Women's Basketball Opens Two-Game Road Swing at Miami Wednesday

Women's Basketball at Miami
Dates/Times	Wednesday, Jan. 14 \| 7 p.m.
Venue	Millett Hall \| Oxford, Ohio
Preview Info	EMU Notes (PDF) \| Record Book
Watch Live	ESPN+
Live Stats	Sidearm Live Stats
Twitter	@EMUWBB \| @EMUAthletics
Instagram	@emuwbb \| @emuathletics

YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) -- The Eastern Michigan University women's basketball team begins a two-game road swing with a game at Miami University on Wednesday, Jan. 14, at 7 p.m., inside Millett Hall.

Fans can stream the game live on ESPN+ and live stats are available on EMUEagles.com, where a post-game recap will also be posted. Be sure to stay posted to EMU women's basketball social media @EMUWBB on X, @emuwbb on Instagram, and EMU Women's Basketball on Facebook.

QUICK NOTES
» Eastern is in the second year of the Head Coach Sahar Nusseibeh era. The Eagles surpassed their 2024-25 win total (two) just six games into the 2025-26 season, earning their third win over Robert Morris, 64-54, Nov. 26. EMU posted a 2-27 (1-17 MAC) record in 2024-25 and is currently 7-5 (1-1 MAC).
» Eastern has more than tripled its number of wins from the 2024-25 season (two) as it currently totals seven.
» Head Coach Sahar Nusseibeh previously spent two seasons (2019-21) as an assistant at Miami. During her tenure, three Miami players received all-conference honors, and she was mainly responsible for coordinating the team's defense.
» Eastern and Miami are meeting for the 71st time. EMU holds a 22-45 record against the RedHawks and a 12-21 mark when facing them in Oxford.
» Fernanda Ovalle has excelled in her last eight games, averaging 16.6 points off 47.1% shooting from the field and 32.6% from three-point range. She was previously averaging 7.7 points off 34.0% shooting.
» Senior Sisi Eleko was named Preseason All-MAC First Team after earning second-team honors following the 2024-25 regular season that saw her lead the MAC in double-doubles (14) and rebounds per game (10.1) while ranking second with 17.9 points per game.
» Eastern most recently came up short at home against Kent State, 78-65, on Jan. 10. Eastern was trailing by four at halftime before the Golden Flashes outscored EMU, 34-25, in the second half to secure their first MAC win of the season. Four Eagles scored in double figures.
» Eastern returns just Sisi Eleko and Brooklyn Thrash from the 2024-25 squad as it totals 13 newcomers, six of which came via the transfer portal.
» Eastern has nine international players on the roster, tying for the fourth-most in the nation and most in the MAC. Wagner has the most with 13.

NUSSEIBEH AT MIAMI
Head Coach Sahar Nusseibeh previously spent two seasons on the Miami staff from 2019-21. During her tenure, three Miami players received all-conference honors as Lauren Dickerson was named All-MAC Second Team, Savannah Kluesner was named All-MAC Third Team and Peyton Scott was named MAC All-Freshman Team. Dickerson became Miami's all-time leading scorer in addition to breaking five other Miami career records and one single-season record. Kluesner broke the program record for single-season double-doubles (14) and Miami's single-game block record (7).
As the defensive coordinator, Nusseibeh was responsible for developing and implementing all aspects of team and individual defensive concepts. She also worked on game planning the team's defensive strategies and oversaw all defensive play calls and in-game adjustments during timeouts and in-game action.

A NEW STARTING FIVE
EMU started Brooklyn Thrash, Fernanda Ovalle, Ainhoa Cea, Believe Tshibangu, and Peyton Hill, against the Golden Flashes, on Jan. 10, marking just the second starting five variation for the Eagles this season. EMU was previously one of 14 known schools to start the same five every game this season.

FACING LESS EXPERIENCED COACH
Miami represents one of 12 teams where the opposing head coach has less Division I experience than Head Coach Sahar Nusseibeh. Thus far this season, Nusseibeh is 5-1 against head coaches with less experience, with the only loss coming in the season opener at Louisiana Monroe, on Nov. 3, an 80-71 loss for EMU. Her most recent win under the circumstances came in against Bowling Green's Fred Chmiel, whom her Eagles bested, 86-76, on Dec. 30.

THE OFFENSE IS HUMMIN'
Eastern has thrived offensively the past seven games, greatly improving upon multiple offensive statistics from the first seven games of the season.

