Eastern Michigan Athletics
Friday, February 28
Ypsilanti, Mich.
6 p.m.
Eastern Michigan University
vs
Central Michigan
Eastern Battling Central Michigan on National Stage Friday Night
2/26/2025 6:10:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Eagles, Chippewas playing on CBSSN Friday at 6 p.m.
| Men's Basketball vs. Central Michigan | |
| Date | Friday, Feb. 28, at 6 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) -- In a pivotal Mid-American Conference game, the Eastern Michigan University men's basketball team will battle in-state rival Central Michigan University Friday, Feb. 28, at 6 p.m. inside the George Gervin GameAbove Center. The Eagles hold a one-game lead over the Chippewas in the MAC standings as the game could prove to be crucial for both teams' aspirations in the qualification for the upcoming MAC Tournament. Click here to purchase tickets.
ON AIR
Eastern Michigan and Central Michigan will air on CBS Sports Network from the George Gervin GameAbove Center with Dave Ryan and Noah Buono on the call. Tom Helmer and John Motherwell 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 trailed by 16 at halftime against Bowling Green, Feb. 25, but ultimately fell, 65-60. The Eagles used a 20-2 run over a 10:03 span to tie the game at 36-36 but never led in the contest.
»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.
»Prior to the BGSU game, Feb. 25, 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.
»Senior Jalen Terry ranks second in the MAC at 16.7 points per game Da'Sean Nelson ranks third with 16.1 points per game.
»The Eagles, which sit at 7-8 in the MAC for the first time since the 2018-19 season, are seeking an 8-8 start in conference play against CMU, Feb. 28, 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 45-76 record at EMU and a 254-283 record over 17 years as a collegiate head coach.
ALL TIME SERIES VS. CENTRAL MICHIGAN
Eastern Michigan and Central Michigan will meet for the 208th time as CMU leads the all-time series, 107-101. EMU has played CMU more than any other opponent. The Eagles hold a 60-46 advantage at home.
The Eagles dropped the most recent meeting between the teams, 82-63, Jan. 14, in Mount Pleasant. EMU turned the ball over 11 times in the first 11:07 and were led by 15 points from senior Da'Sean Nelson.
Eastern, which has lost three-straight games to the Chippewas, is seeking its first win over CMU since Jan. 7, 2023, a 62-56 win in Ypsilanti.
The Eagles, which were blitzed by the hot-shooting Chippewas in Ypsilanti, 80-64, Jan. 9, 2024, have not lost back-to-back home games against CMU since Jan. 20, 2001, and Jan. 19, 2002.
20-2 RUN AGAINST BGSU
Against Bowling Green, Feb. 25, the Eagles used a 20-2 run from the 3:59 mark in the first half to the 12:55 mark in the second half to come even at 36-36 after trailing 35-19 at the intermission.
COLD SHOOTING AGAINST BGSU
Against Bowling Green, Feb. 25, the Eagles shot a lackluster 8-of-34 (23.5%) from the floor in the opening half, which included a stretch of one make over 17 shots. Eastern missed its first 14 attempts from three-point range.
ARNE OSOJNIK AGAINST BGSU
Sophomore Arne Osojnik registered seven points, 10 rebounds, a career-high five assists, three steals, and one block against Bowling Green, Feb. 25.
Osojnik is the only player in the MAC this season to record that stat line or better and the first Eagle to have at least those numbers since at least the 2001-02 season. Prior to Osojnik, the last MAC player to record at least seven points, 10 rebounds, five assists, three steals, and one block was Northern Illinois' Anthony Crump, Feb. 18, 2023, who registered 17 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, four steals, one block.
Tuesday's game marks his second career game with double-digit boards. Osojnik scored 16 points with 11 rebounds for his first career double-double at Bowling Green, Jan. 18.
