Eastern Michigan Athletics
Tuesday, December 30
Ypsilanti, Mich.
7:30 p.m.
Eastern Michigan University
vs
UMass
Eastern Hosting UMass in Doubleheader Action Friday
12/28/2025 7:38:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Game slated for appoximate 7:30 p.m. start
| Men's Basketball vs. UMass | |
| Dates/Times | Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025 | approximately 7:30 p.m. ET |
| Venue | George Gervin GameAbove Center (8,754) | Ypsilanti, Mich. |
| Preview Info | EMU Notes (PDF) |
| Watch Live | ESPN+ |
| Listen Live | WEMU (89.1 FM) | The Varsity Network App |
| Live Stats | Fan Stats | Media Stats |
| @EMU_MBB | @EMUAthletics | |
| @emumbb | @emuathletics | |
| Tickets | Tickets for home games |
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) -- The Eastern Michigan University men's basketball team begins a spree of 10-straight Mid-American Conference games with a home matchup against the University of Massachusetts Tuesday Dec. 30, at 7:30 p.m. inside the George Gervin GameAbove Center. The contest follows the EMU women's basketball game against Bowling Green State University at 5 p.m.
ON AIR
Eastern Michigan and UMass will air on ESPN+ with Ryan Wooley, Reggie Butler, and Elena Davis on the call. Tom Helmer will have the call live on WEMU (89.1 FM) and the Varsity Network App. Live stats will also be available on EMUEagles.com.
OPENING TIPS
» Carlos Hart scored a career-high 32 points in the 93-72 MAC opener at Akron, Dec. 19. Eastern had a player score 32 points in the MAC opener for the second-straight season as Da'Sean Nelson had 32 against Northern Illinois last season.
» EMU dropped an 80-65 decision at Purdue Fort Wayne, Dec. 10, trailing by as many as 26 in the second half.
»Mohammad Habhab is one of 17 players in the country to average at least 14.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.5 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), returning four players.
»Eastern played 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 tying 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 53-85 record at EMU and a 262-292 record over 18 years as a collegiate head coach
WRIGHT STATE RECAP, DEC. 22
SCORING/RUNS SUMMARY AGAINST WRIGHT ST.
» Neither team led by more than three until the 4:13 mark of the first half (EMU, 27-23)
» WSU closed the half with an 11-6 run to lead 34-33 at the break.
» Neither team led by more than three in the second half until the 6:11 mark of the first half (WSU, 56-50)
» EMU used a 9-2 run to tie the game at 62-62 with less than two minutes to go.
» WSU scored the next four points to lead 66-62 at the 1:15 mark.
» WSU won, 70-64.
NOTEWORTHY PLAYERS AGAINST WRIGHT STATE
» Carlos Hart: 18 points (16 in second half), six rebounds, and two steals
» Addison Patterson: 18 points (14 in first half), four rebounds, and two assists
» Mak Manciel: nine points (3-6 3PT)
KEY TEAM STATS AGAINST WRIGHT STATE
» EMU was 11-for-16 (68.8%) from the free-throw line and WSU was 20-for-32 (62.5%) at the charity stripe
» EMU had just seven assists on 24 made baskets while WSU posted 13 dimes on 23 made field goals
AKRON RECAP, DEC. 19
SCORING/RUNS SUMMARY AGAINST AKRON
» Akron led, 20-9.
» EMU used a 13-4 spurt to cut the deficit to 24-22.
» Akron led, 48-34, at halftime.
» Akron led by 29 with 4:18 left.
» Akron won, 93-72.
NOTEWORTHY PLAYERS AGAINST AKRON
» Carlos Hart: 32 points (9-14 FG, 12-18 FT)
KEY TEAM STATS AGAINST AKRON
» EMU limited Akron to 3-of-18 (16.7%) shooting from beyond the three-point line.
» EMU had just seven assists on 25 made baskets while Akron posted 22 dimes on 39 made field goals.
» EMU was outscored in the paint, 70-36.
EASTERN'S THREE-POINT DEFENSE
EMU limited Akron to 3-of-18 (16.7%) shooting from beyond the three-point line, Dec. 19. Akron's 16.7% three-point conversion rate is the lowest by an Eastern opponent in an EMU loss since Indiana was 4-of-24 (16.7%) in a 68-62 loss, Nov. 9, 2021.
Furthermore, the Zips' three made triples are the fewest by an Eastern foe in a loss since Bowling Green was 4-of-17 (17.6%), Jan. 25, 2022.
The Eagles' 21-point loss is their largest when an opponent shoots 16.7% or worse on three-pointers since losing to Michigan State, 72-40, Nov. 27, 2011, despite shooting 2-for-12 (16.7%) from three-point range.
CARLOS HART'S 32 POINTS AND 18 FTA
Carlos Hart scored a career-high 32 points at Akron, Dec. 19. His previous Division I career-high was 22 points against Oakland, Nov. 21.
Da'Sean Nelson also scored 32 points for EMU in last season's MAC opener against NIU.
Hart's 32 points are the most by an Eagle since Jalen Terry netted 38 against Toledo, Feb. 15, 2025. His 32 points are the fifth-most by a MAC player this season.
Hart was 12-of-18 (66.7%) from the free-throw line. His 18 attempts are tied for the fourth-most in a single game in program history and are the most since Carlos Medlock shot 18 against SEMO, Feb. 23, 2008. Hart's 18 free throw attempts are tied for the 10th-most in Division I this season and the most by a MAC player this season.
PFW RECAP, DEC. 10
SCORING/RUNS SUMMARY AGAINST PFW
» PFW led, 8-2.
» EMU hit four three-pointers in a 2:22 span to lead 14-13.
» PFW outscored EMU 34-16 the rest of the way to lead, 47-29, at halftime.
» PFW expanded its lead to as many as 26 at 59-33 with 13:59 left.
» EMU made a 23-10 run to cut the deficit to 69-56 at the 6:36 mark.
» PFW won, 80-65.
