Eastern Michigan Athletics
Photo by: Walt Middleton Photography
Eastern Facing Butler Tuesday on truTV
11/30/2025 3:14:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Nationally-televised contest slated for 7 p.m. start
| Men's Basketball at Butler | |
| Dates/Times | Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025 | 7 p.m. ET |
| Venue | Hinkle Fieldhouse (9,100) | Indianapolis, Ind. |
| Preview Info | EMU Notes (PDF) |
| Watch Live | truTV |
| Live Stats | Live Stats |
| @EMU_MBB | @EMUAthletics | |
| @emumbb | @emuathletics | |
| Tickets | Tickets for home games |
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (EMUEagles.com) -- Coming off back-to-back wins, the Eastern Michigan University men's basketball team takes on Butler University Tuesday, Dec. 2, at 7 p.m. inside historic Hinkle Fieldhouse.
ON AIR
Eastern Michigan and Butler will air on truTV with Spero Dedes, John Giannini, and Andy Katz on the call. Live stats will also be available on EMUEagles.com.
OPENING TIPS
» Helped by career highs for Goldslove Nwabude in points (12), rebounds (14), blocks (4), and steals (4) and Mohammad Habhab's 22 points, Eastern outscored NJIT by 18 points in the second half to win, 73-55, Nov. 28.
» Eastern stunned Cincinnati, 64-56, leading for 39:13 of game time, Nov. 26. The Eagles were 19-of-22 (86.4%) from the free throw line as Carlos Hart's team-high 15 points helped EMU secure its first Power Conference win since topping Michigan, Dec. 19, 2014 (W, 45-42).
»Mohammad Habhab, who is tied for third in the nation with five double-doubles, is one of four players in the nation to average at least 13.0 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 3.0 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).
»Eastern has a quartet of high-profile road games in the 2025-26 season (Nov. 10 at Pittsburgh, Nov. 24 at No. 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 52-81 record at EMU and a 261-288 record over 18 years as a collegiate head coach.
NJIT RECAP, NOV. 28
SCORING/RUNS SUMMARY AGAINST NJIT
» NJIT took an 18-12 lead.
» EMU's 6-0 run to close the first half tied the game at 31-31.
» EMU used an 8-0 run to lead, 44-37.
» An 11-0 spurt as part of a 17-3 run to put the game out of reach.
» EMU won, 73-55.
NOTEWORTHY PLAYERS AGAINST NJIT
» Godslove Nwabude: career-highs in points (12), rebounds (14), blocks (4), steals (4), and minutes (28)
» Mohammad Habhab: 22 points and four rebounds
» Jon Sanders II: 14 points, two assists, and two steals
» Addison Patterson: seven points, six assists, career-high four steals
» Aidan Rubio: eight points in 9:45 of court time
KEY TEAM STATS AGAINST NJIT
» EMU limited NJIT to 19-of-52 (36.2%) shooting while going 29-fo-58 (50.0%) from the floor
» EMU forced a season-high 19 turnovers
» EMU blocked seven shots, all in the first half
CAREER DAY FOR GODSLOVE
Godslove Nwabude produced his first career double-double in the best game of his career against NJIT, Nov. 28.
Nwabude notched top career marks in points (12), rebounds (14), blocks (4), steals (4), and minutes (28).
Nwabude is the only player in the nation this season to produce at least 12 points, 14 rebounds, four blocks, and four steals.
Only one player did so during the 2024-25 season as then-UAB Blazer and current Michigan Wolverine Yaxel Lendeborg had 30 points, 20 rebounds, eight assists, four blocks, and five steals against East Carolina, March 14, 2025.
Former Akron Zip and current Indiana Pacer Enrique Freeman was the most recent player to record at least 12 points, 14 rebounds, four blocks, and four steals in one game, Dec. 7, 2023.
