Eastern Michigan Athletics
Tuesday, February 25
Ypsilanti, Mich.
6:30 p.m.
Eastern Michigan University
vs
Bowling Green
Eastern Going for Four-Straight Against Bowling Green Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.
2/24/2025 1:00:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Eagles seeking to move to 8-7 in MAC
| Men's Basketball vs. Bowling Green | |
| Date | Tuesday, Feb. 25, at 6:30 p.m. |
| Venue | George Gervin GameAbove Center (8,754) | Ypsilanti, Mich. |
| Preview Info | EMU Notes (PDF) | Media Guide (PDF) |
| Live Stats | Fan Stats | Media Stats |
| Watch | ESPN+ |
| Listen | WEMU (89.1 FM) | The Varsity Network App |
| @EMU_MBB | @EMUAthletics | |
| Tickets | Purchase Tickets |
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) -- Winners of three-straight games, including an improbable buzzer-beating win at Northern Illinois, Feb. 22, the Eastern Michigan University men's basketball team hosts Bowling Green State University for a Mid-American Conference contest Tuesday, Feb. 25, at 6:30 p.m. inside the George Gervin GameAbove Center. Click here to purchase tickets.
ON AIR
Eastern Michigan and Bowling Green will air on ESPN+ from the George Gervin GameAbove Center with Ryan Wooley and John Motherwell 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
»Senior Jalen Terry put in a 35-foot buzzer-beater to lead Eastern past Northern Illinois, Feb. 22, 79-76. Despite trailing by 11 points in the second half and by four with 26 seconds left and the Huskies at the free throw line, the Eagles rallied to earn the improbable win.
»Eastern took down second-place Miami, 76-66, Tuesday, Feb. 18, to earn a key MAC victory.
»Against Miami, Feb. 18, senior Da'Sean Nelson registered 25 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and four blocks against Miami, Feb. 18. Nelson is the first Eagle to record at least 25 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and four blocks in one game since at least the 2001-02 season.
»Senior Jalen Terry put together an outstanding two games last week, averaging 26.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.0 assists over the two contest to earn MAC Player of the Week honors for the second-straight week.
»During conference play, senior Da'Sean Nelson ranks second in the MAC with 17.8 points per game while senior Jalen Terry ranks fourth at 17.4 points per game
»The Eagles, which sit at 7-7 in the MAC for the first time since the 2018-19 season, are seeking an 8-7 start in conference play against BGSU, Feb. 25, and look to come one win closer to securing a postseason bid.
»EMU and Texas are the only teams in the nation to have at least three different players to score 32 points in separate games this season.
» Eastern Michigan's Stan Heath is in his fourth year at the helm of the Eagles, holding a 45-75 record at EMU and a 254-282 record over 17 years as a collegiate head coach.
ALL TIME SERIES VS. BOWLING GREEN
Eastern Michigan and Bowling Green will meet for the 113th time as BGSU leads the all-time series, 57-45.
The Eagles won the most recent meeting between the teams, 68-62, Jan. 18, in Bowling Green. Arne Osojnik logged 16 points and 11 rebounds for his first career double-double while Jalen Terry put in a dagger three-pointer with 14 seconds left.
Eastern, which lost nine-straight to the Falcons prior to a two-game winning streak, is seeking its first three-game winning streak in the series since 2007-2009. The Eagles have also not won back-to-back home games in the series since Jan. 28, 2012, and Jan. 29, 2014.
JALEN TERRY BUZZER-BEATER AT NIU
Senior Jalen Terry drilled a 35-foot buzzer-beat at Northern Illinois, Feb. 22, to push EMU past NIU, 79-76. Terry's make was featured as the No. 2 play on SportsCenter's top-10 plays. Terry also made the game-tying lay-up with 14 seconds left with a 28-point showing.
DA'SEAN NELSON 19 POINTS AT NIU
Senior Da'Sean Nelson netted 19 points at NIU, Feb. 22, to fo with five rebounds and three blocks. Nelson was 11-for-15 from the free throw line, setting career highs in both categories. Nelson also converted a key basket with 18 seconds left, bringing Eastern within two points before a steal and bucket four seconds later tied the game.
JALIN BILLINGSLEY AGAINST NIU
At NIU, Feb. 22, senior Jalin Billingsley scored nine points to go with eight rebounds, converting a career-high seven free throws.
JOHN SHANU II AGAINST NIU
Against NIU, Feb. 22, redshirt junior John Shanu II drew his fifth-straight start. Shanu II hauled in three rebounds while adding one assist. Shanu II's plus-minus rating was plus-seven.
DILLON TINGER AGAINST NIU
At NIU, Feb. 22, freshman Dillon Tingler scored five points to go with two steals in 15:55 of action. Tingler slammed down a high-flying alley-oop and converted his three free throw attempts while helping the Eagles' defensive efforts.
28-OF-36 FREE THROWS AT NIU
Eastern was 28-of-36 from the free throw line at NIU, Feb. 22. EMU's 36 attempts are its most since shooting 40 against Florida International, Dec. 11, 2021, in the four-overtime game. The 36 attempts are EMU's most in regulation since attempting 39 against Goshen, Nov. 12, 2019, and the most against a MAC team since shooting 47 against Buffalo, Jan. 12, 2016. Finally, Eastern's 36 shots from the charity stripe are its most in a road game since going 28-of-40 at NIU, Feb. 21, 2015.
SEVEN TURNOVERS AT NIU
The Eagles had just seven turnovers, their second-lowest mark of the season at NIU, Feb. 22. EMU had just six turnovers at Oakland, Nov. 21.
Eastern's seven turnovers against the Huskies are its fewest in a MAC game since logging six at Central Michigan, March 8, 2024.
JALEN TERRY LAST FOUR GAMES
Senior Jalen Terry has been on a tear the last four games, helping Eastern to a 3-1 mark in that span.
In the last four contests, Terry has averaged 28.8 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 2.0 steals, 0.8 blocks and has been incredibly efficient, shooting 41-of-67 (61.2%) from the floor and 19-of-35 (54.2%) from three-point range.
Adding in his 18-point game against Old Dominion, Feb. 8, Terry ranks third in the nation in points per game in the last five games played.
National PPG Leaders (last five games played):
1. Jaron Pierre Jr. (Jacksonville) 27.2
2. Mitch Macari (Drake) 26.8
3. Jalen Terry (EMU) 26.6
Terry's complete game-by-game breakdown can be found on page 26.
DA'SEAN NELSON BLOCKS IN 11-OF-12 GAMES
Senior Da'Sean Nelson, who blocked three shots at Northern Illinois, Feb. 22, has at least one block in 11 of the last 12 games.
Nelson has 23 blocks during the 12-game stretch (1.9 per game) and multiple blocks in six of those games.
FOUR-STRAIGHT MAC WINS...?
The Eagles, which have won three-straight games, are seeking four-straight wins in MAC play against Bowling Green, Feb. 25. EMU has not won four-straight conference games since the 2017-18 season but the Eagles have multiple three-game winning streaks in MAC play during the same season for the first time since the 2013-14 season.