NOTEWORTHY PLAYERS AGAINST PFW
» Addison Patterson: 13 points (6-9 FG)
» Mak Manciel: nine points (3-5 3PT)
» Gregory Lawson II: six points (2-3 3PT)
KEY TEAM STATS AGAINST PFW
» Both teams shot 50.0% but EMU had 25 made field goals to PFW's 28
» EMU was 7-of-15 (46.7%) from the free throw line while PFW was 19-of-23 (82.6%)
SHOT 50% AND LOST
Eastern was 25-for-50 (50.0%) against PFW, Dec. 10, marking the team's first loss when shooting at least 50% since Feb. 11, 2025, when Eastern shot 55.6% in the loss at Ball State.
The 80-65 loss is EMU's largest when shooting at least 50% since Feb. 10, 2010, at Buffalo, when Eastern shot 52.2% in an 84-67 loss.
CLEARY RECAP, DEC. 5
SCORING/RUNS SUMMARY AGAINST CLEARY
» Cleary scored the first basket, but EMU used a 17-2 run to take control.
» EMU's 10-0 spurt pushed the lead to 44-23 at halftime.
» EMU opened the second half with a 15-2 run to lead 59-25.
» EMU closed the game with a 12-4 spurt to win 86-48.
NOTEWORTHY PLAYERS AGAINST CLEARY
» Godslove Nwabude: 14 points, nine rebounds, and five steals
» Addison Patterson: 13 points, seven rebounds, and four assists in 16:33 of court time
» Mbaye N'Diaye: eight points, five rebounds, two assists
KEY TEAM STATS AGAINST CLEARY
» EMU had 11 players make at least one field goal
» EMU's bench outscored Cleary's, 41-28
» EMU outscored Cleary in the paint, 52-26
MORE ON THOSE KEY TEAM STATS
The Eagles had 11 different players convert at least one field goal against Cleary on Dec. 5, for the first time since Jan. 11, 2022, against Central Michigan (W, 99-68 in Ypsilanti). In both the Cleary and CMU games, Eastern had nine different players net multiple field goals.
Eastern scored 41 bench points against Cleary, Dec. 5, its most since recording 50 bench points against Central Michigan, Jan. 11, 2022 (W, 99-68 in Ypsilanti).
EMU scored 52 paint points against Cleary on Dec. 5, its second-most of the season, as the Eagles had 54 paint points against Georgia State, Nov. 3 (W, 71-49 in Ypsilanti).
LARGEST WIN SINCE 2020
Eastern's 86-48 win over Cleary, Dec. 5, was its largest since beating Adrian, 95-35, Dec. 9, 2020.
FEWEST POINTS ALLOWED SINCE 2022
The Eagles' 86-48 win over Cleary, Dec. 5, marks their fewest points allowed since giving up just 46 to Akron, Jan. 22, 2022.
NWABUDE CAREER HIGH IN POINTS/BLOCKS
Godslove Nwabude continued his strong play against Cleary, Dec. 5, scoring a career-high 14 points off a career-high seven made field goals. The sophomore forward added a career-high five blocks while falling just one rebound short of his second career double-double, which came against NJIT, Nov. 28.
MBAYE N'DIAYE'S BEST GAME
Mbaye N'Diaye saw significant time for the first time in his career against Cleary, Dec. 5, producing the best performance of his career with eight points, five rebounds, and two assists. N'Diaye played 21:38 in the contest despite having played a combined 6:27 the rest of his career, in which he scored two points and posted zero rebounds and zero assists.
ON THE UMASS GAME
IF EASTERN WINS...
» EMU will improve to 1-3 all-time against UMass.
» EMU will improve to 486-552 all-time against current MAC schools.
» EMU will win its third-straight MAC home opener.
EASTERN AGAINST UMASS
Eastern Michigan and UMass are playing for the fourth time. The Minutemen lead the all-time series, 3-0.
Tuesday's game marks the first-ever between the schools as MAC foes.
The teams started the series in 1972 in Detroit, a UMass 68-61 win.
EMU and UMass played twice in the 2013 calendar year with UMass winning both meetings, including a 68-57 win in Ypsilanti for the 21st-ranked Minutemen.
Eastern has never scored more than 61 points in the series as UMass has won the three meetings by an average of 11.0 points.
EASTERN AGAINST THE MAC
Eastern holds a 485-552 all-time mark against current Mid-American Conference schools.
ALL-TIME AGAINST THE CURRENT MAC SCHOOLS 485-552
»Akron 24-39
»Ball State 46-72
»Bowling Green 45-58
»Buffalo 16-22
»Central Michigan 102-107
»Kent State 36-51
»Miami 30-56
»Northern Illinois 48-59
»Ohio 29-55
»Toledo 53-64
»UMass 0-3
»Western Michigan 56-66
FIRST MAC MEETING BETWEEN EMU AND UMASS
EMU and UMass meet on the hardwood for the first time as Mid-AmericanConference members, adding a new chapter to the league's history. In EMU's first games against current MAC foes, the Eagles posted a 5-7 record, including wins over Buffalo in 1999 and narrow victories over Kent State and Ohio during the league's expansion in the mid-1970s. Several of those first meetings came down to one possession, including one-point wins over Kent State and Ohio,
showing how competitive EMU's early MAC matchups were. The meeting with UMass marks
EMU's first initial conference matchup since Buffalo joined the league nearly three decades ago, giving the Eagles another chance to open a new MAC rivalry on the floor.
Akron - 1993 - L, 57-62
Ball State - 1975 - L, 78-84
Bowling Green - 1974 - L, 71-74
Buffalo - 1999 - W, 54-51
Central Michigan - 1974 - L, 75-96
Kent State - 1974 - W, 56-55
Miami - 1974 - L, 57-60
Northern Illinois - 1975 - W, 83-70
Ohio - 1974 - W, 73-71
Toledo - 1974 - L, 59-81
UMass - 2025
Western Michigan - 1974 - L, 65-80
FIRST MAC HOME GAME
Eastern has won back-to-back MAC home openers, including a 75-71 win over NIU, Jan. 4, 2025, and a 71-69 overtime win over Kent State, Jan. 6, 2024. In both games, EMU overcame a second-half deficit to win.