The 16 Players with 12+ Points, 14+ Rebounds, 4+ Blocks, and 4+ Steals in One Game Since 2002-03:
Godslove Nwabude EMU Nov. 28, 2025
Yaxel Lendeborg UAB March 14, 2025
Enrique Freeman Akron Dec. 7, 2023
Norchad Amier Arkansas St. Feb. 23, 2022
Paul Reed Jr. DePaul Dec. 8, 2019
Lamine Diane CSUN Jan. 5, 2019
Ben Lammers GA Tech Nov. 19, 2017
Pascal Siakam NMST Feb. 20, 2016
Trayvon Palmer Chicago St. Nov. 18, 2015
Ryan Bacon St. Peter's Jan. 21, 2011
Gregory Echenique Rutgers March 1, 2009
Marqus Blakely Vermont Feb. 20, 2008
Joseph Harris Coastal Carolina Dec. 7, 2007
Aleks Maric Nebraska Nov. 17, 2007
Mark Zoller Penn March 2, 2007
Cuthbert Victor Murray State Jan. 29, 2004
Nwabude, who played 28:03, is the only player on the list to accomplish the feat in less than 30 minutes.
MOHAMMAD HABHAB'S 22 POINTS
Mohammad Habhab had just seven points 30 minutes into the game against NJIT, Nov. 28, before scoring 15 points in the game's final 9:16, including a trio of dunks in the last 2:12 of the contest.
Habhab's 22 points mark his second career game with at least 20 points (24 vs. Oakland, Nov. 21).
AIDAN RUBIO'S EIGHT POINTS
Aidan Rubio provided a key boost in the win over NJIT, Nov. 28, scoring eight of EMU's 10 bench points.
Rubio rebounded an Eagle airball before laying it in in the first half before drilling three-pointers 34 seconds apart in the second half, extending EMU's lead to 10, its largest advantage of the game at the time.
CINCINNATI RECAP, NOV. 26
SCORING/RUNS SUMMARY AGAINST CINCINNATI
» EMU scored the first eight points.
» UC went on a 10-2 run.
» EMU launched a 17-1 run, holding UC without a made field goal for 10:01 of game time.
» UC went on a 9-0 run before EMU closed the half on a 7-1 spurt to lead at halftime, 36-23.
» A 15-2 UC run cut the EMU lead to 48-47.
» A 7-0 run for EMU put the visitors ahead by eight with three minutes left.
» EMU won, 64-56.
NOTEWORTHY PLAYERS AGAINST CINCINNATI
» Carlos Hart: 15 points, five rebounds, and three assists
» Mohammad Habhab: 13 points, five rebounds, three assists, four steals, and one block
KEY TEAM STATS AGAINST CINCINNATI
» EMU limited UC to 19-of-56 (33.9%) shooting
» EMU was 19-of-22 (86.4%) from the free throw line
» EMU outrebounded UC, 36-29.
LAST POWER CONFERENCE WIN AND MORE
Before beating Cincinnati, Nov. 26, Eastern's last Power Conference (ACC, Big East, Big Ten, Big 12, SEC) win was Dec. 9, 2014, at Michigan (W, 45-42). EMU improved to 20-129 all-time against current Power Conference schools.
The Eagles moved to 4-7 all-time against current Big 12 schools and won against a current Big 12 school for the first time since Dec. 27, 1995, vs. Baylor (W, 71-69).
The 56 points allowed were Eastern's fewest against a Power Conference opponent since the 45-42 win at Michigan, Dec. 9, 2014.
The eight-point win was Eastern's largest against a Power Conference opponent since beating Texas Tech, 93-77, Dec. 27, 1995, at the Sierra Medical Center Sun Carnival in El Paso, Texas.
DEFENSIVE EFFORT AGAINST CINCINNATI
Eastern limited Cincinnati to 19-of-56 (33.9%) from the field in the win at UC, Nov. 26.
It marked EMU's best defensive effort against a Power Conference foe since the Eagles held Michigan to a 32.6% conversion rate in Eastern's 45-42 win at UM, Dec. 19, 2014.
FREE THROW SHOOTING AGAINST CINCINNATI
Eastern was an impressive 19-for-22 (86.4%) from the free throw line in the win at Cincinnati, Nov. 26.
EMU's 86.4% free throw percentage is its top mark (min. 20 attempts) since going 21-for-22 (95.5%) against Buffalo, Jan. 25, 2025.
SEASON HIGH TURNOVERS? NO PROBLEM
Eastern had a season-high 17 turnovers in the win at Cincinnati, Nov. 26. EMU gave up 19 points off turnovers, six points higher than its 13.0 season average.
EMU also had 17 turnovers in its last Power Conference win (prior to beating UC), a 45-42 win at Michigan, Dec. 19, 2014.
