Eastern Michigan Athletics
Wednesday, December 10
Fort Wayne, Ind.
8 p.m.
Eastern Michigan University
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Purdue Fort Wayne
Eastern Off to Purdue Fort Wayne for Wednesday Contest
12/9/2025 10:26:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Game set for 8 p.m. tip
| Men's Basketball at Purdue Fort Wayne | |
| Dates/Times | Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025 | 8 p.m. ET |
| Venue | Memorial Coliseum (13,000) | Fort Wayne, Ind. |
| Preview Info | EMU Notes (PDF) |
| Watch Live | ESPN+ |
| Listen Live | WEMU (89.1 FM) | The Varsity Network App |
| Live Stats | Live Stats |
| @EMU_MBB | @EMUAthletics | |
| @emumbb | @emuathletics | |
| Tickets | Tickets for home games |
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (EMUEagles.com) -- The Eastern Michigan University men's basketball team battles Purdue Fort Wayne Wednesday, Dec. 10, at 8 p.m. inside Memorial Coliseum. PFW is 5-0 at home as Eastern is seeking its third road win of the season.
ON AIR
Eastern Michigan and PFW will air on ESPN+. Tom Helmer and Greg Steiner 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
» Eastern had 11 different players convert at least one field goal in the win 86-48 against Cleary, Dec. 5.
» Godslove Nwabude led EMU with 14 points, nine rebounds, and five blocks.
» Four Eagles scored double-digit points but Eastern could not hold its 29-25 lead until the end, ultimately falling, 84-68, at Butler, Dec. 2.
» 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.
»Mohammad Habhab, who is tied for 10th in the nation with five double-doubles, is one of five players in the country to average at least 15.0 points, 8.5 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), 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 53-82 record at EMU and a 262-289 record over 18 years as a collegiate head coach.
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
11 PLAYERS WITH ONE MADE FIELD GOAL
The Eagles had 11 different players convert at least one field goal against Cleary, Dec. 5, for the first time since Jan. 11, 2022, against Central Michigan. In both the Cleary and CMU games, Eastern had nine different players net multiple field goals.
41 BENCH POINTS
Eastern scored 41 bench points against Cleary, Dec. 5, its most since recording 50 bench points against Central Michigan, Jan. 11, 2022.
52 PAINT POINTS
EMU scored 52 paint points against Cleary, Dec. 5, its second-most of the season, as the Eagles had 54 paint points against Georgia State, Nov. 3.
LARGEST WIN SINCE 2020
Eastern's 86-48 win over Cleary, Dec. 5, is its largest since beating Adrian, 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.
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.
BUTLER RECAP, DEC. 2
SCORING/RUNS SUMMARY AGAINST BUTLER
» Butler led, 11-7.
» An 8-0 run for Eastern propelled it to a 29-25 lead.
» Butler scored 16 points in last 4:39 of the half to lead, 41-36, at halftime.
» EMU cut the lead to 47-41.
» Butler used a 12-5 run to lead 59-46 before a 9-0 run late in the game put the contest away.
» Butler won, 84-68.
NOTEWORTHY PLAYERS AGAINST BUTLER
» Mohammad Habhab: 15 points, three rebounds, three assists, and two steals
» Mak Manciel: 12 points (3-4 3PT) in 16 minutes
» Merritt Alderink: six points in 2:25 of court time after hitting three-pointers on back-to-back possessions
KEY TEAM STATS AGAINST BUTLER
» EMU was 8-for-14 (57.1%) from three-point range but Butler countered with an 11-for-20 (55.0%) mark
» EMU was 12-for-13 (92.3%) from the free throw line
MAK MANCIEL FROM THREE
Mak Manciel's three made triples at Butler, Dec. 2, mark his 16th career game with at least three made three-pointers. Manciel has done so twice at Eastern, with the other coming against Oakland, Nov. 21.
MERRITT ALDERINK FROM THREE
Merritt Alderink drilled three-pointers in back-to-back possessions at Butler, Dec. 2, marking his first made triples in an Eagle uniform and the first time in his career that he has made multiple threes in one game.
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 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.
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%) shooting 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.
ON THE PFW GAME
IF EASTERN WINS...
» EMU will improve to 4-2 all-time against PFW.
» EMU will improve to 1-0 all-time at PFW.