Before winning its last two MAC home openers, Eastern had lost six straight such games for a 2-6 mark during the previous eight MAC home openers. Overall, Eastern is 24-27 in MAC home openers.
IN CASE EASTERN SCORES A LOT
With Eastern's 97-point output against Oakland, Nov. 21, the Eagles have shown the ability to score at a high rate, despite being ranked 12th in the MAC at 71.9 points per game.
Last time Eastern scored EXACTLY...
»135 or more: never
»134: Feb. 5, 1970 at Hillsdale (W, 134-113)
»127-133: never
»126: Feb. 12, 1969 vs. Hillsdale (W, 126-90)
»124-125: never
»123: Dec. 11, 1971 vs. SIUE (W, 123-88)
»121-122: never
»120: Feb. 20, 1991 vs. Chicago State (W, 120-77)
»119: Nov. 14, 2008 vs. Marygrove (W, 119-48)
»118: March 2, 1974 vs. Wheaton (W, 118-45)
»117: Dec. 11, 2016 vs. Siena Heights (W, 117-55)
»116: Feb. 23, 1970 vs. Kentucky State (W, 116-98)
»115: Dec. 2, 2002 vs. Concordia (Mich.) (W, 115-80)
»114: never
»113: Dec. 27, 1966 vs. Ferris State (W, 113-64)
»112: Dec. 29, 1966 vs. Manchester(W, 112-105)
»111: Dec. 4, 1995 vs. San Francisco State (W, 111-61)
»110: Jan. 7, 1972 vs. Brockport State (W, 110-99)
»109: Feb. 28, 2017 at Central Michigan (W, 109-81)
»108: Nov. 25, 2015 vs. Marygrove (W, 108-64)
»107: Dec. 8, 1989 vs. St. Francis (NY) (W, 107-85)
»106: Nov. 26, 1996 vs. St. Joseph's (Ind.) (W, 106-70)
»105: Dec. 8, 2018 vs. Central State (W, 105-53)
»104: Jan. 8, 1997 vs. Central Michigan (W, 104-67)
»103: Nov. 12, 2021 vs. Illinois State (W, 103-98)
»102: Nov. 24, 1990 vs. St. Mary's (W, 102-77)
»101: Nov. 12, 2019 vs. Goshen (W, 101-49)
»100: Dec. 28, 2014 vs. Concordia (Mich.) (W, 100-42)
»99: Jan. 11, 2022 vs. Central Michigan (W, 99-68)
»98: Dec. 29, 2016 vs. Long Beach State (W, 98-72)
»97: Nov. 21, 2025 vs. Oakland (W, 97-91)
»96: Nov. 30, 1996 at Drake (W, 96-81)
»95: Dec. 9, 2020 vs. Adrian (W, 95-35)
»94: Jan. 21, 2025 at Ohio (W, 94-87)
»93: Nov. 8, 2019 vs. Siena Heights (W, 93-51)
»92: Dec. 11, 2021 vs. FIU (W, 92-88)
»91: Feb. 27, 2021 vs. NIU (W, 91-57)
»90: Jan. 25, 2025 vs. Buffalo (W, 90-77)
Last time Eastern scored AT LEAST...
»135 or more: never
»124-134: Feb. 5, 1970 at Hillsdale (W, 134-113)
»121-123: Dec. 11, 1971 vs. SIUE (W, 123-88)
»120: Feb. 20, 1991 vs. Chicago State (W, 120-77)
»118-119: Nov. 14, 2008 vs. Marygrove (W, 119-48)
»110-117: Dec. 11, 2016 vs. Siena Heights (W, 117-55)
»106-109: Feb. 28, 2017 at CMU (W, 109-81)
»104-106: Dec. 8, 2018 vs. Central State (W, 105-53)
»100-103: Nov. 12, 2021 vs. Illinois State (W, 103-98)
»98-99: Jan. 11, 2022 vs. Central Michigan (W, 99-68)
»90-97: Nov. 21, 2025 vs. Oakland (W, 97-91)
IN CASE EASTERN WINS BY A LOT
ALL GAMES
Last time Eastern won by AT LEAST...
»72 or more: never
»63-71: Nov. 14, 2008 vs. Marygrove (W, 119-48) (71)
»61-62: Dec. 11, 2016 vs. Siena Heights (W, 117-55) (62)
»39-60: Dec. 9, 2020 vs. Adrian (W, 95-35) (60)
»1-38: Dec. 5, 2025 vs. Cleary (W, 86-48) (38)
HOME GAMES ONLY
Last time Eastern won by AT LEAST...
»72 or more: never
»63-71: Nov. 14, 2008 vs. Marygrove (W, 119-48) (71)
»61-62: Dec. 11, 2016 vs. Siena Heights (W, 117-55) (62)
»39-60: Dec. 9, 2020 vs. Adrian (W, 95-35) (60)
»1-38: Dec. 5, 2025 vs. Cleary (W, 86-48) (38)
ROAD GAMES ONLY
Last time Eastern won by AT LEAST... on the road
»60 or more: never
»36-59: Jan. 17, 1968 at Western Ontario (W, 100-41) (59)
»29-35: Jan. 12, 1970 at UW-Whitewater (W, 96-61) (35)
»27-28: Feb. 28, 2017 at Central Mich. (W, 109-81) (28)
»13-26: Jan. 26, 2019 at Western Mich. (W, 93-67) (26)
»11-12: Nov. 30, 2022 at FIU (W, 80-68) (12)
»1-10: Nov. 18, 2025 at Detroit Mercy (W, 72-62) (10)
ACTIVE 2025-26 SEASON NOTES
MAK MANCIEL FROM THREE-POINT RANGE
Mak Manciel is 21-for-48 (43.8%) from three-point range this season. His 43.8% conversion rate ranks eighth in the MAC.
Manciel has four games with at least three made triples this season with three of those four coming in the last five games.
If Manciel can maintain his percentage, he would be the first Eagle to shoot 43.8% or better (min. 20 made three-pointers) since Ellery Morgan in the 1993-94 season (55-for-122, 45.1%).