MAC ROAD WINS OVER CINCY
The last MAC team to beat Cincinnati was Bowling Green, which won 91-84 in overtime at the Stroh Center, Nov. 24, 2019. The previous MAC victory in Cincinnati came even earlier, when Bowling Green defeated the Bearcats, 69-67, Nov. 11, 2007, more than 18 years ago.
HOLDING CINCY UNDER 60
Eastern Michigan held Cincinnati to under 60 points, a feat few MAC teams have achieved. The last MAC team to do so was Miami, which lost 59-58 in Oxford, Dec. 1, 2021. However, the last time UC was held under 60 by a MAC foe and lost was Dec. 17, 1983, when Miami captured a 55-50 triumph at U.S. Bank Arena (formerly Riverfront Coliseum).
CINCY'S HOME SUCCESS OVER THE MAC
Cincinnati was a charter member of the MAC from 1947 to 1952, and since leaving the league, current MAC programs have struggled at UC's home court. The Bearcats hold dominant home records against most MAC teams: Akron 7-4, Ball State 4-0, Bowling Green 5-1, Buffalo 1-0, Central Michigan 1-0, Kent State 4-0, Miami 63-18, Northern Illinois 3-0, Ohio 27-13, Toledo 5-4, and Western Michigan 9-0. EMU's victory now ties its record with Cincinnati at 1-1 and highlights the rarity of road wins for MAC teams.
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 closed the half on an 8-2 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
» Mohammad 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
MOHAMMAD HABHAB DOUBLE-DOUBLE PERFORMANCE
With his 12 points and 11 rebounds against No. 6 Louisville Monday, Nov. 24, Mohammad Habhab recorded his 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 a 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
» Mohammad 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, Nov. 21, Eastern improved 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 began 4-1 or better.
MOHAMMAD HABHAB TRIPLE-DOUBLE
Mohammad 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)
» Mohammad 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 left, 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.
ON THE BUTLER GAME
IF EASTERN WINS...
» EMU will improve to 1-1 all-time against Butler.
» EMU will improve to 1-14 against the current Big East schools.
» EMU will improve to 6-3 for the first time since the 2019-20 season.
» EMU will improve to 21-129 all-time against current Power Conference schools.
» EMU will secure multiple Power Conference wins in one season for the first time since the 1996-97 campaign.
EASTERN AGAINST THE BIG EAST
Eastern is 0-14 all-time against the current Big East schools with its most recent game being the 94-55 loss to Butler, Nov. 6, 2023.
EMU's closest game against a Big East school was a 71-70 overtime loss at Xavier, Dec. 3, 1984. EMU also suffered a narrow 57-55 loss to No. 6 DePaul, Dec. 19, 1979.
Eastern All-Time Against Big East Schools:
BIG EAST 0-14
Butler 0-1
DePaul 0-6
Marquette 0-2
St. John's (NY)0-1
UConn 0-2
Xavier 0-2
Other Current Members:
Creighton • Georgetown • Providence • Seton Hall • Villanova
EASTERN IMPROVING TO 6-3?
With a win against Butler, Dec. 2, Eastern would improve to 6-3 for the first time since the 2019-20 season (8-1). Three wins of those wins in the 2019-20 season were against non-Division I opponents, meaning that Eastern would secure six wins against Division I foes in its first nine games for the first time since the 2004-05 season.
EASTERN AGAINST THE POWER CONFERENCES
Eastern is 20-129 (.134) all-time against current Power Conference schools (ACC, Big East, Big Ten, Big 12, and SEC), most recently beating Cincinnati, Nov. 26.
Before the win over the Bearcats, Eastern's last win against a current Power Conference opponent was Dec. 19, 2014, a 45-42 win at Michigan.
MULTIPLE POWER CONFERENCES WINS
With a win against Butler, Dec. 2, Eastern would secure its second Power Conference (ACC, Big East, Big Ten, Big 12, SEC) win of the season after topping Cincinnati, Nov. 26. EMU last won at least two games against current Power Conference schools in the 1996-97 season when the Eagles took down Rutgers, Texas Tech, and Duke.
ACTIVE 2025-26 SEASON NOTES
EIGHT-STRAIGHT 10-POINT GAMES
Redshirt freshman Mohammad Habhab produced at least 10 points in each of the season's first eight games.
With Habhab's performances, he is the first Eastern freshman to have eight-straight games with at least 10 points in each game since James Thompson IV had a streak of 13 games in the 2015-16 season.