» EMU will improve to 7-4 for the first time since the 2019-20 season.
» EMU will record three non-conference road wins for the second-straight season.
» EMU will improve to 93-102 against the Horizon League.
EASTERN AGAINST PFW
Eastern is 3-2 all-time against PFW. Despite having played five times, the teams have never met in Fort Wayne.
In fact, PFW is the closest Division I school to Ypsilanti that Eastern has never played a road game at PFW (140 miles via bus). The next closest that has never hosted the Eagles? Wright State, which EMU will travel to for a Dec. 22 contest.
Full series history against PFW can be found on page 3.
EASTERN IMPROVING TO 7-4?
With a win against PFW, Dec. 5, Eastern would improve to 7-4 for the first time since the 2019-20 season (9-1).
ROAD WARRIORS - THREE NON-CON ROAD WINS?
Eastern Michigan is 2-3 on the road this season. With wins at Detroit Mercy, Nov. 18, and Cincinnati, Nov. 26, EMU and Buffalo are the only schools in the MAC to have multiple road wins. Eastern would be the first MAC school to reach three wins if it can beat PFW, Dec. 10. The rest of the conference is a combined 8-22 in "true" road games.
If Eastern tops PFW on the road, Dec. 10, 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.
THREE-STRAIGHT ROAD GAMES
Eastern Michigan begins a three-game road swing against PFW, Dec. 10, as the Eagles also play at Akron, Dec. 19, and at Wright State, Dec. 22.
EMU also played four-straight road games in the 2024-25 season, going 3-1 in that span.
» at IU Indy, Nov. 14, W, 74-71
» at Cleveland State, Nov. 16, L, 63-71
» at Oakland, Nov. 21, W, 68-64
» at Houston Christian, Nov. 25, W, 74-73
Before last season, Eastern had not played three-straight road games since the 2019-20 season, when the Eagles closed the campaign with a pair of road contests before dropping a MAC Tournament game at Kent State to the Golden Flashes.
Prior to the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons, Eastern's last consecutive three-game road stretch was in the 2013-14 and 2014-15 campaigns.
Adding in Eastern's road contests at Louisville, Nov. 24, at Cincinnati, Nov. 26, and at Butler, Dec. 2, EMU has six road games in an eight-game span for the first time since the 2013-14 team also played six-of-eight games "true" road games in a stretch that saw the Eagles play at No. 9 Duke and at No. 2 Syracuse.
EASTERN AGAINST THE HORIZON
Eastern holds a 92-102 all-time mark against current Horizon League schools. Outside of the MAC, the Horizon League is the only conference in which EMU has played every single member at least once in program history. With Wednesday's 195th meeting between Eastern and a Horizon League school, EMU will have played 98 more games against the Horizon League than any other conference outside of the MAC (97 games against Big Ten, 12-85)
Full series history against PFW can be found on page 3.
ALL-TIME AGAINST THE HORIZON 92-102
Cleveland State 24-10
Detroit Mercy 24-63
Green Bay 5-6
IU Indy 4-2
Milwaukee 7-5
Northern Kentucky 0-1
Oakland 13-9
Purdue-Ft. Wayne 3-2
Robert Morris 4-0
Youngstown State 7-4
Wright State 1-0
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 high rate, despite being ranked 12th in the MAC at 72.6 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
ROAD GAMES ONLY
Last time Eastern won by AT LEAST... on the road
»36-59: Jan. 17, 1968 at Western Ontario (W, 100-41)
»29-35: Jan. 12, 1970 at UW-Whitewater (W, 96-61)
»27-28: Feb. 28, 2017 at Central Mich. (W, 109-81)
»13-26: Jan. 26, 2019 at Western Mich. (W, 93-67)
»11-12: Nov. 30, 2022 at Florida International (W, 80-68)
»1-10: Nov. 18, 2025 at Detroit Mercy (W, 72-62)
ACTIVE 2025-26 SEASON NOTES
NINE-STRAIGHT 10-POINT GAMES
Redshirt freshman Mohammad Habhab produced at least 10 points in each of the season's first nine games.
With Habhab's performances, 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 NINE GAMES
Mohammad Habhab has produced five double-doubles in nine games played to open 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 15.6 points and 8.6 rebounds.