EMU SHOT 36 FREE THROWS AT NIU, FOUR VS. BGSU
Against BGSU, Feb. 25, the Eagles reached the free throw line just four times, converting twice, after reaching the line 36 times in their most recent game at Northern Illinois, Feb. 22. The four shots from the charity stripe are the lowest this season, six shy of the 10 attempts against Toledo, Feb. 15. Eastern's four free throws are its fewest since going 2-of-3 from the line against Miami, March 2, 2024.
EMU ON NATIONAL TELEVISION
EMU last played on national TV at the University of Michigan, Dec. 16, 2023. The Eagles have not hosted a nationally-televised contest since battling 20th-ranked University at Buffalo, Jan. 4, 2018.
FORMER CMU HEAD COACH JAY SMITH
Eastern Michigan Assistant Coach Jay Smith is set to face Central Michigan, Feb. 28, as well as his son EMU senior Cooper Smith.
Smith was Head Coach of Central Michigan from 1997-2006. His time at the helm of the program was highlighted by 2001 and 2003 MAC Championships.
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.
JALEN TERRY LAST FOUR/FIVE GAMES
Prior to his 6-of-17, 14-point effort against BGSU, Feb. 25, senior Jalen Terry was on a tear the previous four games, helping Eastern to a 3-1 mark in that span.
In the four contests before the BGSU game, Feb. 25, Terry 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 14-point game against the Falcons, Feb. 25, Terry ranks fourth 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. Barry Dunning Jr. (So. Alabama) 26.8
3.Quimari Peterson (ETSU) 26.0
4. Jalen Terry (EMU) 25.8
Terry's complete game-by-game breakdown can be found on page 26.
DA'SEAN NELSON BLOCKS IN 12-OF-13 GAMES
Senior Da'Sean Nelson, who blocked one shot against BGSU, Feb. 25, has at least one block in 12 of the last 13 games.
Nelson has 24 blocks during the 13-game stretch (1.9 per game) and multiple blocks in six of those games.
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 14-14 8-5 5-9 1-0
JALEN TERRY MAC POTW BACK-TO-BACK
Senior Jalen Terry averaged 26.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 2.5 steals, and 1.0 blocks in the two games. Terry was 9-of-18 (50.0%) from three-point range to earn the honor for the second-straight week.
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.
8-8 IN THE MAC...?
Eastern Michigan, which sits at 7-8 in the MAC for the first time since the 2017-18 season, is seeking an 8-8 start in conference play against Central Michigan, Feb. 28. The 2017-18 team started 9-7 in MAC play.
EYEING THE MAC TOURNAMENT
Eastern Michigan, which has not qualified for the MAC Tournament since 2019, sits at 7-8 in conference play and is tied for sixth with Ball State and Western Michigan in the MAC standings.
Eastern is expected to need at least one more MAC win to be in the field.
If Eastern is _____ in its last three games:
»3-0: clinches bid, could be seeded anywhere from 3-8 with No. 4 seed most likely.
»2-1: 99% chance of qualifying, could be seeded anywhere from 4-8 with No. 7 seed most likely.
»1-2: 33% chance of qualifying, could be seeded anywhere from 6-8 with No. 8 seed most likely.
»0-3: would not qualify
*percentages per PlayoffStatus.com
IMPORTANCE OF CENTRAL MICHIGAN GAME
Eastern Michigan's game against Central Michigan, Feb. 28, could be a de facto play-in game for the MAC Tournament with challenging road games at Ohio, March 4, and Kent State, March 7, looming for the Eagles.
Eastern, which currently has a 51% chance of qualifying for the conference tournament, would jump up to a 77% chance with a win over the Chippewas. Conversely, a loss would see EMU's odds drop to 18%. Eastern, which already will lose head-to-head tiebreakers with Western Michigan and Ball State, would also lose the tiebreaker with CMU with a loss. Because of EMU's win over Miami, Feb. 18, the Eagles would be expected to win a head-to-head tiebreaker over CMU with a win, Feb. 28.
For CMU, which has a 59% of making the MAC Tournament, would jump to 89% with a win and 37% with a loss.