Last time with four-straight MAC wins:
Date Against Score
Feb. 13, 2018 Miami W, 58-57
Feb. 17, 2018 at Central Michigan W, 72-67
Feb. 20, 2018 Toledo W, 85-79
Feb. 24, 2018 Northern Illinois W, 82-53
Feb. 27, 2018 at Western Michigan W, 74-58
March 3, 2018 at Toledo W, 71-69
Last time with three-straight MAC wins (prior to current streak):
Date Against Score
Jan. 18, 2025 at Bowling Green W, 68-62
Jan. 21, 2025 Ohio W, 94-87
Jan. 25, 2025 Buffalo W, 90-77
Current streak:
Date Against Score
Feb. 15, 2025 Toledo W, 80-73
Feb. 18, 2025 Miami W, 76-66
Feb. 22, 2025 at Northern Illinois W, 79-76
HEATH'S MOST WINS SINCE 2011-12
Head Coach Stan Heath and the Eagles have 14 wins in the 2024-25 season, Heath's most as a collegiate head coach since the 2011-12 season.
YEAR TEAM O'ALL HOME AWAY NEUT
since 2011-12
2011-12 USF 22-14 14-2 5-8 3-4
2012-13 USF 12-19 10-8 2-10 0-1
2013-14 USF 12-20 7-10 5-7 0-3
2021-22 EMU 10-21 8-7 2-14 0-0
2022-23 EMU 8-23 6-7 2-13 0-3
2023-24 EMU 13-18 9-6 4-11 0-1
2024-25 EMU 14-13 8-4 5-9 1-0
JALEN TERRY MAC POTW BACK-TO-BACK
Senior Jalen Terry averaged 26.0
JALEN TERRY NATIONAL/MAC POTW
Senior Jalen Terry put together an outstanding week for the Eagles, averaging 31.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists over the two games to earn Oscar Robertson National Player of the Week and MAC Player of the Week honors.
His week was highlighted by a 38-point effort against Toledo, Feb. 15, while also scoring 25 points at Ball State, Feb. 11.
JALEN TERRY 38 POINTS AGAINST TOLEDO
Against Toledo, Feb. 15, senior Jalen Terry scored a career-high 38 points to go with eight rebounds and two assists. Terry converted his first 12 field goal attempts of the game, finishing 15-of-17 from the field.
His 38 points are the tied for the second-most scored by an Eagle in the history of the George Gervin GameAbove Center (Raven Lee, 46, vs. Miami, Feb. 2, 2016; Lee, 38, vs. Texas Arlington, Nov. 23, 2013) while his career-high 15 made field goals are the most by an Eagle in the arena's history and one short of the arena record. The 38 points are the most by an Eagle since Emoni Bates dropped 43 at Toledo, Jan. 24, 2023.
Terry's 15-of-17 (88.2%) showing from the field is the best by an Eagle (minimum 15 attempts) since the 1997-98 season. Furthermore, Terry's 6-of-7 (85.7%) mark from three-point range ties the program's best since the 1997-98 season (Willie Mangum IV vs. Gardner-Webb, Nov. 18, 2016; Carlos Medlock vs. Akron, Feb. 11, 2006. His 15 made field goals are tied for the seventh-most in the nation this season.
JT 25+ POINTS, 6+ THREE-POINTERS
Senior Jalen Terry netted 28 points with six made three-pointers at Northern Illinois, Feb. 11. He also scored 38 points with six made three-pointers against Toledo, Feb. 15, and posted back-to-back games with at least 25 points and six made three-pointers at IU Indy, Nov. 14, and at Cleveland State, Nov. 16. He is one of five MAC players to accomplish that feat and the first to do so since Jordan Dartis for Ohio University in 2019.
Terry is the first Eagle since the 2002-03 season to record four such games in one season.
EMU Players With 25 Points AND Six Three-Pointers TOTAL Games in One Season (Since 2002-03):
1. Jalen Terry 4 2024-25
T2. Tyson Acuff 2 2022-23
T2. Emoni Bates 2 2022-23
T2. Elijah Minnie 2 2018-19
T2. Willie Mangum 2 2016-17
MAC Players With 25 Points AND Six Three-Pointers in CONSECUTIVE Games (Since 2002-03):
MOH Michael Bramos 4 Dec. 3-13, 2008
EMU Jalen Terry 2 Nov. 14-16, 2024
OU Jordan Dartis 2 Nov. 24-30, 2019
CMU Marcus Keene 2 (x2) Dec. 3-6, 2016; Jan. 17-21, 2017
BSU Skip Mills 2 March 4-6, 2006
Terry was also the first Eagle since Carlos Medlock, Feb. 11-15, 2006, to knock down six three-pointers in back-to-back games.
8-7 IN THE MAC...?
Eastern Michigan, which sits at 7-7 in the MAC for the first time since the 2017-18 season, is seeking an 8-7 start in conference play against Bowling Green, Feb. 22. The 2017-18 team started 8-7 in MAC play.
EYEING THE MAC TOURNAMENT
Eastern Michigan, which has not qualified for the MAC Tournament since 2019, sits at 7-7 in conference play and is tied for sixth with Ball State in the MAC standings.
Eastern is expected to need at least one more MAC win to be in the field.
No. 8 in MAC Standings Wins by Year (last 10 shown):
Year Wins School
2023-24 8 Kent State
2022-23 6 Miami
2021-22 6 CMU/BGSU/NIU
2020-21 8 Ball St. (no tournament)
2019-20 8 Toledo/Ohio
2018-19 8 Akron/NIU
2017-18 7 BGSU/Ohio/CMU
2016-17 7 EMU/BGSU/NIU
2015-16 9 EMU/NIU
2014-15 8 EMU/Miami/NIU
Data Since 1997-98 (first season with 12 MAC teams)
Average MAC Wins by No. 8 Seed: 7.52
Highest MAC Wins Needed: 10 (2004-05)
Lowest MAC Wins Needed: 6 (4x, last 2022-23)
MAC SCORING LEADERS
Senior Jalen Terry ranks second in the MAC in scoring at 16.8 points per game while Da'Sean Nelson ranks third at 16.4 points per game.
MAC Points Per Game Leaders (overall):
1. Quentin Jones (NIU) 17.3
2. Jalen Terry (EMU) 16.8
3. Da'Sean Nelson (EMU) 16.4
4. Marcus Johnson (BGSU) 16.4
During conference play, Nelson ranks second in scoring at 17.7 points per game. Adding in senior Terry's 16.6 points per game during MAC play, Eastern is the only team in the MAC with two players in the top-eight.
MAC Points Per Game Leaders (conference only):
1. Uginus Jarusevicius (CMU) 19.0
2. Da'Sean Nelson (EMU) 17.8
3. Quentin Jones (NIU) 17.5
4. Jalen Terry (EMU) 17.4
5. Jalen Sullinger (Kent St.) 16.9
HENRY IMPROVING AT THE FREE THROW LINE
Junior Christian Henry has made 38 of his last 47 free throws (80.9%) after making just 49 of his first 82 attempts (59.8%) this season.