EMU Last Seven Games (All per game averages)
Pts: 78.4, FG%: 46.5%, 3P FG%: 35.2%, Ast: 16.3, TO: 16.3

EMU Previous Seven Games (All per game averages)
Pts: 61.9, FG%: 38.8%, 3P FG%: 26.7%, Ast: 11.9, TO: 19.1

The stretch features a 16.5 points per game increase, 4.4 jump in assists, 8.5% advancement in three-point field-goal percentage, 7.7% improvement in from the field, while turnovers have decreased by 2.8.

MAC LEADERS AS OF LATE: TEAM
Since EMU's recent offensive hot streak (since Dec. 6), EMU ranks highly in the MAC in multiple categories.

Category          Rnk       Value
FG%     2nd       47.3% (157-for-332)
3P FG%              2nd       36.2% (47-for-130)
Points/Game 3rd        75.50
3P FG Per Game           4th        7.83

MAC LEADERS AS OF LATE: INDIVIDUAL
Since EMU's recent offensive hot streak (since Dec. 6), EMU has multiple individuals that rank highly in the MAC in several categories.

Name Stat      Rnk       Value (All Per Game Avgs.)
F. Ovalle             3P FG%              1st         40.6% (13-for-32)
A. Cea MIN       1st         37.60
F. Ovalle             PPG      2nd       18.83
A. Cea Assist/GM        2nd       6.33
S. Eleko              PPG      3rd        18.80
S. Eleko              RPG      4th        8.60
S. Eleko              FG%     4th        50.7% (37-for-73)
B. Thrash          MIN       4th`     36.07
F. Ovalle             FG%     6th        48.8% (40-for-82)
A. Cea DREB   6th        4.50

OVALLE NAMED MAC PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Fernanda Ovalle was named Mid-American Conference Player of the Week, on Jan. 6. The junior posted the second double-double of her NCAA career, scoring a career-high 26 points with a season-high 10 rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and one steal, leading the Eagles to an 86-76 victory against Bowling Green, on Dec. 30, snapping the Falcons' seven-game win streak.
Ovalle's 26.0 points per game average was the highest in the MAC last week, while her 2.00 blocks per game ranked second, and her 10.0 rebounds per game slotted third. She was efficient offensively against the Falcons, shooting 47.1% (8-for-17) from the field and 88.9% (8-for-9) from the free-throw line. Her eight makes and nine attempts from the free-throw line mark a career-high, as did her 38 minutes played.
The honor marks the first player of the week award of Ovalle's career, as she previously earned Big East Freshman of the Week recognition with the Xavier Musketeers, on Nov. 28, 2022.

THREE POTW AWARDS IN ONE SEASON
After Sisi Eleko's MAC Player of the Week awards (on Dec. 2 and Dec. 16), and Fernanda Ovalle's on Jan. 6, EMU has earned three or more MAC Player of the Week awards for the first time since the 2011-12 season, when program all-time points leader Tavelyn James earned MAC West Player of the Week five times (on Nov. 14, Dec. 12, Jan. 16, Jan. 30, Feb. 13, Feb. 20). Additionally, Eastern's three conference player of the week awards lead the MAC.

FERNANDA FINDING HER FOOTING
Fernanda Ovalle has put together a string of strong performances, scoring 10+ in seven of her last eight games with a pair of five-assist outings, including a then-career-best 22 points and five assists at Ball State, on Dec. 20, before topping that with a career-high 26 points and season-best 10 rebounds against Bowling Green, on Dec. 30. Ovalle most recently scored 11 points against Kent State, on Jan. 10. The junior has seen substantial leaps in her points and rebounds per game average, along with her field-goal percentage throughout the stretch.

Ovalle Last Eight Games
16.6 PTS, 47.1 FG%, 3.9 REB, 2.5 AST, 30.8 MIN

Ovalle Remainder of Season (Six Games)
7.7 PTS, 34.0 FG%, 1.7 REB, 1.3 AST, 23.5 MIN

OVALLE CONSECUTIVE CAREER HIGHS/ DBL DBL
Fernanda Ovalle recorded consecutive career highs in points amongst her hot streak. She scored a then-career-high 22 points at Ball State, on Dec. 20, before recording a career-best 26 points in the win against Bowling Green, on Dec. 30. Ovalle was aggressive on the boards against the Falcons, securing a season-high 10 rebounds and her first double-double as an Eagle, marking the second of her NCAA career.