*percentages per PlayoffStatus.com
MAC TOURNAMENT NO. 8 HISTORY
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 16.7 points per game while Da'Sean Nelson ranks third at 16.1 points per game.
MAC Points Per Game Leaders (overall):
1.Quentin Jones (NIU) 16.8
2. Jalen Terry (EMU) 16.7
3.Da'Sean Nelson (EMU) 16.1
4.Jermahri Hill (Ball St.) 16.1
5.Uginus Jarusevicius (CMU)16.0
With former Eagle Tyson Acuff leading the MAC in scoring at 21.7 points per game in the 2023-24 season, Eastern would be the first school to have the conference scoring champ in back-to-back seasons since Western Michigan's David Kool led the league in scoring in both 2008-09 (17.9 ppg) and 2009-10 (21.6 ppg). The Eagles would be the first team with different players leading the conference in scoring in back-to-back seasons since Ball State had Keith McLeod (2001-02; 21.9 ppg) and Chris Wiliams (2002-03; 24.5 ppg).
Furthemore, if both Terry and Nelson can stay in the top five, the duo would be the first MAC duo to both rank in the conference's top-five in scoring since CMU's Marcus Keene (30.0 ppg; 1st) and Braylon Rayson (21.2 ppg; 2nd) in the 2016-17 season.
During conference play, Terry averages 17.2 points to rank third and Nelson averages 17.1 points to rank fourth. Eastern is the only team in the MAC with two players in the top-seven.
MAC Points Per Game Leaders (conference only):
1.Uginus Jarusevicius (CMU) 18.6
2.Chansey Willis Jr. (WMU) 17.5
3. Jalen Terry (EMU) 17.2
4. Da'Sean Nelson (EMU) 17.1
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.
BILLINGSLEY SHOOTING PERCENTAGE
Senior Jalin Billingsley ranks fifth in the MAC in field goal percentage, shooting 118-for-210 (.562).
Billingsley had 17-straight games with multiple made field goals prior to going 1-for-4 from the floor at NIU, Feb. 22. He responded with a 6-for-6 showing against BGSU, Feb. 25.
DA'SEAN NELSON GETS FOULED A LOT
Senior Da'Sean Nelson has been fouled 168 times in 27 games played (6.2 fouls per game). During MAC play, Nelson has accumulated 99 fouls drawn in 15 games (6.6 fouls per game).
Nelson has drawn at least eight fouls in 11 games this season, all of which have come in the last 21 games.
Eastern Michigan Leaders in Fouls Drawn:
Player Total Average
Da'Sean Nelson 168 6.2
Christian Henry 119 4.3
Jalen Terry 68 2.5
Jalin Billingsley 67 2.4
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.
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, 181 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, 486 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:
UC-Riverside 9
4. Marist 8
T5. Eastern Michigan 7
nine other schools 7
TWO EAGLES AVERAGING 16 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 2.0 APG
Eastern and South Illinois are the only teams in the nation to have multiple players averaging at least 16.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.0 steals. Upping the criteria to either 4.8 rebounds or 2.1 assists would make EMU the only team in the nation with a duo to achieve those numbers.
Senior Da'Sean Nelson is averaging 16.1 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.0 steals while senior Jalen Terry is averaging 16.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.6 steals.
In total, 49 different players nationally are averaging 16 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.0 steals.
Nelson is one of just six players nationally to average at least 16.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.0 blocks. Nelson averages 1.1 blocks and is joined by Duke's Cooper Flagg, Kansas' Hunter Dickinson, NIU's Quentin Jones, Northwestern's Brook Barnhizer, and UAB's Yaxel Lendeborg on the list.
Terry is one of 15 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 16.7
Da'Sean Nelson 16.1
Christian Henry 14.0
Jalin Billingsley 10.6
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 32.6 points in the first half.
In EMU's 28 games, the Eagles have scored more points in the second half than the first in 20 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 37.3 minutes per game.