FIVE DOUBLE-DOUBLES IN EIGHT GAMES
Mohammad Habhab has produced five double-doubles in eight games to open the 2025-26 season.
He is the first Eagle to record five double-doubles in an eight-game span since James Thompson IV in the 2018-19 season, who had a stretch of seven double-doubles in a 10-game span.
Habhab is also the first EMU freshman to record five double-doubles in one season since Thompson IV had 19 in the 2015-16 campaign.
HABHAB AMONG THE NATION'S LEADERS
Mohammad Habhab has five double-doubles, averaging 15.6 points and 9.2 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. Mohammad Habhab EMU 5
Thomas Dowd Troy 5
Prophet Johnson Sac St. 5
Demetrius Lilley Binghamton 5
Charles Johnston Furman 5
Mouhamed Sylla GA Tech 5
Habhab ranks 36th in the nation in rebounding per game at 9.2.
HABHAB DOING IT ALL
Mohammad Habhab is averaging 15.6 points, 9.2 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.5 steals, and 0.8 blocks.
Habhab is one of four players in the nation to average at least 13.0 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists.
Players with 13.0 PPG, 9.0 RPG, and 3.0 APG:
Mohammad Habhab EMU 15.6/9.2/3.4
Michael Ajayi Butler 15.9/11.9/3.4
Prophet Johnson Sac St. 16.0/9.6/4.1
Cameron Boozer Duke 22.9/9.9/3.8
Habhab and Boozer are the only freshmen on the list.
DEVELOPMENT OF GODSLOVE NWABUDE
Godslove Nwabude has played an increased role for Eastern Michigan in his second season in the Green and White.
Nwabude, who has started all eight games, has seen an increase of 9.8 minutes per game (8.0 --> 17.8), an increase of 4.8 points per game (1.1 --> 5.9), an increase of 3.7 rebounds per game (2.3 --> 6.0), and an increase of 0.9 blocks per game (0.3 --> 1.2)
BACK-TO-BACK GAMES 56 AND UNDER
EMU, which held Cincinnati to 56 points, Nov. 26, and NJIT to 55 points, Nov. 28, produced consecutive outings allowing 56 points or fewer for the first time since conceding 56 to Kent State, Jan. 18, 2022, and 46 in its next game to Akron, Jan. 22, 2022.
If Eastern can keep Butler to 56 points or fewer, it would mark the first time EMU has kept three-straight opponents to 56 or less since the 2019-20 season when EMU held North Texas, UMBC, and North Carolina A&T all below 55 points.
Butler, which has a season-low of 79 points, has not been held to 56 or fewer points by a MAC team since Ball State won, 58-55, Dec. 10, 2011. The last team to hold the Bulldogs to 56 or less was No. 17 Houston, Dec. 7, 2024, in a 79-51 win for the Cougars.
ROAD WARRIORS
Eastern Michigan is 2-2 on the road this season. With wins at Detroit Mercy, Nov. 18, and Cincinnati, Nov. 26, EMU is the only school in the MAC to have multiple road wins. The rest of the conference is a combined 4-15 in "true" road games.
If Eastern tops Butler on the road, Dec. 2, it would give the Eagles three non-conference road wins in back-to-back seasons, a feat EMU has not accomplished since the 1971-72 and 1972-73 seasons, before the Green and White even joined the MAC. Prior to last season, Eastern had not won three non-conference "true" road games since the 1996-97 season.
REBOUNDING SO FAR
Eastern Michigan has outrebounded its opponent in six of the first eight games. EMU is 5-1 in such games. The Eagles outrebounded IU Indy, 40-36, but lost, 90-83, Nov. 14.
EMU has outrebounded its foe in six of the first eight games for the first time since the 2018-19 season. The Eagles have not done so in seven of their first nine games since at least the 2008-09 season.
Eastern, which won with only four offensive boards against Oakland, Nov. 21, has at least 10 offensive rebounds in six of the first eight games since the 2018-19 team did so in seven of its first eight contests.
THR33-POINT STR3AK, 654-STRAIGHT GAM3S
After converting seven three-pointers against NJIT, Nov. 28, Eastern has hit at least one three-pointer in 654-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.