CARLOS HART'S LAST TWO GAMES
Carlos Hart scored 32 points at Akron, Dec. 19, and 18 at Wright State, Dec. 22, for an average of 25.0 points per game over the last two contests.
During that span, Hart was 15-for-25 (60.0%) from the floor, 4-for-7 (57.1%) from three-point range, and 16-for-22 (72.7%) from the free-throw line. He also averaged 6.5 rebounds per game and 2.0 steals per game .
Before his two-game stretch with 50 total points, Hart had scored 50 points in the previous six games. He scored just five total points in the two games before his 32- and 18-point performances.
LAST THREE GAMES
Eastern dropped each of its last three games, all of which came on the road. During that span, EMU was outscored by an average score of 81.0-67.0.
Although the Eagles' three-point defense excelled during that span, as evidenced by an opponent three-point conversion rate of just 25.5%, Eastern foes still shot 50.8% from the floor, meaning EMU opponents shot 60.0% on two-point attempts.
Comparatively, EMU shot 33.3% from three-point range and 47.5% on two-pointers for a 43.0% total during the three-game road swing.
Rebounding proved costly, as EMU was out-rebounded by an average of nearly eight boards per game.
HOME SUCCESS
In five home games, EMU posted a 4-1 record while outscoring opponents by an average of 15.4 points per contest. The Eagles shoot 48.3% from the floor at home and average 82.0 points, a jump of more than 17 points from road production. EMU also dominated the glass at home, holding a plus-eight rebounding margin.
Ball movement has been a significant strength on the home floor. Eastern Michigan averages 17.0
assists per game in home contests while forcing opponents into more than 16 turnovers per game.
The assist-to-turnover ratio at home stands at 1.4, compared to 0.9 in road games. Mohammad Habhab and Addison Patterson combine for 32 assists in home play.
SOME WINS/LOSSES TRENDS
In six wins this season, Eastern Michigan displayed balance on both ends of the floor. EMU averaged
77.2 points while holding opponents to 60.2. Field goal defense stood out, with opponents shooting
36.9 percent overall and 26.4 percent from three. The Eagles also controlled the glass with a plus-7.8
rebounding margin.
In EMU's seven losses, opponents averaged 83.1 points and shot 51.1% from the field. Three-point defense slipped to 38.1% allowed. EMU also faced a minus-5.7 rebounding margin in losses, creating additional scoring chances for opponents.
Carlos Hart averages 14.6 points in losses and converted nearly 77% at the line. Addison Patterson shot 54.7% from the field in losses while contributing 13.3 points per game. Mohammad Habhab added 12.7 points and 6.7 rebounds per loss, often facing heavydefensive attention.
DOUBLE-DIGIT GAMES
Mohammad Habhab leads the team with 11 games scoring at least 10 points.
Eastern's Double-Digit Performances:
11 - Mohammad Habhab
9 - Carlos Hart
8 - Addison Patterson
4 - Jon Sanders II
3 - Godslove Nwabude
2 - Mak Manciel
1 - Mehki Ellison
1 - Braelon Green
With Habhab's nine-straight double-digit performances to open the season, he is the first Eastern freshman to have nine-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 12 GAMES
Mohammad Habhab has produced five double-doubles in 12 games played in the 2025-26 season.
Habhab is the first EMU freshman to record five double-doubles in one season since James Thompson IV had 19 in the 2015-16 campaign.
HABHAB AMONG THE NATION'S LEADERS
Mohammad Habhab has five double-doubles, averaging 14.5 points and 7.8 rebounds.
Habhab is tied for 26th nationally in double-doubles, five behind MAC counterpart Delrecco Gillespie from Kent State, who leads the country.
HABHAB DOING IT ALL
Mohammad Habhab is averaging 14.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.7 blocks.
Habhab is one of 17 players in the nationwide averaging at least 14.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists.
MOHAMMAD HABHAB SECOND-HALF SCORER
Mohammad Habhab has excelled in the second half of games, matching his first-half total or scoring more in the second half in all but two games played this season.
Through 12 games played, Habhab has scored 107 points in second halves (8.9 points per second half) and 67 points in first halves (5.6 points per first half).
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 12 games, has seen an increase of 10.1 minutes per game (8.0 --> 18.1), an increase of 4.7 points per game (1.1 --> 5.8), an increase of 3.2 rebounds per game (2.3 --> 5.5), and an increase of 1.2 blocks per game (0.3 --> 1.5)
GODSLOVE NWABUDE BLOCKING SHOTS
Godslove Nwabude has ramped up his shot blocking this season, specifically in recent games. Nwabude has 14 blocks in the last six games, highlighted by his career-high five rejections against Cleary, Dec. 5. The Nigerian native has multiple blocks in five of the previous nine contests.
Prior to his block-free outing at PFW, Dec. 10, Nwabude became the first Eagle with four-straight contests with multiple blocks since Boubacar Toure did so in the 2018-19 season.
In total, Nwabude has 19 blocks for the season, averaging 1.5 per game. He is on pace to have the most prolific shot-blocking season for Eastern since Elijah Minnie and James Thompson IV each averaged 1.9 blocks during the 2017-18 season.
NO GAMES WITHIN FIVE POINTS... YET
Eastern Michigan and Wright State played a tight game on Dec. 22, but the the Raiders won by six, 70-64. Eastern was 8-2 in games decided by five points or less in the 2024-25 season and 8-3 in such games in the 2023-24 campaign, for a 16-5 record in games decided by five points or fewer in the previous two seasons.
EMU has not started a season with 13-straight games decided by six points or more since the 2020-21 season, which did not see a game decided by single digits until the campaign's 18th and final contest (shortened season due to COVID-19).
REBOUNDING SO FAR
Rebounding has been an indicator of Eastern's wins and losses so far this season, going 6-1 when out-rebounding its opponent and 0-6 when being out-rebounded. The Eagles outrebounded IU Indy, 40-36, but lost, 90-83, Nov. 14.
THR33-POINT STR3AK, 659-STRAIGHT GAM3S
After converting five three-pointers against Wright State, Dec. 22, Eastern has hit at least one three-pointer in 659-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
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 on March 14, 2025.