Habhab is tied for 10th nationally in double-doubles, four behind MAC counterpart Delrecco Gillespie from Kent State, who leads the country.
HABHAB DOING IT ALL
Mohammad Habhab is averaging 15.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.6 steals, and 0.7 blocks.
Habhab is one of five players in the nation to average at least 15.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 3.0 assists.
Players with 15.0 PPG, 8.5 RPG, and 3.0 APG:
Mohammad Habhab EMU 15.6/8.6/3.3
Michael Ajayi Butler 16.2/11.6/3.2
Cameron Boozer Duke 23.0/9.9/3.8
Alex Condon Florida 15.1/9.0/3.0
Prophet Johnson Sac St. 15.5/8.7/3.8
Habhab and Boozer are the only freshmen on the list.
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 every game played this season.
Through nine games, Habhab has scored 90 points in second halves (10 points per second half) and 50 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 all nine games, has seen an increase of 11.2 minutes per game (8.0 --> 19.2), an increase of 5.7 points per game (1.1 --> 6.8), an increase of 3.7 rebounds per game (2.3 --> 6.0), and an increase of 1.5 blocks per game (0.3 --> 1.8)
GODSLOVE NWABUDE BLOCKING SHOTS
Godslove Nwabude has ramped up his shot blocking this season, specifically the last four games. Nwabude has 14 blocks in the last four games, highlighted by his career-high five rejections against Cleary, Dec. 5. The Nigerian native has multiple blocks in four-straight games and five of the last six contests.
Over that four-game span, his 14 blocks are tied for the sixth-most in the nation.
Nwabude is the first Eagle with four-straight contests with multiple blocks since Boubacar Toure did so in the 2018-19 season.
If Nwabude can record at least two rejections against PFW, Dec. 10, he would be the first Eagle with multiple blocks in five-straight games since James Thompson IV had three separate streaks of in the 2017-18 season with one of those streaks resulting in six-straight games when extending it into the 2018-19 season.
In total, Nwabude has 18 blocks for the season, averaging 1.8 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's 97-91 win over Oakland, Nov. 21, which featured an OU buzzer-beater to cut the deficit is the Eagles' closest game so far this season. 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 10-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
Eastern Michigan has outrebounded its opponent in seven of the first 10 games. EMU is 6-1 in such games. The Eagles outrebounded IU Indy, 40-36, but lost, 90-83, Nov. 14.
THR33-POINT STR3AK, 656-STRAIGHT GAM3S
After converting six three-pointers against Cleary, Dec. 5, Eastern has hit at least one three-pointer in 656-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
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).
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.
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 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; L, 68-84
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 begins Mid-American Conference play at Akron Friday, Dec. 19, at 7 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 PFW will air on ESPN+. Tom Helmer and Greg Steiner 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
» Eastern had 11 different players convert at least one field goal in the win 86-48 against Cleary, Dec. 5.
» Godslove Nwabude led EMU with 14 points, nine rebounds, and five blocks.
» Four Eagles scored double-digit points but Eastern could not hold its 29-25 lead until the end, ultimately falling, 84-68, at Butler, Dec. 2.
» 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.
»Mohammad Habhab, who is tied for 10th in the nation with five double-doubles, is one of five players in the country to average at least 15.0 points, 8.5 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), 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 53-82 record at EMU and a 262-289 record over 18 years as a collegiate head coach.
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
11 PLAYERS WITH ONE MADE FIELD GOAL
The Eagles had 11 different players convert at least one field goal against Cleary, Dec. 5, for the first time since Jan. 11, 2022, against Central Michigan. In both the Cleary and CMU games, Eastern had nine different players net multiple field goals.
41 BENCH POINTS
Eastern scored 41 bench points against Cleary, Dec. 5, its most since recording 50 bench points against Central Michigan, Jan. 11, 2022.
52 PAINT POINTS
EMU scored 52 paint points against Cleary, Dec. 5, its second-most of the season, as the Eagles had 54 paint points against Georgia State, Nov. 3.
LARGEST WIN SINCE 2020
Eastern's 86-48 win over Cleary, Dec. 5, is its largest since beating Adrian, 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.
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.
BUTLER RECAP, DEC. 2
SCORING/RUNS SUMMARY AGAINST BUTLER
» Butler led, 11-7.