National Minutes Leaders:
1. Bennett Stiritz (Drake) 39.1
2.Mitch Macari (Drake) 38.0
4. Gibson Jimerson (SLU) 37.5
3. Nicholas Martinelli (NW) 37.4
5. Jalen Terry (EMU) 37.3
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 384 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, 641-STRAIGHT GAM3S
Eastern, which hit six threes against BGSU, Feb. 25 has now hit at least one triple in 641-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.
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.
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 travels to Ohio for a game Tuesday, March 4, at 7 p.m. in a pivotal MAC game.
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 Central Michigan will air on CBS Sports Network from the George Gervin GameAbove Center with Dave Ryan and Noah Buono on the call. Tom Helmer and John Motherwell 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 trailed by 16 at halftime against Bowling Green, Feb. 25, but ultimately fell, 65-60. The Eagles used a 20-2 run over a 10:03 span to tie the game at 36-36 but never led in the contest.
»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.
»Prior to the BGSU game, Feb. 25, 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.
»Senior Jalen Terry ranks second in the MAC at 16.7 points per game Da'Sean Nelson ranks third with 16.1 points per game.
»The Eagles, which sit at 7-8 in the MAC for the first time since the 2018-19 season, are seeking an 8-8 start in conference play against CMU, Feb. 28, 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 45-76 record at EMU and a 254-283 record over 17 years as a collegiate head coach.
ALL TIME SERIES VS. CENTRAL MICHIGAN
Eastern Michigan and Central Michigan will meet for the 208th time as CMU leads the all-time series, 107-101. EMU has played CMU more than any other opponent. The Eagles hold a 60-46 advantage at home.
The Eagles dropped the most recent meeting between the teams, 82-63, Jan. 14, in Mount Pleasant. EMU turned the ball over 11 times in the first 11:07 and were led by 15 points from senior Da'Sean Nelson.
Eastern, which has lost three-straight games to the Chippewas, is seeking its first win over CMU since Jan. 7, 2023, a 62-56 win in Ypsilanti.
The Eagles, which were blitzed by the hot-shooting Chippewas in Ypsilanti, 80-64, Jan. 9, 2024, have not lost back-to-back home games against CMU since Jan. 20, 2001, and Jan. 19, 2002.
20-2 RUN AGAINST BGSU
Against Bowling Green, Feb. 25, the Eagles used a 20-2 run from the 3:59 mark in the first half to the 12:55 mark in the second half to come even at 36-36 after trailing 35-19 at the intermission.
COLD SHOOTING AGAINST BGSU
Against Bowling Green, Feb. 25, the Eagles shot a lackluster 8-of-34 (23.5%) from the floor in the opening half, which included a stretch of one make over 17 shots. Eastern missed its first 14 attempts from three-point range.
ARNE OSOJNIK AGAINST BGSU
Sophomore Arne Osojnik registered seven points, 10 rebounds, a career-high five assists, three steals, and one block against Bowling Green, Feb. 25.
Osojnik is the only player in the MAC this season to record that stat line or better and the first Eagle to have at least those numbers since at least the 2001-02 season. Prior to Osojnik, the last MAC player to record at least seven points, 10 rebounds, five assists, three steals, and one block was Northern Illinois' Anthony Crump, Feb. 18, 2023, who registered 17 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, four steals, one block.
Tuesday's game marks his second career game with double-digit boards. Osojnik scored 16 points with 11 rebounds for his first career double-double at Bowling Green, Jan. 18.
EMU SHOT 36 FREE THROWS AT NIU, FOUR VS. BGSU
Against BGSU, Feb. 25, the Eagles reached the free throw line just four times, converting twice, after reaching the line 36 times in their most recent game at Northern Illinois, Feb. 22. The four shots from the charity stripe are the lowest this season, six shy of the 10 attempts against Toledo, Feb. 15. Eastern's four free throws are its fewest since going 2-of-3 from the line against Miami, March 2, 2024.
EMU ON NATIONAL TELEVISION
EMU last played on national TV at the University of Michigan, Dec. 16, 2023. The Eagles have not hosted a nationally-televised contest since battling 20th-ranked University at Buffalo, Jan. 4, 2018.