Former Akron Zip and current Indiana Pacer Enrique Freeman was the most recent MAC 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.
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.
EASTERN'S 37-OF-59 (62.7%) SHOOTING VS. OU
Eastern shot 37-of-59 (62.7%) against Oakland on 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).
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.
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.
13-POINT SECOND HALF COMEBACK
Despite trailing 43-30, with 18:16 left, Eastern Michigan rallied to win at Detroit Mercy, Nov. 18, 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.
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
POWER CONFERENCE ROAD CONTESTS
Eastern played 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; L, 68-84
Eastern had 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.
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.
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 Ohio University Saturday, Jan. 3, at 2 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 UMass will air on ESPN+ with Ryan Wooley, Reggie Butler, and Elena Davis on the call. Tom Helmer will have the call live on WEMU (89.1 FM) and the Varsity Network App. Live stats will also be available on EMUEagles.com.
OPENING TIPS
» Carlos Hart scored a career-high 32 points in the 93-72 MAC opener at Akron, Dec. 19. Eastern had a player score 32 points in the MAC opener for the second-straight season as Da'Sean Nelson had 32 against Northern Illinois last season.
» EMU dropped an 80-65 decision at Purdue Fort Wayne, Dec. 10, trailing by as many as 26 in the second half.
»Mohammad Habhab is one of 17 players in the country to average at least 14.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.5 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), returning four players.
»Eastern played 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 tying 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 53-85 record at EMU and a 262-292 record over 18 years as a collegiate head coach
WRIGHT STATE RECAP, DEC. 22
SCORING/RUNS SUMMARY AGAINST WRIGHT ST.
» Neither team led by more than three until the 4:13 mark of the first half (EMU, 27-23)
» WSU closed the half with an 11-6 run to lead 34-33 at the break.
» Neither team led by more than three in the second half until the 6:11 mark of the first half (WSU, 56-50)
» EMU used a 9-2 run to tie the game at 62-62 with less than two minutes to go.
» WSU scored the next four points to lead 66-62 at the 1:15 mark.
» WSU won, 70-64.
NOTEWORTHY PLAYERS AGAINST WRIGHT STATE
» Carlos Hart: 18 points (16 in second half), six rebounds, and two steals
» Addison Patterson: 18 points (14 in first half), four rebounds, and two assists
» Mak Manciel: nine points (3-6 3PT)
KEY TEAM STATS AGAINST WRIGHT STATE
» EMU was 11-for-16 (68.8%) from the free-throw line and WSU was 20-for-32 (62.5%) at the charity stripe
» EMU had just seven assists on 24 made baskets while WSU posted 13 dimes on 23 made field goals
AKRON RECAP, DEC. 19
SCORING/RUNS SUMMARY AGAINST AKRON
» Akron led, 20-9.
» EMU used a 13-4 spurt to cut the deficit to 24-22.
» Akron led, 48-34, at halftime.
» Akron led by 29 with 4:18 left.
» Akron won, 93-72.
NOTEWORTHY PLAYERS AGAINST AKRON
» Carlos Hart: 32 points (9-14 FG, 12-18 FT)
KEY TEAM STATS AGAINST AKRON
» EMU limited Akron to 3-of-18 (16.7%) shooting from beyond the three-point line.
» EMU had just seven assists on 25 made baskets while Akron posted 22 dimes on 39 made field goals.
» EMU was outscored in the paint, 70-36.
EASTERN'S THREE-POINT DEFENSE
EMU limited Akron to 3-of-18 (16.7%) shooting from beyond the three-point line, Dec. 19. Akron's 16.7% three-point conversion rate is the lowest by an Eastern opponent in an EMU loss since Indiana was 4-of-24 (16.7%) in a 68-62 loss, Nov. 9, 2021.
Furthermore, the Zips' three made triples are the fewest by an Eastern foe in a loss since Bowling Green was 4-of-17 (17.6%), Jan. 25, 2022.
The Eagles' 21-point loss is their largest when an opponent shoots 16.7% or worse on three-pointers since losing to Michigan State, 72-40, Nov. 27, 2011, despite shooting 2-for-12 (16.7%) from three-point range.
CARLOS HART'S 32 POINTS AND 18 FTA
Carlos Hart scored a career-high 32 points at Akron, Dec. 19. His previous Division I career-high was 22 points against Oakland, Nov. 21.
Da'Sean Nelson also scored 32 points for EMU in last season's MAC opener against NIU.
Hart's 32 points are the most by an Eagle since Jalen Terry netted 38 against Toledo, Feb. 15, 2025. His 32 points are the fifth-most by a MAC player this season.
Hart was 12-of-18 (66.7%) from the free-throw line. His 18 attempts are tied for the fourth-most in a single game in program history and are the most since Carlos Medlock shot 18 against SEMO, Feb. 23, 2008. Hart's 18 free throw attempts are tied for the 10th-most in Division I this season and the most by a MAC player this season.
PFW RECAP, DEC. 10
SCORING/RUNS SUMMARY AGAINST PFW
» PFW led, 8-2.
» EMU hit four three-pointers in a 2:22 span to lead 14-13.
» PFW outscored EMU 34-16 the rest of the way to lead, 47-29, at halftime.
» PFW expanded its lead to as many as 26 at 59-33 with 13:59 left.
» EMU made a 23-10 run to cut the deficit to 69-56 at the 6:36 mark.
» PFW won, 80-65.
NOTEWORTHY PLAYERS AGAINST PFW
» Addison Patterson: 13 points (6-9 FG)
» Mak Manciel: nine points (3-5 3PT)
» Gregory Lawson II: six points (2-3 3PT)
KEY TEAM STATS AGAINST PFW
» Both teams shot 50.0% but EMU had 25 made field goals to PFW's 28
» EMU was 7-of-15 (46.7%) from the free throw line while PFW was 19-of-23 (82.6%)
SHOT 50% AND LOST
Eastern was 25-for-50 (50.0%) against PFW, Dec. 10, marking the team's first loss when shooting at least 50% since Feb. 11, 2025, when Eastern shot 55.6% in the loss at Ball State.