OVALLE THREE CONSECUTIVE 20-POINT GAMES
After scoring 24 points at Ohio, on Jan. 7, Fernanda Ovalle tallied three straight 20-point outings for the first time in her career as she is the only Eagle to do so this season and one of two MAC players to accomplish the feat. Ovalle started her run with a then-career-high 22 points at Ball State, on Dec. 20, before recording a career-best 26 points in the win against Bowling Green, on Dec. 30, and 24 points at Ohio, on Jan. 7.

CONSECUTIVE GAMES WITH 86+ POINTS
» After scoring 87 points against the Bobcats, on Jan. 7, and 86 points against Bowling Green, on Dec. 30, Eastern scored 86+ points in consecutive games for the first time since the 2013-14 season. That season, EMU scored 95 points in a 95-62 win over Lawrence Tech, on Dec. 31, before putting up 88 in a 88-70 victory over Kent State, on Jan. 4.
» After scoring 87 points against the Bobcats, on Jan. 7, and 86 points against Bowling Green, on Dec. 30, Eastern has scored 86+ points in consecutive conference games for first time since the 2003-04 season, when the Eagles beat the Akron Zips, 93-37, on Jan. 7, prior to besting rivals Central Michigan, 87-50, on Jan. 10.
» Eastern is the only MAC team to score 86+ points in multiple conference games this season.

FIVE-WIN IMPROVEMENT
Eastern's 7-7 record currently stands as a five-win improvement from its 2-27 record last season. The five-win improvement is the largest in one season since the 2022-23 squad improved by eight wins (15-15) from the 2021-22 team's 7-20 record.

NET RATING
Eastern currently ranks 165th in the latest NET ranking, released on Jan. 11, slotting sixth among MAC schools. Ball State leads the MAC, ranking 78th, followed by UMass (81st), Miami (95th), Central Michigan (102nd), and Kent State (159th).

COOKIN' IN CONFERENCE PLAY: TEAM
Although just four games into league action, Eastern ranks high in several categories.

Category          Rnk       Value
3-Point FG%: 2nd       40.2% (35-for-87)
Points Per Game:        3rd        78.00
FG%: 3rd        48.0% (107-for-223)
3P FGs Per Game:       3rd        8.75
Assist/TO Ratio:           5th        0.93
TO Margin         5th        +0.50
Asst Per Game:             4th        15.75

COOKIN' IN CONFERENCE PLAY: INDIVIDUAL
Although just four games into league action, Fernanda Ovalle, Ainhoa Cea, Sisi Eleko, and Peyton Hill rank highly in multiple categories.

Name Stat      Rnk       Value
A. Cea 3P FG%              1st         100% (4-for-4)
F. Ovalle             PPG      2nd       20.75
A. Cea Assist/GM        2nd       6.25
F. Ovalle             3P FG/GM         3rd        2.50
A. Cea MPG     3rd        37.24
S. Eleko              PPG      4th        18.67
P. Hill   Ast/TO Rat.      6th        1.86
F. Ovalle             MPG     6th        35.95

ALL-TIME VS. MIAMI
Eastern and Miami are meeting for the 71st time. The Eagles trail, 25-44, in the all-time series and have lost three consecutive games for the first time since 2002-05. Two of the last three games were played in Oxford, where Eastern holds a 12-21 record. EMU has controlled the series in recent years, holding a 6-4 record in the last 10 games.

FIRST TIME BEATING MIAMI SINCE
Eastern is looking to beat Miami for the first time since Jan. 17, 2024, a 53-48 win for the Eagles after coming back from a 34-32 third-quarter deficit.

BEATING MIAMI AT MIAMI
EMU last beat Miami in Oxford in the 2021-22 season, an 80-69 victory on Jan. 29, 2022. The game saw former Eagles Arenna Combs and Ce'Nara Skanes set program records as Combs hit 19 free throws, passing EMU great Tavelyn James on the list, who hit 15 from the charity stripe, March 5, 2011. Skanes recorded her program record 18th double-double, with 21 points and 10 rebounds. Both records still hold. The Eagles had three players score in double figures, led by Combs, who had 29 points, eight rebounds, and three steals. Skanes had 21 points, and freshman Lachelle Austin helped out with 10 points, and four steals. The Eastern Michigan defense was a problem, forcing 20 Miami turnovers, while the Eagles committed just 13 of their own. Those takeaways turned into 24 points on the offensive end of the floor.