In total, Henry is 87-for-129 (67.4%) from the charity stripe.
NELSON/TERRY 1,000 CAREER POINTS
DePaul transfers Da'Sean Nelson and Jalen Terry both reached 1,000 career points during the 2024-25 season as Nelson passed the mark against Toledo, Feb. 15, while Terry's 24-point effort against Miami, Feb. 18, vaulted him past the plateau.
Nelson has 1,055 career points (427 at EMU, 628 at DePaul) and Terry has 1,047 career points (436 at EMU, 554 at DePaul, 57 at Oregon).
BILLINGSLEY + NELSON SHOOTING PERCENTAGES
Senior Jalin Billingsley ranks fifth in the MAC in field goal percentage, shooting 112-for-204 (.549) while senior Da'Sean Nelson is 12th in the MAC at 147-for-296 (.497).
Billingsley had 17-straight games with multiple made field goals prior to going 1-for-4 from the floor at NIU, Feb. 22.
DA'SEAN NELSON GETS FOULED A LOT
Senior Da'Sean Nelson has been fouled 165 times in 26 games played (6.3 fouls per game). During MAC play, Nelson has accumulated 96 fouls drawn in 14 games (6.9 fouls per game).
Nelson has drawn at least eight fouls in 11 games this season, all of which have come in the last 20 games.
Eastern Michigan Leaders in Fouls Drawn:
Player Total Average
Da'Sean Nelson 165 6.4
Christian Henry 117 4.3
Jalen Terry 67 2.6
Jalin Billingsley 65 2.4
ONE OF TWO SCHOOLS WITH 32+ POINTS (x3)
With senior Jalen Terry's 38 points against Toledo, Feb. 15, senior Da'Sean Nelson's 32 points against Northern Illinois, Jan. 4, and senior Jalin Billingsley's 32 points against Siena Heights, Nov. 8, Eastern Michigan and Texas are the only two schools in the nation with at least three different players reaching 32 points this season.
Different Players Scoring 32+ Points:
T1. Eastern Michigan 3
Texas 3
In total, 177 different players have a 32-point performance this season.
Adding in junior Christian Henry's 28-point showing against Detroit Mercy, Nov. 30, Eastern Michigan is one of nine teams in the nation with at least four different players reaching 28 points this season. Austin Peay leads the nation with five different players achieving the mark.
Different Players Scoring 28+ Points:
1. Austin Peay 5
T2. Eastern Michigan 4
Bellarmine 4
Oklahoma 4
Missouri 4
New Orleans 4
Portland 4
Prairie View A&M 4
San Jose State 4
In total, 480 different players have a 28-point performance this season.
SUCCESS IN CLOSE GAMES
After the Eagles won, 79-76, at Northern Illinois, Feb. 22, Eastern moved to 7-2 in games decided by four points or less. Eastern's seven wins by four or fewer is tied for the fifth-most in the nation. The trend has continued from the 2023-24 season when the Eagles were 8-3 in games decided by four points or less.
National Leaders in Wins by Four Points or Less:
T1. Michigan 9
Princeton 9
UC-Riverside 9
4. Marist 8
T5. Eastern Michigan 7
eight other schools 7
TWO EAGLES AVERAGING 16 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 2.5 APG
Eastern is the only team in the nation to have multiple players averaging at least 16.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.0 steals.
Senior Da'Sean Nelson is averaging 16.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.0 steals while senior Jalen Terry is averaging 16.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.6 steals.
In total, 34 different players nationally are averaging 16 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.0 steals.
Nelson is one of just five players nationally to average at least 16.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.0 blocks, and shoot at least 50.0% from the floor. Nelson averages 1.1 blocks and is shooting 50.5%, is joined by Duke's Cooper Flagg, NIU's Quentin Jones, Northwestern's Brook Barnhizer, and UAB's Yaxel Lendeborg on the list.
Terry is one of 14 players nationally to average at least 16.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.5 steals. Terry is the only MAC player on the list of 14 players, which also includes former Eagle Orlando Lovejoy.
THREE EAGLES AVERAGING 14+ POINTS
Eastern has three players averaging 14.0 points for the first time since 2015-16 and four players averaging 10.0 points for the first time since 2017-18.
Player PPG 2024-25
Jalen Terry 16.8
Da'Sean Nelson 16.4
Christian Henry 14.2
Jalin Billingsley 10.5
Player PPG 2015-16
Elijah Minnie 16.8
Paul Jackson 14.9
James Thompson 14.5
Player PPG 2017-18
Ray Lee 15.1
Elijah Minnie 14.8
Willie Mangum 12.0
Ty Toney 11.0
TWO EAGLES AVERAGING 3.0+ ASSISTS
Eastern has two players averaging 3.0 assists for the first time since 2017-18.
Player APG 2024-25
Christian Henry 3.5
Jalen Terry 3.0
Player APG 2017-18
Paul Jackson 4.6
Tim Bond 3.5
SECOND-HALF SCORING
Eastern is averaging 39.6 points in the second half while averaging 33.1 points in the first half.
In EMU's 27 games, the Eagles have scored more points in the second half than the first in 19 games.
Nine of the Eagles' 12 top half totals have come in the second half.
Date Against Half Total (Half)
Dec. 21 Wright State 59 (2nd)
Jan. 7 Toledo 54 (2nd)
Nov. 30 Detroit Mercy 52 (2nd)
Jan. 21 Ohio 50 (1st)
Jan. 25 Buffalo 48 (2nd)
Feb. 8 Old Dominion 47 (2nd)
Nov. 14 IU Indy 45 (1st)
Jan. 21 Ohio 44 (2nd)
Nov. 8 Siena Heights 43 (2nd)
Dec. 28 Davidson 43 (2nd)
Jan. 11 Akron 43 (2nd)
Feb. 15 Toledo 43 (2nd)
JALEN TERRY MAC MINUTES LEADER
Senior Jalen Terry leads the MAC in minutes, averaging 37.2 minutes per game.
National Minutes Leaders:
1. Bennett Stiritz (Drake) 38.9
2. Mitch Macari (Drake) 37.9
3. Nicholas Martinelli (NW) 37.6
4. Gibson Jimerson (SLU) 37.5
5. Jalen Terry (EMU) 37.2
With former Eagle Tyson Acuff ranking fourth in the nation in minutes per game at 37.9 in 2023-24, if Terry can remain in the top six, EMU would be the first school since Stony Brook (2021-23) to have different players rank inside the top six in minutes nationally in different seasons.
DA'SEAN NELSON MAC POTW (x3)
Senior Da'Sean Nelson, who was named MAC Player of the Week Dec. 2 and Dec. 23, won his third conference weekly honor of the season after an impressive 32-point, nine-rebound showing against Northern Illinois, Jan. 4.