The 80-65 loss is EMU's largest when shooting at least 50% since Feb. 10, 2010, at Buffalo, when Eastern shot 52.2% in an 84-67 loss.
CLEARY RECAP, DEC. 5
SCORING/RUNS SUMMARY AGAINST CLEARY
» Cleary scored the first basket, but EMU used a 17-2 run to take control.
» EMU's 10-0 spurt pushed the lead to 44-23 at halftime.
» EMU opened the second half with a 15-2 run to lead 59-25.
» EMU closed the game with a 12-4 spurt to win 86-48.
NOTEWORTHY PLAYERS AGAINST CLEARY
» Godslove Nwabude: 14 points, nine rebounds, and five steals
» Addison Patterson: 13 points, seven rebounds, and four assists in 16:33 of court time
» Mbaye N'Diaye: eight points, five rebounds, two assists
KEY TEAM STATS AGAINST CLEARY
» EMU had 11 players make at least one field goal
» EMU's bench outscored Cleary's, 41-28
» EMU outscored Cleary in the paint, 52-26
MORE ON THOSE KEY TEAM STATS
The Eagles had 11 different players convert at least one field goal against Cleary on Dec. 5, for the first time since Jan. 11, 2022, against Central Michigan (W, 99-68 in Ypsilanti). In both the Cleary and CMU games, Eastern had nine different players net multiple field goals.
Eastern scored 41 bench points against Cleary, Dec. 5, its most since recording 50 bench points against Central Michigan, Jan. 11, 2022 (W, 99-68 in Ypsilanti).
EMU scored 52 paint points against Cleary on Dec. 5, its second-most of the season, as the Eagles had 54 paint points against Georgia State, Nov. 3 (W, 71-49 in Ypsilanti).
LARGEST WIN SINCE 2020
Eastern's 86-48 win over Cleary, Dec. 5, was its largest since beating Adrian, 95-35, Dec. 9, 2020.
FEWEST POINTS ALLOWED SINCE 2022
The Eagles' 86-48 win over Cleary, Dec. 5, marks their fewest points allowed since giving up just 46 to Akron, Jan. 22, 2022.
NWABUDE CAREER HIGH IN POINTS/BLOCKS
Godslove Nwabude continued his strong play against Cleary, Dec. 5, scoring a career-high 14 points off a career-high seven made field goals. The sophomore forward added a career-high five blocks while falling just one rebound short of his second career double-double, which came against NJIT, Nov. 28.
MBAYE N'DIAYE'S BEST GAME
Mbaye N'Diaye saw significant time for the first time in his career against Cleary, Dec. 5, producing the best performance of his career with eight points, five rebounds, and two assists. N'Diaye played 21:38 in the contest despite having played a combined 6:27 the rest of his career, in which he scored two points and posted zero rebounds and zero assists.
ON THE UMASS GAME
IF EASTERN WINS...
» EMU will improve to 1-3 all-time against UMass.
» EMU will improve to 486-552 all-time against current MAC schools.
» EMU will win its third-straight MAC home opener.
EASTERN AGAINST UMASS
Eastern Michigan and UMass are playing for the fourth time. The Minutemen lead the all-time series, 3-0.
Tuesday's game marks the first-ever between the schools as MAC foes.
The teams started the series in 1972 in Detroit, a UMass 68-61 win.
EMU and UMass played twice in the 2013 calendar year with UMass winning both meetings, including a 68-57 win in Ypsilanti for the 21st-ranked Minutemen.
Eastern has never scored more than 61 points in the series as UMass has won the three meetings by an average of 11.0 points.
EASTERN AGAINST THE MAC
Eastern holds a 485-552 all-time mark against current Mid-American Conference schools.
ALL-TIME AGAINST THE CURRENT MAC SCHOOLS 485-552
»Akron 24-39
»Ball State 46-72
»Bowling Green 45-58
»Buffalo 16-22
»Central Michigan 102-107
»Kent State 36-51
»Miami 30-56
»Northern Illinois 48-59
»Ohio 29-55
»Toledo 53-64
»UMass 0-3
»Western Michigan 56-66
FIRST MAC MEETING BETWEEN EMU AND UMASS
EMU and UMass meet on the hardwood for the first time as Mid-AmericanConference members, adding a new chapter to the league's history. In EMU's first games against current MAC foes, the Eagles posted a 5-7 record, including wins over Buffalo in 1999 and narrow victories over Kent State and Ohio during the league's expansion in the mid-1970s. Several of those first meetings came down to one possession, including one-point wins over Kent State and Ohio,
showing how competitive EMU's early MAC matchups were. The meeting with UMass marks
EMU's first initial conference matchup since Buffalo joined the league nearly three decades ago, giving the Eagles another chance to open a new MAC rivalry on the floor.
Akron - 1993 - L, 57-62
Ball State - 1975 - L, 78-84
Bowling Green - 1974 - L, 71-74
Buffalo - 1999 - W, 54-51
Central Michigan - 1974 - L, 75-96
Kent State - 1974 - W, 56-55
Miami - 1974 - L, 57-60
Northern Illinois - 1975 - W, 83-70
Ohio - 1974 - W, 73-71
Toledo - 1974 - L, 59-81
UMass - 2025
Western Michigan - 1974 - L, 65-80
FIRST MAC HOME GAME
Eastern has won back-to-back MAC home openers, including a 75-71 win over NIU, Jan. 4, 2025, and a 71-69 overtime win over Kent State, Jan. 6, 2024. In both games, EMU overcame a second-half deficit to win.
Before winning its last two MAC home openers, Eastern had lost six straight such games for a 2-6 mark during the previous eight MAC home openers. Overall, Eastern is 24-27 in MAC home openers.
IN CASE EASTERN SCORES A LOT
With Eastern's 97-point output against Oakland, Nov. 21, the Eagles have shown the ability to score at a high rate, despite being ranked 12th in the MAC at 71.9 points per game.
Last time Eastern scored EXACTLY...