MOHAMMAD HABHAB'S PERFORMANCE AGAINST GSU
Mohammad 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 were 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 Nov. 11, 2025, Habhab was 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. Concerning 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, mark 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 No. 6 Louisville; L, 46-87
» Nov. 26 at Cincinnati; W, 64-56
» Dec. 2 at Butler
Eastern has not played four Power Conference foes in single season since the 2018-19 season, when the Eagles faced 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:
» Mohammad 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 before 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 are 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 hosts Cleary at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, inside the George Gervin GameAbove Center. The game follows the EMU women's contest against Defiance at 5 p.m.
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 Butler will air on truTV with Spero Dedes, John Giannini, and Andy Katz on the call. Live stats will also be available on EMUEagles.com.
OPENING TIPS
» Helped by career highs for Goldslove Nwabude in points (12), rebounds (14), blocks (4), and steals (4) and Mohammad Habhab's 22 points, Eastern outscored NJIT by 18 points in the second half to win, 73-55, Nov. 28.
» Eastern stunned Cincinnati, 64-56, leading for 39:13 of game time, Nov. 26. The Eagles were 19-of-22 (86.4%) from the free throw line as Carlos Hart's team-high 15 points helped EMU secure its first Power Conference win since topping Michigan, Dec. 19, 2014 (W, 45-42).
»Mohammad Habhab, who is tied for third in the nation with five double-doubles, is one of four players in the nation to average at least 13.0 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 3.0 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).
»Eastern has a quartet of high-profile road games in the 2025-26 season (Nov. 10 at Pittsburgh, Nov. 24 at No. 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 52-81 record at EMU and a 261-288 record over 18 years as a collegiate head coach.
NJIT RECAP, NOV. 28
SCORING/RUNS SUMMARY AGAINST NJIT
» NJIT took an 18-12 lead.
» EMU's 6-0 run to close the first half tied the game at 31-31.
» EMU used an 8-0 run to lead, 44-37.
» An 11-0 spurt as part of a 17-3 run to put the game out of reach.
» EMU won, 73-55.
NOTEWORTHY PLAYERS AGAINST NJIT
» Godslove Nwabude: career-highs in points (12), rebounds (14), blocks (4), steals (4), and minutes (28)
» Mohammad Habhab: 22 points and four rebounds
» Jon Sanders II: 14 points, two assists, and two steals
» Addison Patterson: seven points, six assists, career-high four steals
» Aidan Rubio: eight points in 9:45 of court time
KEY TEAM STATS AGAINST NJIT
» EMU limited NJIT to 19-of-52 (36.2%) shooting while going 29-fo-58 (50.0%) from the floor
» EMU forced a season-high 19 turnovers
» EMU blocked seven shots, all in the first half
CAREER DAY FOR GODSLOVE
Godslove Nwabude produced his first career double-double in the best game of his career against NJIT, Nov. 28.
Nwabude notched top career marks in points (12), rebounds (14), blocks (4), steals (4), and minutes (28).
Nwabude is the only player in the nation this season to produce at least 12 points, 14 rebounds, four blocks, and four steals.
Only one player did so during the 2024-25 season as then-UAB Blazer and current Michigan Wolverine Yaxel Lendeborg had 30 points, 20 rebounds, eight assists, four blocks, and five steals against East Carolina, March 14, 2025.
Former Akron Zip and current Indiana Pacer Enrique Freeman was the most recent player to record at least 12 points, 14 rebounds, four blocks, and four steals in one game, Dec. 7, 2023.
The 16 Players with 12+ Points, 14+ Rebounds, 4+ Blocks, and 4+ Steals in One Game Since 2002-03:
Godslove Nwabude EMU Nov. 28, 2025
Yaxel Lendeborg UAB March 14, 2025
Enrique Freeman Akron Dec. 7, 2023
Norchad Amier Arkansas St. Feb. 23, 2022
Paul Reed Jr. DePaul Dec. 8, 2019
Lamine Diane CSUN Jan. 5, 2019
Ben Lammers GA Tech Nov. 19, 2017
Pascal Siakam NMST Feb. 20, 2016
Trayvon Palmer Chicago St. Nov. 18, 2015
Ryan Bacon St. Peter's Jan. 21, 2011
Gregory Echenique Rutgers March 1, 2009
Marqus Blakely Vermont Feb. 20, 2008
Joseph Harris Coastal Carolina Dec. 7, 2007
Aleks Maric Nebraska Nov. 17, 2007
Mark Zoller Penn March 2, 2007
Cuthbert Victor Murray State Jan. 29, 2004
Nwabude, who played 28:03, is the only player on the list to accomplish the feat in less than 30 minutes.