By earning the recognition for the third time, Nelson is the first player in the MAC to accomplish that feat since former Akron Zip and current Indiana Pacer Enrique Freeman earned the honor eight times in 2023-24.
BELOW THE CENTURY MARK
In 383 games at the George Gervin GameAbove Center since opening in 1998-99, only two teams have reached 100 points against the Eagles as 2022-23 Florida Atlantic, which reached the 2023 Final Four, scored 101 at EMU, Dec. 4, 2022. The second team was Akron, Jan. 11, 2025, in a 105-81 EMU loss.
Top Point Totals by Foes at the George Gervin GameAbove Center:
Date School Points
Jan. 11, 2025 Akron 105
Dec. 4, 2022 Florida Atlantic 101
Dec. 15, 2024 Purdue Fort Wayne 99
Nov. 30, 2024 Detroit Mercy 98
Nov. 12, 2023 Illinois State 98
THR33-POINT STR3AK, 640-STRAIGHT GAM3S
Eastern, which hit nine threes against Northern Illinois, Feb. 22 has now hit at least one triple in 640-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 MICHIGAN HAS FOUR ROAD WINS
Eastern has accumulated four road wins in the 2024-25 season, which matches its total from last season. If the Eagles can secure another road win this season, it would mark their first time reaching five road wins in one season since tallying seven in the 2017-18 campaign.
EASTERN MICHIGAN ROAD CLOSURE
Eastern Michigan will close the season at Ohio, March 4, and at Kent State, March 7.
The 2024-25 season will mark the third-straight year in which the Eagles' final two regular season games are on the road while EMU will play its last regular season competition away from home for the eighth-straight season. Eastern's last two regular season contests have been road games five of the last seven years.
2024-25 PRESEASON ALL-MAC TEAMS
First Team
Payton Sparks, Senior, Center, Ball State
Anthony Pritchard, Senior, Guard, Central Michigan
VonCameron Davis, R-Senior, Forward, Kent State
AJ Clayton, Senior, Forward, Ohio
Javan Simmons, Sophomore, Forward, Toledo
Second Team
Isaiah Gray, Senior, Guard, Akron
Jalen Sullinger, Senior, Guard, Kent State
Shereef Mitchell, Graduate Student, Guard, Ohio
AJ Brown, R-Sophomore, Guard, Ohio
Isaiah Adams, Fifth Year, Guard, Toledo
PRESEASON PICKED NINTH
After finishing 10th in 2023-24, EMU was picked ninth in the MAC preseason coaches' poll.
2024-25 MAC Men's Basketball Preseason Coaches' Poll
(First Place Votes)
1. Ohio (11) – 121
2. Akron (1) – 106
3. Kent State – 99
4. Toledo – 95
5. Bowling Green – 73
6. Miami – 72
7. Ball State – 67
8. Central Michigan – 55
9. Eastern Michigan – 36
10. Western Michigan – 33
11. Northern Illinois – 24
12. Buffalo – 11
Tournament Champion: Ohio (8), Kent State (3), Toledo (1)
The six Ohio schools made up the top six while the bottom six is filled with the rest of the MAC schools.
NEW FOE, WHO DIS?
The Eagles added competition against three first-time opponents this season; they faced off against Texas State, Nov. 4 (L, 44-64), Houston Christian, Nov. 25 (W, 74-73), and Wright State, Dec. 21 (W, 86-82).
WHO'S BACK??
EMU returns four players from its 2023-24 roster including seniors Jalin Billingsley, Yusuf Jihad, and Micah Schnyders, as well as sophomore Arne Osojnik.
WHO'S GONE??
EMU lost 10 players from its 2023-24 game one roster including Tyson Acuff (Rutgers), Orlando Lovejoy (Detroit Mercy), Legend Geeter (Detroit Mercy), Conner Serven (Virginia Tech), Cyril Martynov (Eastern Kentucky), Julius Ellerbe (Coppin State), John McGriff (transfer portal - no destination), Javantae Randle (Central State), Prakash Ketterhagen (Lourdes), and Andrew Wells (graduation). The Eagles also lost Director of Operations LaMonta Stone (Assistant Coach - Detroit Mercy) and Graduate Assistant Nick Madray (graduation --> Utah Jazz).
WHAT'S GONE??
EMU lost 1,332 of its 2,047 points (65.07%) from the 2023-24 season, most notably leading scorer Tyson Acuff, who averaged 21.7 ppg (8th in the nation) on 43/29/81 shooting splits and transferred to Rutgers.
FRESH FACES
EMU added 11 newcomers to its 2024-25 roster including seniors Jalen Terry (DePaul), Da'Sean Nelson (DePaul), John Shanu II (UTRGV), and Cooper Smith (Michigan), juniors Christian Henry (Panola College), Julian Lewis (Miami), and Trey Pettigrew (Salt Lake CC), and freshmen Mario Brunetto (Classical Gymnasium), Mbaye N'Diaye (SEED Academy), Godslove Nwabude (Zion Prep), and Dillon Tingler (Huntington Prep).
STAYING HOME
Eastern Michigan has just four players (Yusuf Jihad, Farmington Hills; Jalen Terry, Flint; Cooper Smith, Mio; and Julian Lewis, Ypsilanti) from the Mitten State on its 2024-25 roster, EMU's fewest since 2020-21 (four).
INTERNATIONAL INFLUX
International student-athlete representation doubled on the Eagles 15-player roster this season, as they added three true freshmen from Senegal (Mbaye N'Diaye), Nigeria (Godslove Nwabude), and Italy (Mario Brunetto), respectively. The trio joins sophomore Arne Osojnik who represented Slovenia twice as a member of the U18 national team at the Euro Championships. A complete breakdown of the EMU roster can be found on page 11.
Most international true freshmen in the nation:
1. Buffalo - 6
2. Florida Atlantic - 5
t3. Eastern Michigan - 3
Manhattan - 3
Oregon State - 3
San Francisco - 3
Seattle - 3
UT-Martin - 3
Weber State - 3
Most African true freshmen in the nation:
t1. Eastern Michigan - 2
Seton Hall - 2
Osojnik is one of five players from Slovenia in the country.
Slovenian MBB Players at NCAA Division I:
Arne Osojnik - Eastern Michigan
Klemen Vuga - UAPB
Urban Klavzar - Florida
Jan Vide - LMU (Calif.)
Sasa Ciani - UIC
Brunetto is one of 17 Italians players while N'Diaye is one of 32 Senegalese players and Nwabude is one of 38 Nigerian players.
EMONI BATES NBA + G-LEAGUE
Former Eagle Emoni Bates was named a G-League All-Star with the Cleveland Charge in 2023-24, averaging 24.8 ppg. Bates also appeared in 15 games with the Cavaliers during the 2023-24 season. He underwent surgery in October 2024 to repair a torn meniscus, but returned to G-League action, Dec. 15, 2024, with 10 points and five rebounds. By Feb. 13, 2025, Bates had returned to form, dropping 30 points, six rebounds, and five assists.