»135 or more: never
»134: Feb. 5, 1970 at Hillsdale (W, 134-113)
»127-133: never
»126: Feb. 12, 1969 vs. Hillsdale (W, 126-90)
»124-125: never
»123: Dec. 11, 1971 vs. SIUE (W, 123-88)
»121-122: never
»120: Feb. 20, 1991 vs. Chicago State (W, 120-77)
»119: Nov. 14, 2008 vs. Marygrove (W, 119-48)
»118: March 2, 1974 vs. Wheaton (W, 118-45)
»117: Dec. 11, 2016 vs. Siena Heights (W, 117-55)
»116: Feb. 23, 1970 vs. Kentucky State (W, 116-98)
»115: Dec. 2, 2002 vs. Concordia (Mich.) (W, 115-80)
»114: never
»113: Dec. 27, 1966 vs. Ferris State (W, 113-64)
»112: Dec. 29, 1966 vs. Manchester(W, 112-105)
»111: Dec. 4, 1995 vs. San Francisco State (W, 111-61)
»110: Jan. 7, 1972 vs. Brockport State (W, 110-99)
»109: Feb. 28, 2017 at Central Michigan (W, 109-81)
»108: Nov. 25, 2015 vs. Marygrove (W, 108-64)
»107: Dec. 8, 1989 vs. St. Francis (NY) (W, 107-85)
»106: Nov. 26, 1996 vs. St. Joseph's (Ind.) (W, 106-70)
»105: Dec. 8, 2018 vs. Central State (W, 105-53)
»104: Jan. 8, 1997 vs. Central Michigan (W, 104-67)
»103: Nov. 12, 2021 vs. Illinois State (W, 103-98)
»102: Nov. 24, 1990 vs. St. Mary's (W, 102-77)
»101: Nov. 12, 2019 vs. Goshen (W, 101-49)
»100: Dec. 28, 2014 vs. Concordia (Mich.) (W, 100-42)
»99: Jan. 11, 2022 vs. Central Michigan (W, 99-68)
»98: Dec. 29, 2016 vs. Long Beach State (W, 98-72)
»97: Nov. 21, 2025 vs. Oakland (W, 97-91)
»96: Nov. 30, 1996 at Drake (W, 96-81)
»95: Dec. 9, 2020 vs. Adrian (W, 95-35)
»94: Jan. 21, 2025 at Ohio (W, 94-87)
»93: Nov. 8, 2019 vs. Siena Heights (W, 93-51)
»92: Dec. 11, 2021 vs. FIU (W, 92-88)
»91: Feb. 27, 2021 vs. NIU (W, 91-57)
»90: Jan. 25, 2025 vs. Buffalo (W, 90-77)
Last time Eastern scored AT LEAST...
»135 or more: never
»124-134: Feb. 5, 1970 at Hillsdale (W, 134-113)
»121-123: Dec. 11, 1971 vs. SIUE (W, 123-88)
»120: Feb. 20, 1991 vs. Chicago State (W, 120-77)
»118-119: Nov. 14, 2008 vs. Marygrove (W, 119-48)
»110-117: Dec. 11, 2016 vs. Siena Heights (W, 117-55)
»106-109: Feb. 28, 2017 at CMU (W, 109-81)
»104-106: Dec. 8, 2018 vs. Central State (W, 105-53)
»100-103: Nov. 12, 2021 vs. Illinois State (W, 103-98)
»98-99: Jan. 11, 2022 vs. Central Michigan (W, 99-68)
»90-97: Nov. 21, 2025 vs. Oakland (W, 97-91)
IN CASE EASTERN WINS BY A LOT
ALL GAMES
Last time Eastern won by AT LEAST...
»72 or more: never
»63-71: Nov. 14, 2008 vs. Marygrove (W, 119-48) (71)
»61-62: Dec. 11, 2016 vs. Siena Heights (W, 117-55) (62)
»39-60: Dec. 9, 2020 vs. Adrian (W, 95-35) (60)
»1-38: Dec. 5, 2025 vs. Cleary (W, 86-48) (38)
HOME GAMES ONLY
Last time Eastern won by AT LEAST...
»72 or more: never
»63-71: Nov. 14, 2008 vs. Marygrove (W, 119-48) (71)
»61-62: Dec. 11, 2016 vs. Siena Heights (W, 117-55) (62)
»39-60: Dec. 9, 2020 vs. Adrian (W, 95-35) (60)
»1-38: Dec. 5, 2025 vs. Cleary (W, 86-48) (38)
ROAD GAMES ONLY
Last time Eastern won by AT LEAST... on the road
»60 or more: never
»36-59: Jan. 17, 1968 at Western Ontario (W, 100-41) (59)
»29-35: Jan. 12, 1970 at UW-Whitewater (W, 96-61) (35)
»27-28: Feb. 28, 2017 at Central Mich. (W, 109-81) (28)
»13-26: Jan. 26, 2019 at Western Mich. (W, 93-67) (26)
»11-12: Nov. 30, 2022 at FIU (W, 80-68) (12)
»1-10: Nov. 18, 2025 at Detroit Mercy (W, 72-62) (10)
ACTIVE 2025-26 SEASON NOTES
MAK MANCIEL FROM THREE-POINT RANGE
Mak Manciel is 21-for-48 (43.8%) from three-point range this season. His 43.8% conversion rate ranks eighth in the MAC.
Manciel has four games with at least three made triples this season with three of those four coming in the last five games.
If Manciel can maintain his percentage, he would be the first Eagle to shoot 43.8% or better (min. 20 made three-pointers) since Ellery Morgan in the 1993-94 season (55-for-122, 45.1%).
CARLOS HART'S LAST TWO GAMES
Carlos Hart scored 32 points at Akron, Dec. 19, and 18 at Wright State, Dec. 22, for an average of 25.0 points per game over the last two contests.
During that span, Hart was 15-for-25 (60.0%) from the floor, 4-for-7 (57.1%) from three-point range, and 16-for-22 (72.7%) from the free-throw line. He also averaged 6.5 rebounds per game and 2.0 steals per game .
Before his two-game stretch with 50 total points, Hart had scored 50 points in the previous six games. He scored just five total points in the two games before his 32- and 18-point performances.
LAST THREE GAMES
Eastern dropped each of its last three games, all of which came on the road. During that span, EMU was outscored by an average score of 81.0-67.0.