LAST SEASON AGAINST MIAMI
Eastern dropped both games against Miami last season, losing on the road in the first matchup, 68-45, on Feb. 5, before erasing a 23-point halftime deficit, forcing overtime at home later in the season, on Feb. 26, eventually falling, 82-72. Brooklyn Thrash excelled in both games, recording her third career double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds in the first contest, prior to putting up a then-career-high 16 points in the second game, as EMU made a season-high 14 three-point field goals, the most in the Nusseibeh era and third-highest total in a single game in program history.

OT AGAINST MIAMI
The 82-72 overtime loss to Miami, on Feb. 26, was the second overtime game in the Nusseibeh era (2024-present) and the only against a MAC foe, as the Eagles are 0-2 in overtime under Nusseibeh. Before last season, the last time the Eagles and RedHawks played an overtime game was Jan. 28, 2003, an 83-79 win for Miami in Oxford. EMU is 1-2 against the RedHawks in overtime.

LAST TIME ON THE ROAD AT MIAMI
Despite Brooklyn Thrash's double-double, Eastern dropped a 68-45 decision at Miami, on Feb. 5, 2025. The Eagles held an early 16-14 lead after the first quarter, but the RedHawks outscored EMU, 41-18, in the second and third quarters combined to put the Eagles in a hole they could not overcome.

LAST TIME OUT
Eastern fell at home to the Golden Flashes of Kent State, 78-65, Saturday, Jan. 10.
Eastern was trailing by four at the half (44-40), before Kent State outscored the Eagles 34-25 in the second half in a game that saw a total of 54 fouls called.
Believe Tshibangu had a strong performance for Eastern, grabbing a career-high 12 rebounds with seven points, as she was 3-for-3 from the field. Brooklyn Thrash added 11 points with eight rebounds, while Peyton Hill scored 12 points and dished two assists. Fernanda Ovalle also contributed, scoring 11 points of her own.

BK CONSECUTIVE GAMES WITH 11+ POINTS/7+ REBOUNDS
After a career-best 22-points and seven rebounds at Ohio, on Jan. 7, and an 11-point/eight -rebound game against Kent State, on Jan. 10, Brooklyn Thrash has recorded consecutive games with at least 11 points and seven rebounds for the first time in her career. She is averaging 16.5 points and 7.5 rebounds per game over the last two games, while shooting 87.5% (7-for-8) from the free-throw line, and 36.4% (4-for-11) from the field.

TSHIBANGU FIRST START VS. KENT STATE
Freshman Believe Tshibangu played well in her first collegiate start against Kent State, on Jan. 10, grabbing a career-high 12 rebounds, with seven points off 3-for-3 shooting from the field in 25 minutes, the most in her career. The performance was her first with more than 10 rebounds in a game this season. She is the sixth Eagle this season to secure 10+ rebounds in a game in 2025-26.

MORE ON TSHIBANGU'S 12 REBOUNDS
Believe Tshibangu's career-high 12 rebounds are the second-highest total from a MAC freshman in a single game this season. They're also the most from an EMU freshman since Lachelle Austin pulled down 13 at Western Michigan, March 2, 2022.

PELKA'S SECOND DOUBLE-DIGIT GAME
Freshman Oliwia Pelka notched the second double-digit scoring game of her career with 10 points off 4-for-7 shooting from the field and a 2-for-5 clip from beyond the arc against Kent State, on Jan. 10. She is shooting 35.9% from the three-point line this season, the third-best mark from a MAC freshman.

3-STRAIGHT GAMES WITH MULTIPLE 20-POINT PERFORMANCES
With Fernanda Ovalle (24 points) and Brooklyn Thrash's (22) 20-point outings at Ohio, on Jan. 7, Eastern had three consecutive games with multiple 20-point scorers for the first time since the 2019-20 campaign. The streak started with Ovalle (22) and Sisi Eleko (20) each recording 20+ points at Ball State, on Dec. 20, prior to Ovalle (26 points), Peyton Hill (22), and Eleko (20) doing so against Bowling Green, on Dec. 30. The stretch is the Eagles first since Areanna Combs and Courtnie Lewis did so in the three straight games to end the 2019-20 season against Central Michigan, on March 7, Northern Illinois, on March 9, and Ball State, on March 11.