» An 8-0 run for Eastern propelled it to a 29-25 lead.
» Butler scored 16 points in last 4:39 of the half to lead, 41-36, at halftime.
» EMU cut the lead to 47-41.
» Butler used a 12-5 run to lead 59-46 before a 9-0 run late in the game put the contest away.
» Butler won, 84-68.
NOTEWORTHY PLAYERS AGAINST BUTLER
» Mohammad Habhab: 15 points, three rebounds, three assists, and two steals
» Mak Manciel: 12 points (3-4 3PT) in 16 minutes
» Merritt Alderink: six points in 2:25 of court time after hitting three-pointers on back-to-back possessions
KEY TEAM STATS AGAINST BUTLER
» EMU was 8-for-14 (57.1%) from three-point range but Butler countered with an 11-for-20 (55.0%) mark
» EMU was 12-for-13 (92.3%) from the free throw line
MAK MANCIEL FROM THREE
Mak Manciel's three made triples at Butler, Dec. 2, mark his 16th career game with at least three made three-pointers. Manciel has done so twice at Eastern, with the other coming against Oakland, Nov. 21.
MERRITT ALDERINK FROM THREE
Merritt Alderink drilled three-pointers in back-to-back possessions at Butler, Dec. 2, marking his first made triples in an Eagle uniform and the first time in his career that he has made multiple threes in one game.
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 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.
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%) shooting 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.
ON THE PFW GAME
IF EASTERN WINS...
» EMU will improve to 4-2 all-time against PFW.
» EMU will improve to 1-0 all-time at PFW.
» EMU will improve to 7-4 for the first time since the 2019-20 season.
» EMU will record three non-conference road wins for the second-straight season.
» EMU will improve to 93-102 against the Horizon League.
EASTERN AGAINST PFW
Eastern is 3-2 all-time against PFW. Despite having played five times, the teams have never met in Fort Wayne.
In fact, PFW is the closest Division I school to Ypsilanti that Eastern has never played a road game at PFW (140 miles via bus). The next closest that has never hosted the Eagles? Wright State, which EMU will travel to for a Dec. 22 contest.
Full series history against PFW can be found on page 3.
EASTERN IMPROVING TO 7-4?
With a win against PFW, Dec. 5, Eastern would improve to 7-4 for the first time since the 2019-20 season (9-1).
ROAD WARRIORS - THREE NON-CON ROAD WINS?
Eastern Michigan is 2-3 on the road this season. With wins at Detroit Mercy, Nov. 18, and Cincinnati, Nov. 26, EMU and Buffalo are the only schools in the MAC to have multiple road wins. Eastern would be the first MAC school to reach three wins if it can beat PFW, Dec. 10. The rest of the conference is a combined 8-22 in "true" road games.
If Eastern tops PFW on the road, Dec. 10, 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.
THREE-STRAIGHT ROAD GAMES
Eastern Michigan begins a three-game road swing against PFW, Dec. 10, as the Eagles also play at Akron, Dec. 19, and at Wright State, Dec. 22.
EMU also played four-straight road games in the 2024-25 season, going 3-1 in that span.
» at IU Indy, Nov. 14, W, 74-71
» at Cleveland State, Nov. 16, L, 63-71
» at Oakland, Nov. 21, W, 68-64
» at Houston Christian, Nov. 25, W, 74-73
Before last season, Eastern had not played three-straight road games since the 2019-20 season, when the Eagles closed the campaign with a pair of road contests before dropping a MAC Tournament game at Kent State to the Golden Flashes.
Prior to the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons, Eastern's last consecutive three-game road stretch was in the 2013-14 and 2014-15 campaigns.
Adding in Eastern's road contests at Louisville, Nov. 24, at Cincinnati, Nov. 26, and at Butler, Dec. 2, EMU has six road games in an eight-game span for the first time since the 2013-14 team also played six-of-eight games "true" road games in a stretch that saw the Eagles play at No. 9 Duke and at No. 2 Syracuse.
EASTERN AGAINST THE HORIZON
Eastern holds a 92-102 all-time mark against current Horizon League schools. Outside of the MAC, the Horizon League is the only conference in which EMU has played every single member at least once in program history. With Wednesday's 195th meeting between Eastern and a Horizon League school, EMU will have played 98 more games against the Horizon League than any other conference outside of the MAC (97 games against Big Ten, 12-85)
Full series history against PFW can be found on page 3.
