rebounding per game at 10.8.
HABHAB DOING IT ALL
Mo Habhab is averaging 15.0 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.7 blocks.
Habhab is one of five players in the nation to average at least 13.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists.
Players with 13.0 PPG, 10.0 RPG, and 3.0 APG:
Mo Habhab EMU 15.0/10.8/3.7
Michael Ajayi Butler 15.2/12.5/3.3
Justin Neely UNCG 14.5/11.8/3.5
JT Toppin Texas Tech 21.8/10.4/3.0
Cameron Boozer Duke 21.1/10.0/3.9
Habhab and Boozer are the only freshmen on the list.
Habhab is the only player in the nation to average at least 15.0 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists.
REBOUNDING SO FAR
Eastern Michigan leads the MAC in rebounding per game at 39.3 boards per game. The Eagles' 12.5 offensive rebounds per game ranks fifth in the conference.
Eastern, which won with only four offensive boards against Oakland, Nov. 21, has at least 10 offensive rebounds in five of the season's first six games for the second-straight season. Previously, no EMU team had recorded double-digit offensive boards in five of the first six games since the 2018-19 season.
If Eastern is able to secure at least 10 offensive rebounds against Cincinnati, Nov. 25, it would be the first time for EMU to do so in six of the first seven games since the 2018-19 season (seven of first eight).
THR33-POINT STR3AK, 652-STRAIGHT GAM3S
After converting two three-pointers against Louisville, Nov. 24, Eastern has hit at least one three-pointer in 652-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.
EASTERN IN THE MAC-SBC CHALLENGE
Eastern is 3-2 in the MAC-SBC Challenge and 3-0 at home. The Eagles will play a road game, Feb. 7, against a to-be-determined opponent in the second leg of the MAC-SBC Challenge.
Eastern's MAC-SBC Challenge Results:
Date Against Score
Nov. 3, 2025 Georgia State W, 71-49
Feb. 8, 2025 Old Dominion W, 76-70
Nov. 4, 2024 at Texas State L, 44-64
Feb. 10, 2024 at Louisiana-Monroe L, 76-82
Nov. 11, 2023 Georgia Southern W, 70-60
PREVIOUSLY IN THE 2025-26 SEASON NOTES
BACK-TO-BACK 16-POINT GAMES
Jon Sanders II scored 16 points against IU Indy, Nov. 14, and 17 points at Detroit Mercy, Nov. 18.
Sanders II has scored 16-plus points in back-to-back games at three different Division I schools but has never done so in three-straight games.
Sanders II opened the 2024-25 season at Northwestern State by scoring 16 points against Dallas Christian and 18 points against Texas Tech after scoring 17 points against Wofford and 17 points against College of Charleston while at Coastal Carolina.
MO HABHAB'S PERFORMANCE AGAINST GSU
Mo Habhab, just a redshirt freshman, produced an impressive 15 points, 16 rebounds, four assists, and two blocks in the 71-49 win over Georgia State, Nov. 3.
Habhab is the first player in the MAC to record that stat line or better since Nov. 22, 2003, when Northern Illinois' Marcus Smallwood had 17 points, 21 rebounds, six assists, and four blocks.
There was a total of eight performances in Division I with a player tallying at least 15 points, 16 rebounds, four assists, and two blocks in the 2024-25 season, none of which were by freshmen. Through games, Nov. 11, 2025, Habhab is the only player in Division I to achieve that line this season.
Habhab is the first freshman in the nation to record at least 15 points, 16 rebounds, four assists, and two blocks since former Gonzaga Bulldog and recent NBA champion Chet Holmgren had 20 points, 17 rebounds, four assists, and five blocks, Feb. 5, 2022, against BYU.
Habhab is the first Eagle to have 15+ and 15+ rebounds in one game since James Thompson IV had 20 points and 23 rebounds, March 5, 2019, against Ball State.
Habhab is the first Eagle to record 16 rebounds in one game since Boubacar Toure had 17 against Akron, Jan. 4, 2020. In regard to Habhab's eight offensive rebounds against Georgia State, Toure is also the last Eagle with at least eight offensive rebounds in one game, grabbing nine against Michigan-Dearborn, Nov. 14, 2019. James Thompson IV's 11 offensive rebounds against Ball State, Jan. 8, 2019, marks the last time an Eagle had at least eight against a Division I foe.
PRE-2025-26 SEASON NOTES
WHAT IS EASTERN RETURNING FROM LAST YEAR?
Eastern returned four players from its 2024-25 roster. The Eagles returned 7.8% of minutes played (502) and 2.9% of points scored (69).