MOHAMMAD HABHAB'S 22 POINTS
Mohammad Habhab had just seven points 30 minutes into the game against NJIT, Nov. 28, before scoring 15 points in the game's final 9:16, including a trio of dunks in the last 2:12 of the contest.
Habhab's 22 points mark his second career game with at least 20 points (24 vs. Oakland, Nov. 21).
AIDAN RUBIO'S EIGHT POINTS
Aidan Rubio provided a key boost in the win over NJIT, Nov. 28, scoring eight of EMU's 10 bench points.
Rubio rebounded an Eagle airball before laying it in in the first half before drilling three-pointers 34 seconds apart in the second half, extending EMU's lead to 10, its largest advantage of the game at the time.
CINCINNATI RECAP, NOV. 26
SCORING/RUNS SUMMARY AGAINST CINCINNATI
» EMU scored the first eight points.
» UC went on a 10-2 run.
» EMU launched a 17-1 run, holding UC without a made field goal for 10:01 of game time.
» UC went on a 9-0 run before EMU closed the half on a 7-1 spurt to lead at halftime, 36-23.
» A 15-2 UC run cut the EMU lead to 48-47.
» A 7-0 run for EMU put the visitors ahead by eight with three minutes left.
» EMU won, 64-56.
NOTEWORTHY PLAYERS AGAINST CINCINNATI
» Carlos Hart: 15 points, five rebounds, and three assists
» Mohammad Habhab: 13 points, five rebounds, three assists, four steals, and one block
KEY TEAM STATS AGAINST CINCINNATI
» EMU limited UC to 19-of-56 (33.9%) shooting
» EMU was 19-of-22 (86.4%) from the free throw line
» EMU outrebounded UC, 36-29.
LAST POWER CONFERENCE WIN AND MORE
Before beating Cincinnati, Nov. 26, Eastern's last Power Conference (ACC, Big East, Big Ten, Big 12, SEC) win was Dec. 9, 2014, at Michigan (W, 45-42). EMU improved to 20-129 all-time against current Power Conference schools.
The Eagles moved to 4-7 all-time against current Big 12 schools and won against a current Big 12 school for the first time since Dec. 27, 1995, vs. Baylor (W, 71-69).
The 56 points allowed were Eastern's fewest against a Power Conference opponent since the 45-42 win at Michigan, Dec. 9, 2014.
The eight-point win was Eastern's largest against a Power Conference opponent since beating Texas Tech, 93-77, Dec. 27, 1995, at the Sierra Medical Center Sun Carnival in El Paso, Texas.
DEFENSIVE EFFORT AGAINST CINCINNATI
Eastern limited Cincinnati to 19-of-56 (33.9%) from the field in the win at UC, Nov. 26.
It marked EMU's best defensive effort against a Power Conference foe since the Eagles held Michigan to a 32.6% conversion rate in Eastern's 45-42 win at UM, Dec. 19, 2014.
FREE THROW SHOOTING AGAINST CINCINNATI
Eastern was an impressive 19-for-22 (86.4%) from the free throw line in the win at Cincinnati, Nov. 26.
EMU's 86.4% free throw percentage is its top mark (min. 20 attempts) since going 21-for-22 (95.5%) against Buffalo, Jan. 25, 2025.
SEASON HIGH TURNOVERS? NO PROBLEM
Eastern had a season-high 17 turnovers in the win at Cincinnati, Nov. 26. EMU gave up 19 points off turnovers, six points higher than its 13.0 season average.
EMU also had 17 turnovers in its last Power Conference win (prior to beating UC), a 45-42 win at Michigan, Dec. 19, 2014.
MAC ROAD WINS OVER CINCY
The last MAC team to beat Cincinnati was Bowling Green, which won 91-84 in overtime at the Stroh Center, Nov. 24, 2019. The previous MAC victory in Cincinnati came even earlier, when Bowling Green defeated the Bearcats, 69-67, Nov. 11, 2007, more than 18 years ago.