FORMER CMU HEAD COACH JAY SMITH
Eastern Michigan Assistant Coach Jay Smith is set to face Central Michigan, Feb. 28, as well as his son EMU senior Cooper Smith.
Smith was Head Coach of Central Michigan from 1997-2006. His time at the helm of the program was highlighted by 2001 and 2003 MAC Championships.
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.
JALEN TERRY LAST FOUR/FIVE GAMES
Prior to his 6-of-17, 14-point effort against BGSU, Feb. 25, senior Jalen Terry was on a tear the previous four games, helping Eastern to a 3-1 mark in that span.
In the four contests before the BGSU game, Feb. 25, Terry 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 14-point game against the Falcons, Feb. 25, Terry ranks fourth 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. Barry Dunning Jr. (So. Alabama) 26.8
3.Quimari Peterson (ETSU) 26.0
4. Jalen Terry (EMU) 25.8
Terry's complete game-by-game breakdown can be found on page 26.
DA'SEAN NELSON BLOCKS IN 12-OF-13 GAMES
Senior Da'Sean Nelson, who blocked one shot against BGSU, Feb. 25, has at least one block in 12 of the last 13 games.
Nelson has 24 blocks during the 13-game stretch (1.9 per game) and multiple blocks in six of those games.
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 14-14 8-5 5-9 1-0
JALEN TERRY MAC POTW BACK-TO-BACK
Senior Jalen Terry averaged 26.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 2.5 steals, and 1.0 blocks in the two games. Terry was 9-of-18 (50.0%) from three-point range to earn the honor for the second-straight week.
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.
8-8 IN THE MAC...?
Eastern Michigan, which sits at 7-8 in the MAC for the first time since the 2017-18 season, is seeking an 8-8 start in conference play against Central Michigan, Feb. 28. The 2017-18 team started 9-7 in MAC play.
EYEING THE MAC TOURNAMENT
Eastern Michigan, which has not qualified for the MAC Tournament since 2019, sits at 7-8 in conference play and is tied for sixth with Ball State and Western Michigan in the MAC standings.
Eastern is expected to need at least one more MAC win to be in the field.
If Eastern is _____ in its last three games:
»3-0: clinches bid, could be seeded anywhere from 3-8 with No. 4 seed most likely.
»2-1: 99% chance of qualifying, could be seeded anywhere from 4-8 with No. 7 seed most likely.
»1-2: 33% chance of qualifying, could be seeded anywhere from 6-8 with No. 8 seed most likely.
»0-3: would not qualify
*percentages per PlayoffStatus.com
IMPORTANCE OF CENTRAL MICHIGAN GAME
Eastern Michigan's game against Central Michigan, Feb. 28, could be a de facto play-in game for the MAC Tournament with challenging road games at Ohio, March 4, and Kent State, March 7, looming for the Eagles.
Eastern, which currently has a 51% chance of qualifying for the conference tournament, would jump up to a 77% chance with a win over the Chippewas. Conversely, a loss would see EMU's odds drop to 18%. Eastern, which already will lose head-to-head tiebreakers with Western Michigan and Ball State, would also lose the tiebreaker with CMU with a loss. Because of EMU's win over Miami, Feb. 18, the Eagles would be expected to win a head-to-head tiebreaker over CMU with a win, Feb. 28.
For CMU, which has a 59% of making the MAC Tournament, would jump to 89% with a win and 37% with a loss.
*percentages per PlayoffStatus.com
MAC TOURNAMENT NO. 8 HISTORY
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 16.7 points per game while Da'Sean Nelson ranks third at 16.1 points per game.