NEXT UP
Eastern Michigan hosts Central Michigan Friday, Feb. 28, at 6 p.m. inside the George Gervin GameAbove Center as the teams will play on CBS Sports Network, Eastern's first home national TV game since 2018.
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 Bowling Green will air on ESPN+ from the George Gervin GameAbove Center with Ryan Wooley and John Motherwell 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
»Senior Jalen Terry put in a 35-foot buzzer-beater to lead Eastern past Northern Illinois, Feb. 22, 79-76. Despite trailing by 11 points in the second half and by four with 26 seconds left and the Huskies at the free throw line, the Eagles rallied to earn the improbable win.
»Eastern took down second-place Miami, 76-66, Tuesday, Feb. 18, to earn a key MAC victory.
»Against Miami, Feb. 18, senior Da'Sean Nelson registered 25 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and four blocks against Miami, Feb. 18. Nelson is the first Eagle to record at least 25 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and four blocks in one game since at least the 2001-02 season.
»Senior Jalen Terry put together an outstanding two games last week, averaging 26.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.0 assists over the two contest to earn MAC Player of the Week honors for the second-straight week.
»During conference play, senior Da'Sean Nelson ranks second in the MAC with 17.8 points per game while senior Jalen Terry ranks fourth at 17.4 points per game
»The Eagles, which sit at 7-7 in the MAC for the first time since the 2018-19 season, are seeking an 8-7 start in conference play against BGSU, Feb. 25, and look to come one win closer to securing a postseason bid.
»EMU and Texas are the only teams in the nation to have at least three different players to score 32 points in separate games this season.
» Eastern Michigan's Stan Heath is in his fourth year at the helm of the Eagles, holding a 45-75 record at EMU and a 254-282 record over 17 years as a collegiate head coach.
ALL TIME SERIES VS. BOWLING GREEN
Eastern Michigan and Bowling Green will meet for the 113th time as BGSU leads the all-time series, 57-45.
The Eagles won the most recent meeting between the teams, 68-62, Jan. 18, in Bowling Green. Arne Osojnik logged 16 points and 11 rebounds for his first career double-double while Jalen Terry put in a dagger three-pointer with 14 seconds left.
Eastern, which lost nine-straight to the Falcons prior to a two-game winning streak, is seeking its first three-game winning streak in the series since 2007-2009. The Eagles have also not won back-to-back home games in the series since Jan. 28, 2012, and Jan. 29, 2014.
JALEN TERRY BUZZER-BEATER AT NIU
Senior Jalen Terry drilled a 35-foot buzzer-beat at Northern Illinois, Feb. 22, to push EMU past NIU, 79-76. Terry's make was featured as the No. 2 play on SportsCenter's top-10 plays. Terry also made the game-tying lay-up with 14 seconds left with a 28-point showing.
DA'SEAN NELSON 19 POINTS AT NIU
Senior Da'Sean Nelson netted 19 points at NIU, Feb. 22, to fo with five rebounds and three blocks. Nelson was 11-for-15 from the free throw line, setting career highs in both categories. Nelson also converted a key basket with 18 seconds left, bringing Eastern within two points before a steal and bucket four seconds later tied the game.
JALIN BILLINGSLEY AGAINST NIU
At NIU, Feb. 22, senior Jalin Billingsley scored nine points to go with eight rebounds, converting a career-high seven free throws.
JOHN SHANU II AGAINST NIU
Against NIU, Feb. 22, redshirt junior John Shanu II drew his fifth-straight start. Shanu II hauled in three rebounds while adding one assist. Shanu II's plus-minus rating was plus-seven.
DILLON TINGER AGAINST NIU
At NIU, Feb. 22, freshman Dillon Tingler scored five points to go with two steals in 15:55 of action. Tingler slammed down a high-flying alley-oop and converted his three free throw attempts while helping the Eagles' defensive efforts.
28-OF-36 FREE THROWS AT NIU
Eastern was 28-of-36 from the free throw line at NIU, Feb. 22. EMU's 36 attempts are its most since shooting 40 against Florida International, Dec. 11, 2021, in the four-overtime game. The 36 attempts are EMU's most in regulation since attempting 39 against Goshen, Nov. 12, 2019, and the most against a MAC team since shooting 47 against Buffalo, Jan. 12, 2016. Finally, Eastern's 36 shots from the charity stripe are its most in a road game since going 28-of-40 at NIU, Feb. 21, 2015.
SEVEN TURNOVERS AT NIU
The Eagles had just seven turnovers, their second-lowest mark of the season at NIU, Feb. 22. EMU had just six turnovers at Oakland, Nov. 21.
Eastern's seven turnovers against the Huskies are its fewest in a MAC game since logging six at Central Michigan, March 8, 2024.
JALEN TERRY LAST FOUR GAMES
Senior Jalen Terry has been on a tear the last four games, helping Eastern to a 3-1 mark in that span.
In the last four contests, Terry has averaged 28.8 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 2.0 steals, 0.8 blocks and has been incredibly efficient, shooting 41-of-67 (61.2%) from the floor and 19-of-35 (54.2%) from three-point range.
Adding in his 18-point game against Old Dominion, Feb. 8, Terry ranks third in the nation in points per game in the last five games played.
National PPG Leaders (last five games played):
1. Jaron Pierre Jr. (Jacksonville) 27.2
2. Mitch Macari (Drake) 26.8
3. Jalen Terry (EMU) 26.6
Terry's complete game-by-game breakdown can be found on page 26.
DA'SEAN NELSON BLOCKS IN 11-OF-12 GAMES
Senior Da'Sean Nelson, who blocked three shots at Northern Illinois, Feb. 22, has at least one block in 11 of the last 12 games.
Nelson has 23 blocks during the 12-game stretch (1.9 per game) and multiple blocks in six of those games.
FOUR-STRAIGHT MAC WINS...?
The Eagles, which have won three-straight games, are seeking four-straight wins in MAC play against Bowling Green, Feb. 25. EMU has not won four-straight conference games since the 2017-18 season but the Eagles have multiple three-game winning streaks in MAC play during the same season for the first time since the 2013-14 season.
Last time with four-straight MAC wins:
Date Against Score
Feb. 13, 2018 Miami W, 58-57
Feb. 17, 2018 at Central Michigan W, 72-67
Feb. 20, 2018 Toledo W, 85-79
Feb. 24, 2018 Northern Illinois W, 82-53
Feb. 27, 2018 at Western Michigan W, 74-58
March 3, 2018 at Toledo W, 71-69
Last time with three-straight MAC wins (prior to current streak):
Date Against Score
Jan. 18, 2025 at Bowling Green W, 68-62
Jan. 21, 2025 Ohio W, 94-87
Jan. 25, 2025 Buffalo W, 90-77
Current streak:
Date Against Score
Feb. 15, 2025 Toledo W, 80-73
Feb. 18, 2025 Miami W, 76-66
Feb. 22, 2025 at Northern Illinois W, 79-76
HEATH'S MOST WINS SINCE 2011-12
Head Coach Stan Heath and the Eagles have 14 wins in the 2024-25 season, Heath's most as a collegiate head coach since the 2011-12 season.