» John Shanu II: 287 minutes, 38 points
» Godslove Nwabude: 207 minutes, 29 points
» Cooper Smith: 7 minutes, 2 points
» Mbaye N'Diaye: 1 minute, 0 points
TOUGH ROAD CONTESTS ON THE HORIZON
Eastern will have a quartet of high-profile road games in the 2025-26 season:
» Nov. 10 at Pittsburgh; L, 66-78
» Nov. 24 at #6 Louisville; L, 46-87
» Nov. 26 at Cincinnati
» Dec. 2 at Butler
Eastern has not played four Power Conference foes in one season since the 2018-19 season when the Eagles took on Duke, Rutgers, TCU, and Kansas, all on the road.
EMU began the 2023-24 season by playing at Butler.
DePAUL DUO --> NORTHWESTERN STATE DUO
Out with one transfer duo and in with another. After DePaul transfers Da'Sean Nelson and Jalen Terry teamed up to both earn Second-Team All-MAC honors in the 2024-25 season, Eastern acquired another transfer duo in the offseason as Northwestern State transfers Addison Patterson and Jon Sanders II decided to become Eagles.
MAC --> EASTERN MICHIGAN
Eastern added a trio of players who were at MAC schools at one point in their careers:
» Mo Habhab: Central Michigan in 2024-25
» Braelon Green: Bowling Green in 2024-25
» Aidan Rubio: Central Michigan in 2023-24
NCAA ELIGIBILITY: PATTERSON AND SMITH
Both Addison Patterson and Cooper Smith had waivers approved by the NCAA to be eligible for the 2025-26 season. EMU compliance officers Alex Hensley and Kayla Gribble played a key role in getting both student-athletes eligible with Patterson's ruling coming exactly one month prior to the first game.
PRESEASON PICKED NINTH
After finishing tied for sixth in 2024-25, EMU was picked ninth in the MAC preseason coaches' poll.
2025-26 MAC Men's Basketball Preseason Coaches' Poll
(First Place Votes)
1. Akron (11) – 143
2. Miami (2) – 133
3. Kent State – 122
4. Ohio – 108
5. UMass – 98
6. Toledo – 95
7. Bowling Green – 73
8. Ball State – 62
9. Eastern Michigan – 52
10. Western Michigan – 46
11. Buffalo – 37
12. Central Michigan – 31
13. Northern Illinois – 14
Tournament Champion: Akron (8), Miami (2), Kent State (1), Ohio (1) UMass (1)
The six Ohio schools made up six of the top seven with UMass taking fifth, while the bottom six is filled with the rest of the MAC schools.
STAYING HOME
Eastern Michigan has nine players from the state of Michigan, its most since the 2022-23 season (11).
EASTERN MICHIGAN IS HOME
Eastern's 14 players have combined to play for 28 different schools prior to coming to Eastern Michigan. In total, three Eagles (Gregory Lawson II, Godslove Nwabude, and Mbaye N'Diaye) began their collegiate careers at EMU.
ANY STAFF CHANGES?
Eastern's staff saw minor changes in the offseason:
» Carlos McMath: promoted to Director of Operations/Assistant Coach from Director of Operations
» Pritish Kokate: promoted to Head Student Manager from Student Manager
» Alex Kling: hired as Graduate Manager
» Shawn McCall: hired as Graduate Manager
COOPER SMITH: 9TH-OLDEST PLAYER
Cooper Smith is the ninth-oldest player in Division I, and one of 14 known players born in the 20th century:
1. Ramel Bethea, Green Bay - July 27, 1996
2. Brett White III, Oakland - Feb. 17, 1998
3. Corey Sands, Chicago State - Jan. 5, 1999
4. Nginyu Ngala, Kansas - April 3, 1999
5. Curt Lewis, Southern Miss - May 19, 1999
6. Olajuwon Ibrahim, FIU - May 26, 1999
7. Antwaan Jones, UNCG - May 29, 1999
8. Blaise Keita, Western Kentucky - June 29, 1999
9. Cooper Smith, Eastern Michigan - July 12, 1999
10. Devin Haid, South Florida - Aug. 22, 1999
11. Hunter Erickson, Hawaii - Sept. 14, 1999
12. Dawson Baker, BYU - Oct. 29, 1999
13. Bouna Kebe, Delaware - Dec. 24, 1999
14. Jordan Brinson, CSUN - Dec. 31, 1999
UP NEXT
Eastern host NJIT Friday, Nov. 28, at 4 p.m. inside the George Gervin GameAbove Center.
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 Basketball2025-26 Field of 68 Men's Basketball Preview: Eastern Michigan Eagles
Tuesday, October 21
Men's Basketball Alumni Game All Call
Tuesday, October 21
2025 E-Club Athletic Hall of Fame Ceremony
Saturday, October 11
E-Club Hall of Fame Class of 2025 Cinematic Recap
Saturday, October 11