MAC Points Per Game Leaders (overall):
1.Quentin Jones (NIU) 16.8
2. Jalen Terry (EMU) 16.7
3.Da'Sean Nelson (EMU) 16.1
4.Jermahri Hill (Ball St.) 16.1
5.Uginus Jarusevicius (CMU)16.0
With former Eagle Tyson Acuff leading the MAC in scoring at 21.7 points per game in the 2023-24 season, Eastern would be the first school to have the conference scoring champ in back-to-back seasons since Western Michigan's David Kool led the league in scoring in both 2008-09 (17.9 ppg) and 2009-10 (21.6 ppg). The Eagles would be the first team with different players leading the conference in scoring in back-to-back seasons since Ball State had Keith McLeod (2001-02; 21.9 ppg) and Chris Wiliams (2002-03; 24.5 ppg).
Furthemore, if both Terry and Nelson can stay in the top five, the duo would be the first MAC duo to both rank in the conference's top-five in scoring since CMU's Marcus Keene (30.0 ppg; 1st) and Braylon Rayson (21.2 ppg; 2nd) in the 2016-17 season.
During conference play, Terry averages 17.2 points to rank third and Nelson averages 17.1 points to rank fourth. Eastern is the only team in the MAC with two players in the top-seven.
MAC Points Per Game Leaders (conference only):
1.Uginus Jarusevicius (CMU) 18.6
2.Chansey Willis Jr. (WMU) 17.5
3. Jalen Terry (EMU) 17.2
4. Da'Sean Nelson (EMU) 17.1
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.
BILLINGSLEY SHOOTING PERCENTAGE
Senior Jalin Billingsley ranks fifth in the MAC in field goal percentage, shooting 118-for-210 (.562).
Billingsley had 17-straight games with multiple made field goals prior to going 1-for-4 from the floor at NIU, Feb. 22. He responded with a 6-for-6 showing against BGSU, Feb. 25.
DA'SEAN NELSON GETS FOULED A LOT
Senior Da'Sean Nelson has been fouled 168 times in 27 games played (6.2 fouls per game). During MAC play, Nelson has accumulated 99 fouls drawn in 15 games (6.6 fouls per game).
Nelson has drawn at least eight fouls in 11 games this season, all of which have come in the last 21 games.
Eastern Michigan Leaders in Fouls Drawn:
Player Total Average
Da'Sean Nelson 168 6.2
Christian Henry 119 4.3
Jalen Terry 68 2.5
Jalin Billingsley 67 2.4
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.
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, 181 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, 486 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:
- Michigan 10
UC-Riverside 9
4. Marist 8
T5. Eastern Michigan 7
nine other schools 7
TWO EAGLES AVERAGING 16 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 2.0 APG
Eastern and South Illinois are the only teams in the nation to have multiple players averaging at least 16.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.0 steals. Upping the criteria to either 4.8 rebounds or 2.1 assists would make EMU the only team in the nation with a duo to achieve those numbers.
Senior Da'Sean Nelson is averaging 16.1 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.0 steals while senior Jalen Terry is averaging 16.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.6 steals.
In total, 49 different players nationally are averaging 16 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.0 steals.
Nelson is one of just six players nationally to average at least 16.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.0 blocks. Nelson averages 1.1 blocks and is joined by Duke's Cooper Flagg, Kansas' Hunter Dickinson, NIU's Quentin Jones, Northwestern's Brook Barnhizer, and UAB's Yaxel Lendeborg on the list.
Terry is one of 15 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 16.7
Da'Sean Nelson 16.1
Christian Henry 14.0
Jalin Billingsley 10.6
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 32.6 points in the first half.
In EMU's 28 games, the Eagles have scored more points in the second half than the first in 20 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 37.3 minutes per game.
National Minutes Leaders:
1. Bennett Stiritz (Drake) 39.1
2.Mitch Macari (Drake) 38.0
4. Gibson Jimerson (SLU) 37.5
3. Nicholas Martinelli (NW) 37.4
5. Jalen Terry (EMU) 37.3
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 384 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, 641-STRAIGHT GAM3S
Eastern, which hit six threes against BGSU, Feb. 25 has now hit at least one triple in 641-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.
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.
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 travels to Ohio for a game Tuesday, March 4, at 7 p.m. in a pivotal MAC game.
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