YEAR TEAM O'ALL HOME AWAY NEUT
since 2011-12
2011-12 USF 22-14 14-2 5-8 3-4
2012-13 USF 12-19 10-8 2-10 0-1
2013-14 USF 12-20 7-10 5-7 0-3
2021-22 EMU 10-21 8-7 2-14 0-0
2022-23 EMU 8-23 6-7 2-13 0-3
2023-24 EMU 13-18 9-6 4-11 0-1
2024-25 EMU 14-13 8-4 5-9 1-0
JALEN TERRY MAC POTW BACK-TO-BACK
Senior Jalen Terry averaged 26.0
JALEN TERRY NATIONAL/MAC POTW
Senior Jalen Terry put together an outstanding week for the Eagles, averaging 31.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists over the two games to earn Oscar Robertson National Player of the Week and MAC Player of the Week honors.
His week was highlighted by a 38-point effort against Toledo, Feb. 15, while also scoring 25 points at Ball State, Feb. 11.
JALEN TERRY 38 POINTS AGAINST TOLEDO
Against Toledo, Feb. 15, senior Jalen Terry scored a career-high 38 points to go with eight rebounds and two assists. Terry converted his first 12 field goal attempts of the game, finishing 15-of-17 from the field.
His 38 points are the tied for the second-most scored by an Eagle in the history of the George Gervin GameAbove Center (Raven Lee, 46, vs. Miami, Feb. 2, 2016; Lee, 38, vs. Texas Arlington, Nov. 23, 2013) while his career-high 15 made field goals are the most by an Eagle in the arena's history and one short of the arena record. The 38 points are the most by an Eagle since Emoni Bates dropped 43 at Toledo, Jan. 24, 2023.
Terry's 15-of-17 (88.2%) showing from the field is the best by an Eagle (minimum 15 attempts) since the 1997-98 season. Furthermore, Terry's 6-of-7 (85.7%) mark from three-point range ties the program's best since the 1997-98 season (Willie Mangum IV vs. Gardner-Webb, Nov. 18, 2016; Carlos Medlock vs. Akron, Feb. 11, 2006. His 15 made field goals are tied for the seventh-most in the nation this season.
JT 25+ POINTS, 6+ THREE-POINTERS
Senior Jalen Terry netted 28 points with six made three-pointers at Northern Illinois, Feb. 11. He also scored 38 points with six made three-pointers against Toledo, Feb. 15, and posted back-to-back games with at least 25 points and six made three-pointers at IU Indy, Nov. 14, and at Cleveland State, Nov. 16. He is one of five MAC players to accomplish that feat and the first to do so since Jordan Dartis for Ohio University in 2019.
Terry is the first Eagle since the 2002-03 season to record four such games in one season.
EMU Players With 25 Points AND Six Three-Pointers TOTAL Games in One Season (Since 2002-03):
1. Jalen Terry 4 2024-25
T2. Tyson Acuff 2 2022-23
T2. Emoni Bates 2 2022-23
T2. Elijah Minnie 2 2018-19
T2. Willie Mangum 2 2016-17
MAC Players With 25 Points AND Six Three-Pointers in CONSECUTIVE Games (Since 2002-03):
MOH Michael Bramos 4 Dec. 3-13, 2008
EMU Jalen Terry 2 Nov. 14-16, 2024
OU Jordan Dartis 2 Nov. 24-30, 2019
CMU Marcus Keene 2 (x2) Dec. 3-6, 2016; Jan. 17-21, 2017
BSU Skip Mills 2 March 4-6, 2006
Terry was also the first Eagle since Carlos Medlock, Feb. 11-15, 2006, to knock down six three-pointers in back-to-back games.
8-7 IN THE MAC...?
Eastern Michigan, which sits at 7-7 in the MAC for the first time since the 2017-18 season, is seeking an 8-7 start in conference play against Bowling Green, Feb. 22. The 2017-18 team started 8-7 in MAC play.
EYEING THE MAC TOURNAMENT
Eastern Michigan, which has not qualified for the MAC Tournament since 2019, sits at 7-7 in conference play and is tied for sixth with Ball State in the MAC standings.
Eastern is expected to need at least one more MAC win to be in the field.
No. 8 in MAC Standings Wins by Year (last 10 shown):
Year Wins School
2023-24 8 Kent State
2022-23 6 Miami
2021-22 6 CMU/BGSU/NIU
2020-21 8 Ball St. (no tournament)
2019-20 8 Toledo/Ohio
2018-19 8 Akron/NIU
2017-18 7 BGSU/Ohio/CMU
2016-17 7 EMU/BGSU/NIU
2015-16 9 EMU/NIU
2014-15 8 EMU/Miami/NIU
Data Since 1997-98 (first season with 12 MAC teams)
Average MAC Wins by No. 8 Seed: 7.52
Highest MAC Wins Needed: 10 (2004-05)
Lowest MAC Wins Needed: 6 (4x, last 2022-23)
MAC SCORING LEADERS
Senior Jalen Terry ranks second in the MAC in scoring at 16.8 points per game while Da'Sean Nelson ranks third at 16.4 points per game.
MAC Points Per Game Leaders (overall):
1. Quentin Jones (NIU) 17.3
2. Jalen Terry (EMU) 16.8
3. Da'Sean Nelson (EMU) 16.4
4. Marcus Johnson (BGSU) 16.4
During conference play, Nelson ranks second in scoring at 17.7 points per game. Adding in senior Terry's 16.6 points per game during MAC play, Eastern is the only team in the MAC with two players in the top-eight.
MAC Points Per Game Leaders (conference only):
1. Uginus Jarusevicius (CMU) 19.0
2. Da'Sean Nelson (EMU) 17.8
3. Quentin Jones (NIU) 17.5
4. Jalen Terry (EMU) 17.4
5. Jalen Sullinger (Kent St.) 16.9
HENRY IMPROVING AT THE FREE THROW LINE
Junior Christian Henry has made 38 of his last 47 free throws (80.9%) after making just 49 of his first 82 attempts (59.8%) this season.
In total, Henry is 87-for-129 (67.4%) from the charity stripe.
NELSON/TERRY 1,000 CAREER POINTS
DePaul transfers Da'Sean Nelson and Jalen Terry both reached 1,000 career points during the 2024-25 season as Nelson passed the mark against Toledo, Feb. 15, while Terry's 24-point effort against Miami, Feb. 18, vaulted him past the plateau.
Nelson has 1,055 career points (427 at EMU, 628 at DePaul) and Terry has 1,047 career points (436 at EMU, 554 at DePaul, 57 at Oregon).