HOLDING CINCY UNDER 60
Eastern Michigan held Cincinnati to under 60 points, a feat few MAC teams have achieved. The last MAC team to do so was Miami, which lost 59-58 in Oxford, Dec. 1, 2021. However, the last time UC was held under 60 by a MAC foe and lost was Dec. 17, 1983, when Miami captured a 55-50 triumph at U.S. Bank Arena (formerly Riverfront Coliseum).
CINCY'S HOME SUCCESS OVER THE MAC
Cincinnati was a charter member of the MAC from 1947 to 1952, and since leaving the league, current MAC programs have struggled at UC's home court. The Bearcats hold dominant home records against most MAC teams: Akron 7-4, Ball State 4-0, Bowling Green 5-1, Buffalo 1-0, Central Michigan 1-0, Kent State 4-0, Miami 63-18, Northern Illinois 3-0, Ohio 27-13, Toledo 5-4, and Western Michigan 9-0. EMU's victory now ties its record with Cincinnati at 1-1 and highlights the rarity of road wins for MAC teams.
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 closed the half on an 8-2 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
» Mohammad 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
MOHAMMAD HABHAB DOUBLE-DOUBLE PERFORMANCE
With his 12 points and 11 rebounds against No. 6 Louisville Monday, Nov. 24, Mohammad Habhab recorded his 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 a 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
» Mohammad 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, Nov. 21, Eastern improved 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 began 4-1 or better.
MOHAMMAD HABHAB TRIPLE-DOUBLE
Mohammad 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)
» Mohammad 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 left, 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.
ON THE BUTLER GAME
IF EASTERN WINS...
» EMU will improve to 1-1 all-time against Butler.
» EMU will improve to 1-14 against the current Big East schools.
» EMU will improve to 6-3 for the first time since the 2019-20 season.
» EMU will improve to 21-129 all-time against current Power Conference schools.
» EMU will secure multiple Power Conference wins in one season for the first time since the 1996-97 campaign.
EASTERN AGAINST THE BIG EAST
Eastern is 0-14 all-time against the current Big East schools with its most recent game being the 94-55 loss to Butler, Nov. 6, 2023.
EMU's closest game against a Big East school was a 71-70 overtime loss at Xavier, Dec. 3, 1984. EMU also suffered a narrow 57-55 loss to No. 6 DePaul, Dec. 19, 1979.
Eastern All-Time Against Big East Schools:
BIG EAST 0-14
Butler 0-1
DePaul 0-6
Marquette 0-2
St. John's (NY)0-1
UConn 0-2
Xavier 0-2
Other Current Members:
Creighton • Georgetown • Providence • Seton Hall • Villanova
EASTERN IMPROVING TO 6-3?
With a win against Butler, Dec. 2, Eastern would improve to 6-3 for the first time since the 2019-20 season (8-1). Three wins of those wins in the 2019-20 season were against non-Division I opponents, meaning that Eastern would secure six wins against Division I foes in its first nine games for the first time since the 2004-05 season.
EASTERN AGAINST THE POWER CONFERENCES
Eastern is 20-129 (.134) all-time against current Power Conference schools (ACC, Big East, Big Ten, Big 12, and SEC), most recently beating Cincinnati, Nov. 26.
Before the win over the Bearcats, Eastern's last win against a current Power Conference opponent was Dec. 19, 2014, a 45-42 win at Michigan.
MULTIPLE POWER CONFERENCES WINS
With a win against Butler, Dec. 2, Eastern would secure its second Power Conference (ACC, Big East, Big Ten, Big 12, SEC) win of the season after topping Cincinnati, Nov. 26. EMU last won at least two games against current Power Conference schools in the 1996-97 season when the Eagles took down Rutgers, Texas Tech, and Duke.
ACTIVE 2025-26 SEASON NOTES
EIGHT-STRAIGHT 10-POINT GAMES
Redshirt freshman Mohammad Habhab produced at least 10 points in each of the season's first eight games.
With Habhab's performances, he is the first Eastern freshman to have eight-straight games with at least 10 points in each game since James Thompson IV had a streak of 13 games in the 2015-16 season.
FIVE DOUBLE-DOUBLES IN EIGHT GAMES
Mohammad Habhab has produced five double-doubles in eight games to open the 2025-26 season.
He is the first Eagle to record five double-doubles in an eight-game span since James Thompson IV in the 2018-19 season, who had a stretch of seven double-doubles in a 10-game span.
Habhab is also the first EMU freshman to record five double-doubles in one season since Thompson IV had 19 in the 2015-16 campaign.