ALL-TIME AGAINST THE HORIZON 92-102
Cleveland State 24-10
Detroit Mercy 24-63
Green Bay 5-6
IU Indy 4-2
Milwaukee 7-5
Northern Kentucky 0-1
Oakland 13-9
Purdue-Ft. Wayne 3-2
Robert Morris 4-0
Youngstown State 7-4
Wright State 1-0
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 high rate, despite being ranked 12th in the MAC at 72.6 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
ROAD GAMES ONLY
Last time Eastern won by AT LEAST... on the road
»36-59: Jan. 17, 1968 at Western Ontario (W, 100-41)
»29-35: Jan. 12, 1970 at UW-Whitewater (W, 96-61)
»27-28: Feb. 28, 2017 at Central Mich. (W, 109-81)
»13-26: Jan. 26, 2019 at Western Mich. (W, 93-67)
»11-12: Nov. 30, 2022 at Florida International (W, 80-68)
»1-10: Nov. 18, 2025 at Detroit Mercy (W, 72-62)
ACTIVE 2025-26 SEASON NOTES
NINE-STRAIGHT 10-POINT GAMES
Redshirt freshman Mohammad Habhab produced at least 10 points in each of the season's first nine games.
With Habhab's performances, 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 NINE GAMES
Mohammad Habhab has produced five double-doubles in nine games played to open 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 15.6 points and 8.6 rebounds.
Habhab is tied for 10th nationally in double-doubles, four behind MAC counterpart Delrecco Gillespie from Kent State, who leads the country.
HABHAB DOING IT ALL
Mohammad Habhab is averaging 15.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.6 steals, and 0.7 blocks.
Habhab is one of five players in the nation to average at least 15.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 3.0 assists.
Players with 15.0 PPG, 8.5 RPG, and 3.0 APG:
Mohammad Habhab EMU 15.6/8.6/3.3
Michael Ajayi Butler 16.2/11.6/3.2
Cameron Boozer Duke 23.0/9.9/3.8
Alex Condon Florida 15.1/9.0/3.0
Prophet Johnson Sac St. 15.5/8.7/3.8
Habhab and Boozer are the only freshmen on the list.
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 every game played this season.
Through nine games, Habhab has scored 90 points in second halves (10 points per second half) and 50 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 all nine games, has seen an increase of 11.2 minutes per game (8.0 --> 19.2), an increase of 5.7 points per game (1.1 --> 6.8), an increase of 3.7 rebounds per game (2.3 --> 6.0), and an increase of 1.5 blocks per game (0.3 --> 1.8)
GODSLOVE NWABUDE BLOCKING SHOTS
Godslove Nwabude has ramped up his shot blocking this season, specifically the last four games. Nwabude has 14 blocks in the last four games, highlighted by his career-high five rejections against Cleary, Dec. 5. The Nigerian native has multiple blocks in four-straight games and five of the last six contests.
Over that four-game span, his 14 blocks are tied for the sixth-most in the nation.
Nwabude is the first Eagle with four-straight contests with multiple blocks since Boubacar Toure did so in the 2018-19 season.
If Nwabude can record at least two rejections against PFW, Dec. 10, he would be the first Eagle with multiple blocks in five-straight games since James Thompson IV had three separate streaks of in the 2017-18 season with one of those streaks resulting in six-straight games when extending it into the 2018-19 season.
In total, Nwabude has 18 blocks for the season, averaging 1.8 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's 97-91 win over Oakland, Nov. 21, which featured an OU buzzer-beater to cut the deficit is the Eagles' closest game so far this season. 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 10-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
Eastern Michigan has outrebounded its opponent in seven of the first 10 games. EMU is 6-1 in such games. The Eagles outrebounded IU Indy, 40-36, but lost, 90-83, Nov. 14.
THR33-POINT STR3AK, 656-STRAIGHT GAM3S
After converting six three-pointers against Cleary, Dec. 5, Eastern has hit at least one three-pointer in 656-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
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).
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.
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 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; L, 68-84
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 begins Mid-American Conference play at Akron Friday, Dec. 19, at 7 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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