BILLINGSLEY + NELSON SHOOTING PERCENTAGES
Senior Jalin Billingsley ranks fifth in the MAC in field goal percentage, shooting 112-for-204 (.549) while senior Da'Sean Nelson is 12th in the MAC at 147-for-296 (.497).
Billingsley had 17-straight games with multiple made field goals prior to going 1-for-4 from the floor at NIU, Feb. 22.
DA'SEAN NELSON GETS FOULED A LOT
Senior Da'Sean Nelson has been fouled 165 times in 26 games played (6.3 fouls per game). During MAC play, Nelson has accumulated 96 fouls drawn in 14 games (6.9 fouls per game).
Nelson has drawn at least eight fouls in 11 games this season, all of which have come in the last 20 games.
Eastern Michigan Leaders in Fouls Drawn:
Player Total Average
Da'Sean Nelson 165 6.4
Christian Henry 117 4.3
Jalen Terry 67 2.6
Jalin Billingsley 65 2.4
ONE OF TWO SCHOOLS WITH 32+ POINTS (x3)
With senior Jalen Terry's 38 points against Toledo, Feb. 15, senior Da'Sean Nelson's 32 points against Northern Illinois, Jan. 4, and senior Jalin Billingsley's 32 points against Siena Heights, Nov. 8, Eastern Michigan and Texas are the only two schools in the nation with at least three different players reaching 32 points this season.
Different Players Scoring 32+ Points:
T1. Eastern Michigan 3
Texas 3
In total, 177 different players have a 32-point performance this season.
Adding in junior Christian Henry's 28-point showing against Detroit Mercy, Nov. 30, Eastern Michigan is one of nine teams in the nation with at least four different players reaching 28 points this season. Austin Peay leads the nation with five different players achieving the mark.
Different Players Scoring 28+ Points:
1. Austin Peay 5
T2. Eastern Michigan 4
Bellarmine 4
Oklahoma 4
Missouri 4
New Orleans 4
Portland 4
Prairie View A&M 4
San Jose State 4
In total, 480 different players have a 28-point performance this season.
SUCCESS IN CLOSE GAMES
After the Eagles won, 79-76, at Northern Illinois, Feb. 22, Eastern moved to 7-2 in games decided by four points or less. Eastern's seven wins by four or fewer is tied for the fifth-most in the nation. The trend has continued from the 2023-24 season when the Eagles were 8-3 in games decided by four points or less.
National Leaders in Wins by Four Points or Less:
T1. Michigan 9
Princeton 9
UC-Riverside 9
4. Marist 8
T5. Eastern Michigan 7
eight other schools 7
TWO EAGLES AVERAGING 16 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 2.5 APG
Eastern is the only team in the nation to have multiple players averaging at least 16.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.0 steals.
Senior Da'Sean Nelson is averaging 16.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.0 steals while senior Jalen Terry is averaging 16.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.6 steals.
In total, 34 different players nationally are averaging 16 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.0 steals.
Nelson is one of just five players nationally to average at least 16.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.0 blocks, and shoot at least 50.0% from the floor. Nelson averages 1.1 blocks and is shooting 50.5%, is joined by Duke's Cooper Flagg, NIU's Quentin Jones, Northwestern's Brook Barnhizer, and UAB's Yaxel Lendeborg on the list.
Terry is one of 14 players nationally to average at least 16.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.5 steals. Terry is the only MAC player on the list of 14 players, which also includes former Eagle Orlando Lovejoy.
THREE EAGLES AVERAGING 14+ POINTS
Eastern has three players averaging 14.0 points for the first time since 2015-16 and four players averaging 10.0 points for the first time since 2017-18.
Player PPG 2024-25
Jalen Terry 16.8
Da'Sean Nelson 16.4
Christian Henry 14.2
Jalin Billingsley 10.5
Player PPG 2015-16
Elijah Minnie 16.8
Paul Jackson 14.9
James Thompson 14.5
Player PPG 2017-18
Ray Lee 15.1
Elijah Minnie 14.8
Willie Mangum 12.0
Ty Toney 11.0
TWO EAGLES AVERAGING 3.0+ ASSISTS
Eastern has two players averaging 3.0 assists for the first time since 2017-18.
Player APG 2024-25
Christian Henry 3.5
Jalen Terry 3.0
Player APG 2017-18
Paul Jackson 4.6
Tim Bond 3.5
SECOND-HALF SCORING
Eastern is averaging 39.6 points in the second half while averaging 33.1 points in the first half.
In EMU's 27 games, the Eagles have scored more points in the second half than the first in 19 games.
Nine of the Eagles' 12 top half totals have come in the second half.
Date Against Half Total (Half)
Dec. 21 Wright State 59 (2nd)
Jan. 7 Toledo 54 (2nd)
Nov. 30 Detroit Mercy 52 (2nd)
Jan. 21 Ohio 50 (1st)
Jan. 25 Buffalo 48 (2nd)
Feb. 8 Old Dominion 47 (2nd)
Nov. 14 IU Indy 45 (1st)
Jan. 21 Ohio 44 (2nd)
Nov. 8 Siena Heights 43 (2nd)
Dec. 28 Davidson 43 (2nd)
Jan. 11 Akron 43 (2nd)
Feb. 15 Toledo 43 (2nd)
JALEN TERRY MAC MINUTES LEADER
Senior Jalen Terry leads the MAC in minutes, averaging 37.2 minutes per game.
National Minutes Leaders:
1. Bennett Stiritz (Drake) 38.9
2. Mitch Macari (Drake) 37.9
3. Nicholas Martinelli (NW) 37.6
4. Gibson Jimerson (SLU) 37.5
5. Jalen Terry (EMU) 37.2
With former Eagle Tyson Acuff ranking fourth in the nation in minutes per game at 37.9 in 2023-24, if Terry can remain in the top six, EMU would be the first school since Stony Brook (2021-23) to have different players rank inside the top six in minutes nationally in different seasons.
DA'SEAN NELSON MAC POTW (x3)
Senior Da'Sean Nelson, who was named MAC Player of the Week Dec. 2 and Dec. 23, won his third conference weekly honor of the season after an impressive 32-point, nine-rebound showing against Northern Illinois, Jan. 4.
By earning the recognition for the third time, Nelson is the first player in the MAC to accomplish that feat since former Akron Zip and current Indiana Pacer Enrique Freeman earned the honor eight times in 2023-24.
BELOW THE CENTURY MARK
In 383 games at the George Gervin GameAbove Center since opening in 1998-99, only two teams have reached 100 points against the Eagles as 2022-23 Florida Atlantic, which reached the 2023 Final Four, scored 101 at EMU, Dec. 4, 2022. The second team was Akron, Jan. 11, 2025, in a 105-81 EMU loss.