HABHAB AMONG THE NATION'S LEADERS
Mohammad Habhab has five double-doubles, averaging 15.6 points and 9.2 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. Mohammad Habhab EMU 5
Thomas Dowd Troy 5
Prophet Johnson Sac St. 5
Demetrius Lilley Binghamton 5
Charles Johnston Furman 5
Mouhamed Sylla GA Tech 5
Habhab ranks 36th in the nation in rebounding per game at 9.2.
HABHAB DOING IT ALL
Mohammad Habhab is averaging 15.6 points, 9.2 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.5 steals, and 0.8 blocks.
Habhab is one of four players in the nation to average at least 13.0 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists.
Players with 13.0 PPG, 9.0 RPG, and 3.0 APG:
Mohammad Habhab EMU 15.6/9.2/3.4
Michael Ajayi Butler 15.9/11.9/3.4
Prophet Johnson Sac St. 16.0/9.6/4.1
Cameron Boozer Duke 22.9/9.9/3.8
Habhab and Boozer are the only freshmen on the list.
DEVELOPMENT OF GODSLOVE NWABUDE
Godslove Nwabude has played an increased role for Eastern Michigan in his second season in the Green and White.
Nwabude, who has started all eight games, has seen an increase of 9.8 minutes per game (8.0 --> 17.8), an increase of 4.8 points per game (1.1 --> 5.9), an increase of 3.7 rebounds per game (2.3 --> 6.0), and an increase of 0.9 blocks per game (0.3 --> 1.2)
BACK-TO-BACK GAMES 56 AND UNDER
EMU, which held Cincinnati to 56 points, Nov. 26, and NJIT to 55 points, Nov. 28, produced consecutive outings allowing 56 points or fewer for the first time since conceding 56 to Kent State, Jan. 18, 2022, and 46 in its next game to Akron, Jan. 22, 2022.
If Eastern can keep Butler to 56 points or fewer, it would mark the first time EMU has kept three-straight opponents to 56 or less since the 2019-20 season when EMU held North Texas, UMBC, and North Carolina A&T all below 55 points.
Butler, which has a season-low of 79 points, has not been held to 56 or fewer points by a MAC team since Ball State won, 58-55, Dec. 10, 2011. The last team to hold the Bulldogs to 56 or less was No. 17 Houston, Dec. 7, 2024, in a 79-51 win for the Cougars.
ROAD WARRIORS
Eastern Michigan is 2-2 on the road this season. With wins at Detroit Mercy, Nov. 18, and Cincinnati, Nov. 26, EMU is the only school in the MAC to have multiple road wins. The rest of the conference is a combined 4-15 in "true" road games.
If Eastern tops Butler on the road, Dec. 2, it would give the Eagles three non-conference road wins in back-to-back seasons, a feat EMU has not accomplished since the 1971-72 and 1972-73 seasons, before the Green and White even joined the MAC. Prior to last season, Eastern had not won three non-conference "true" road games since the 1996-97 season.
REBOUNDING SO FAR
Eastern Michigan has outrebounded its opponent in six of the first eight games. EMU is 5-1 in such games. The Eagles outrebounded IU Indy, 40-36, but lost, 90-83, Nov. 14.
EMU has outrebounded its foe in six of the first eight games for the first time since the 2018-19 season. The Eagles have not done so in seven of their first nine games since at least the 2008-09 season.
Eastern, which won with only four offensive boards against Oakland, Nov. 21, has at least 10 offensive rebounds in six of the first eight games since the 2018-19 team did so in seven of its first eight contests.
THR33-POINT STR3AK, 654-STRAIGHT GAM3S
After converting seven three-pointers against NJIT, Nov. 28, Eastern has hit at least one three-pointer in 654-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.
MOHAMMAD HABHAB'S PERFORMANCE AGAINST GSU
Mohammad 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 were 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 Nov. 11, 2025, Habhab was 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. Concerning 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, mark 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 No. 6 Louisville; L, 46-87
» Nov. 26 at Cincinnati; W, 64-56
» Dec. 2 at Butler
Eastern has not played four Power Conference foes in single season since the 2018-19 season, when the Eagles faced 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:
» Mohammad 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 before 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 are 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 hosts Cleary at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, inside the George Gervin GameAbove Center. The game follows the EMU women's contest against Defiance at 5 p.m.
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