Although the Eagles' three-point defense excelled during that span, as evidenced by an opponent three-point conversion rate of just 25.5%, Eastern foes still shot 50.8% from the floor, meaning EMU opponents shot 60.0% on two-point attempts.
Comparatively, EMU shot 33.3% from three-point range and 47.5% on two-pointers for a 43.0% total during the three-game road swing.
Rebounding proved costly, as EMU was out-rebounded by an average of nearly eight boards per game.
HOME SUCCESS
In five home games, EMU posted a 4-1 record while outscoring opponents by an average of 15.4 points per contest. The Eagles shoot 48.3% from the floor at home and average 82.0 points, a jump of more than 17 points from road production. EMU also dominated the glass at home, holding a plus-eight rebounding margin.
Ball movement has been a significant strength on the home floor. Eastern Michigan averages 17.0
assists per game in home contests while forcing opponents into more than 16 turnovers per game.
The assist-to-turnover ratio at home stands at 1.4, compared to 0.9 in road games. Mohammad Habhab and Addison Patterson combine for 32 assists in home play.
SOME WINS/LOSSES TRENDS
In six wins this season, Eastern Michigan displayed balance on both ends of the floor. EMU averaged
77.2 points while holding opponents to 60.2. Field goal defense stood out, with opponents shooting
36.9 percent overall and 26.4 percent from three. The Eagles also controlled the glass with a plus-7.8
rebounding margin.
In EMU's seven losses, opponents averaged 83.1 points and shot 51.1% from the field. Three-point defense slipped to 38.1% allowed. EMU also faced a minus-5.7 rebounding margin in losses, creating additional scoring chances for opponents.
Carlos Hart averages 14.6 points in losses and converted nearly 77% at the line. Addison Patterson shot 54.7% from the field in losses while contributing 13.3 points per game. Mohammad Habhab added 12.7 points and 6.7 rebounds per loss, often facing heavydefensive attention.
DOUBLE-DIGIT GAMES
Mohammad Habhab leads the team with 11 games scoring at least 10 points.
Eastern's Double-Digit Performances:
11 - Mohammad Habhab
9 - Carlos Hart
8 - Addison Patterson
4 - Jon Sanders II
3 - Godslove Nwabude
2 - Mak Manciel
1 - Mehki Ellison
1 - Braelon Green
With Habhab's nine-straight double-digit performances to open the season, he is the first Eastern freshman to have nine-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 12 GAMES
Mohammad Habhab has produced five double-doubles in 12 games played in the 2025-26 season.
Habhab is the first EMU freshman to record five double-doubles in one season since James Thompson IV had 19 in the 2015-16 campaign.
HABHAB AMONG THE NATION'S LEADERS
Mohammad Habhab has five double-doubles, averaging 14.5 points and 7.8 rebounds.
Habhab is tied for 26th nationally in double-doubles, five behind MAC counterpart Delrecco Gillespie from Kent State, who leads the country.
HABHAB DOING IT ALL
Mohammad Habhab is averaging 14.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.7 blocks.
Habhab is one of 17 players in the nationwide averaging at least 14.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists.
MOHAMMAD HABHAB SECOND-HALF SCORER
Mohammad Habhab has excelled in the second half of games, matching his first-half total or scoring more in the second half in all but two games played this season.
Through 12 games played, Habhab has scored 107 points in second halves (8.9 points per second half) and 67 points in first halves (5.6 points per first half).
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 12 games, has seen an increase of 10.1 minutes per game (8.0 --> 18.1), an increase of 4.7 points per game (1.1 --> 5.8), an increase of 3.2 rebounds per game (2.3 --> 5.5), and an increase of 1.2 blocks per game (0.3 --> 1.5)
GODSLOVE NWABUDE BLOCKING SHOTS
Godslove Nwabude has ramped up his shot blocking this season, specifically in recent games. Nwabude has 14 blocks in the last six games, highlighted by his career-high five rejections against Cleary, Dec. 5. The Nigerian native has multiple blocks in five of the previous nine contests.
Prior to his block-free outing at PFW, Dec. 10, Nwabude became the first Eagle with four-straight contests with multiple blocks since Boubacar Toure did so in the 2018-19 season.
In total, Nwabude has 19 blocks for the season, averaging 1.5 per game. He is on pace to have the most prolific shot-blocking season for Eastern since Elijah Minnie and James Thompson IV each averaged 1.9 blocks during the 2017-18 season.
NO GAMES WITHIN FIVE POINTS... YET
Eastern Michigan and Wright State played a tight game on Dec. 22, but the the Raiders won by six, 70-64. Eastern was 8-2 in games decided by five points or less in the 2024-25 season and 8-3 in such games in the 2023-24 campaign, for a 16-5 record in games decided by five points or fewer in the previous two seasons.
EMU has not started a season with 13-straight games decided by six points or more since the 2020-21 season, which did not see a game decided by single digits until the campaign's 18th and final contest (shortened season due to COVID-19).
REBOUNDING SO FAR
Rebounding has been an indicator of Eastern's wins and losses so far this season, going 6-1 when out-rebounding its opponent and 0-6 when being out-rebounded. The Eagles outrebounded IU Indy, 40-36, but lost, 90-83, Nov. 14.
THR33-POINT STR3AK, 659-STRAIGHT GAM3S
After converting five three-pointers against Wright State, Dec. 22, Eastern has hit at least one three-pointer in 659-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
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 on March 14, 2025.
Former Akron Zip and current Indiana Pacer Enrique Freeman was the most recent MAC 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.
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.
EASTERN'S 37-OF-59 (62.7%) SHOOTING VS. OU
Eastern shot 37-of-59 (62.7%) against Oakland on 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).
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.
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.
13-POINT SECOND HALF COMEBACK
Despite trailing 43-30, with 18:16 left, Eastern Michigan rallied to win at Detroit Mercy, Nov. 18, 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.
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
POWER CONFERENCE ROAD CONTESTS
Eastern played 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; L, 68-84
Eastern had 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.
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.
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 Ohio University Saturday, Jan. 3, at 2 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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