Top Point Totals by Foes at the George Gervin GameAbove Center:
Date School Points
Jan. 11, 2025 Akron 105
Dec. 4, 2022 Florida Atlantic 101
Dec. 15, 2024 Purdue Fort Wayne 99
Nov. 30, 2024 Detroit Mercy 98
Nov. 12, 2023 Illinois State 98
THR33-POINT STR3AK, 640-STRAIGHT GAM3S
Eastern, which hit nine threes against Northern Illinois, Feb. 22 has now hit at least one triple in 640-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 MICHIGAN HAS FOUR ROAD WINS
Eastern has accumulated four road wins in the 2024-25 season, which matches its total from last season. If the Eagles can secure another road win this season, it would mark their first time reaching five road wins in one season since tallying seven in the 2017-18 campaign.
EASTERN MICHIGAN ROAD CLOSURE
Eastern Michigan will close the season at Ohio, March 4, and at Kent State, March 7.
The 2024-25 season will mark the third-straight year in which the Eagles' final two regular season games are on the road while EMU will play its last regular season competition away from home for the eighth-straight season. Eastern's last two regular season contests have been road games five of the last seven years.
2024-25 PRESEASON ALL-MAC TEAMS
First Team
Payton Sparks, Senior, Center, Ball State
Anthony Pritchard, Senior, Guard, Central Michigan
VonCameron Davis, R-Senior, Forward, Kent State
AJ Clayton, Senior, Forward, Ohio
Javan Simmons, Sophomore, Forward, Toledo
Second Team
Isaiah Gray, Senior, Guard, Akron
Jalen Sullinger, Senior, Guard, Kent State
Shereef Mitchell, Graduate Student, Guard, Ohio
AJ Brown, R-Sophomore, Guard, Ohio
Isaiah Adams, Fifth Year, Guard, Toledo
PRESEASON PICKED NINTH
After finishing 10th in 2023-24, EMU was picked ninth in the MAC preseason coaches' poll.
2024-25 MAC Men's Basketball Preseason Coaches' Poll
(First Place Votes)
1. Ohio (11) – 121
2. Akron (1) – 106
3. Kent State – 99
4. Toledo – 95
5. Bowling Green – 73
6. Miami – 72
7. Ball State – 67
8. Central Michigan – 55
9. Eastern Michigan – 36
10. Western Michigan – 33
11. Northern Illinois – 24
12. Buffalo – 11
Tournament Champion: Ohio (8), Kent State (3), Toledo (1)
The six Ohio schools made up the top six while the bottom six is filled with the rest of the MAC schools.
NEW FOE, WHO DIS?
The Eagles added competition against three first-time opponents this season; they faced off against Texas State, Nov. 4 (L, 44-64), Houston Christian, Nov. 25 (W, 74-73), and Wright State, Dec. 21 (W, 86-82).
WHO'S BACK??
EMU returns four players from its 2023-24 roster including seniors Jalin Billingsley, Yusuf Jihad, and Micah Schnyders, as well as sophomore Arne Osojnik.
WHO'S GONE??
EMU lost 10 players from its 2023-24 game one roster including Tyson Acuff (Rutgers), Orlando Lovejoy (Detroit Mercy), Legend Geeter (Detroit Mercy), Conner Serven (Virginia Tech), Cyril Martynov (Eastern Kentucky), Julius Ellerbe (Coppin State), John McGriff (transfer portal - no destination), Javantae Randle (Central State), Prakash Ketterhagen (Lourdes), and Andrew Wells (graduation). The Eagles also lost Director of Operations LaMonta Stone (Assistant Coach - Detroit Mercy) and Graduate Assistant Nick Madray (graduation --> Utah Jazz).
WHAT'S GONE??
EMU lost 1,332 of its 2,047 points (65.07%) from the 2023-24 season, most notably leading scorer Tyson Acuff, who averaged 21.7 ppg (8th in the nation) on 43/29/81 shooting splits and transferred to Rutgers.
FRESH FACES
EMU added 11 newcomers to its 2024-25 roster including seniors Jalen Terry (DePaul), Da'Sean Nelson (DePaul), John Shanu II (UTRGV), and Cooper Smith (Michigan), juniors Christian Henry (Panola College), Julian Lewis (Miami), and Trey Pettigrew (Salt Lake CC), and freshmen Mario Brunetto (Classical Gymnasium), Mbaye N'Diaye (SEED Academy), Godslove Nwabude (Zion Prep), and Dillon Tingler (Huntington Prep).
STAYING HOME
Eastern Michigan has just four players (Yusuf Jihad, Farmington Hills; Jalen Terry, Flint; Cooper Smith, Mio; and Julian Lewis, Ypsilanti) from the Mitten State on its 2024-25 roster, EMU's fewest since 2020-21 (four).
INTERNATIONAL INFLUX
International student-athlete representation doubled on the Eagles 15-player roster this season, as they added three true freshmen from Senegal (Mbaye N'Diaye), Nigeria (Godslove Nwabude), and Italy (Mario Brunetto), respectively. The trio joins sophomore Arne Osojnik who represented Slovenia twice as a member of the U18 national team at the Euro Championships. A complete breakdown of the EMU roster can be found on page 11.
Most international true freshmen in the nation:
1. Buffalo - 6
2. Florida Atlantic - 5
t3. Eastern Michigan - 3
Manhattan - 3
Oregon State - 3
San Francisco - 3
Seattle - 3
UT-Martin - 3
Weber State - 3
Most African true freshmen in the nation:
t1. Eastern Michigan - 2
Seton Hall - 2
Osojnik is one of five players from Slovenia in the country.
Slovenian MBB Players at NCAA Division I:
Arne Osojnik - Eastern Michigan
Klemen Vuga - UAPB
Urban Klavzar - Florida
Jan Vide - LMU (Calif.)
Sasa Ciani - UIC
Brunetto is one of 17 Italians players while N'Diaye is one of 32 Senegalese players and Nwabude is one of 38 Nigerian players.
EMONI BATES NBA + G-LEAGUE
Former Eagle Emoni Bates was named a G-League All-Star with the Cleveland Charge in 2023-24, averaging 24.8 ppg. Bates also appeared in 15 games with the Cavaliers during the 2023-24 season. He underwent surgery in October 2024 to repair a torn meniscus, but returned to G-League action, Dec. 15, 2024, with 10 points and five rebounds. By Feb. 13, 2025, Bates had returned to form, dropping 30 points, six rebounds, and five assists.
NEXT UP
Eastern Michigan hosts Central Michigan Friday, Feb. 28, at 6 p.m. inside the George Gervin GameAbove Center as the teams will play on CBS Sports Network, Eastern's first home national TV game since 2018.
FOLLOW US
For the most up-to-date information on the Eagles, visit EMUEagles.com. Fans can also follow the team on social media, including Twitter (@EMU_MBB) and Instagram (@EMUMBB).
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/ Men's BasketballBen Braun Video at MAC Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
Friday, May 30
Ben Braun at MAC Hall of Fame Induction
Friday, May 30
Charles E. Ramsey - MAC Hall of Fame Induction of Ben Braun
Friday, May 30
Jack Brusewitz - MAC Hall of Fame Induction of Ben Braun
Friday, May 30