TRIO OF 20-POINT PERFORMANCES
Fernanda Ovalle (26 points), Peyton Hill (22 points), and Sisi Eleko (20 points) each recorded 20+ points in the 86-76 win against Bowling Green, on Dec. 30. This marked the first time the Eagles had three players score 20+ points for the first time since Chanise Baldwin (26), Cha Sweeny (24), and Janay Morton (20) did so in the second round of the women's NIT against TCU, March 19, 2016. It's also the first time Eastern has had three individuals with 20+ points in a conference game since at least the 1998-99 season.

EXCLUSIVE COMPANY
Fernanda Ovalle (26 points), Peyton Hill (22 points), and Sisi Eleko's (20 points) 20-point performances against Bowling Green, on Dec. 30, is the only occasion of a MAC school having three players with 20+ points in a single game this season.

74+ POINTS IN FIVE-OF-SEVEN GAMES
Eastern has scored 74+ points in five of its last seven games, scoring 96 points against Defiance, on Dec. 5, 74 points versus Duquesne, on Dec. 9, and at Ball State, on Dec. 20, before putting up 86 versus Bowling Green, on Dec. 30, and 87 at Ohio, on Jan. 7. The occurrence is EMU's first time with 74+ points in five-of-seven games since Jan. 15-Feb. 5 in the 2019-20 season.

ELEKO MAC POTW X2
Sisi Eleko collected her second MAC Player of the Week award of the season, on Dec. 16. The senior averaged 19.0 points and 14.5 rebounds per game, while shooting 45.7% from the field with a pair of double-doubles. She was the only MAC player to record two double-doubles on the week. She started her week with 23 points, the most in the conference last week, while grabbing 11 rebounds in a 74-72 win against Duquesne, Dec. 91, a contest where she hit the game-winning layup. Eleko then posted 15 points with a game-high 18 rebounds, the second-most in the MAC and seventh-most in the nation this season, in a hard-fought 74-67 loss on the road at Indiana, Dec. 14.

Eleko is one of three MAC players to earn the award twice this season. She is also the first EMU student-athlete to earn the award twice in the same season since Danielle Minnot was named MAC West Player of the Week in consecutive weeks, in the 2017-18 campaign, on Jan. 23 and Jan. 30.

STRONG START
Eastern Michigan is looking for its first 8-7 start or better through the first 15 games of the season since it went 10-5 in its first 15 games of the 2022-23 campaign. That season ended with a first-round loss in the MAC tournament to Bowling Green, 70-36, March 8.

BACKS AGAINST THE WALL
Eastern Michigan came back to win from a fourth-quarter deficit against Duquesne, Dec. 9. Entering the fourth quarter down one, 59-58, the Dukes expanded their lead to as much as four, 62-58, before EMU came back to win, 74-72. This is the second fourth-quarter comeback in the Head Coach Sahar Nusseibeh era (2024-present) and the first since Eastern came back from a 10-point hole to win against NIU, 76-72, on Feb. 22, 2025.

HOT AT HOME
Eastern is 4-1 or better at home for the first time since the 2022-23 season, when it started 6-0 at home. Eastern notably topped Robert Morris in its home opener, on Nov. 26, who was receiving votes in the College Insider Mid Major poll, and is predicted to finish second in the Horizon League. EMU also ended Bowling Green's seven-game win streak after topping the Falcons, 86-76. EMU is looking for a 5-1 home start or better for the first time since 2022-23.

NUSSEIBEH STRONG START
Head Coach Sahar Nusseibeh is seeking the second 8-7 start or better through 15 games in her head coaching tenure. She last led a team to a 9-6 record or better through 15 games at Canisius in 2023-24. That season was highlighted by a first-round MAAC Tournament win over Manhattan, 58-55, March 14, and a 17-14 overall record, marking the Golden Griffins' most wins since the 2008-09 season.

MULTIPLYING WINS
Eastern has at least tripled its 2024-25 season total across multiple winning categories. EMU surpassed its 2024-25 win total (two) just six games into the 2025-26 season, with three wins, as they currently hold seven, more than triple the amount of wins it had in 2024-25. Three of Eastern's seven wins (Canisius, on Nov. 7; St. Thomas, on Nov. 14; Detroit Mercy, on Nov. 30) have come on the road, tripling the amount of road victories from last season as it won just one game away from Ypsilanti, a 76-72 comeback win at Northern Illinois, on Feb. 22. Eastern has sextupled (multiplied by six) its amount of non-conference wins from last season as it holds six after the win over Duquesne, on Dec. 9, and had just one last season, a 72-60 comeback win over Xavier, on Dec. 1, 2024. Eastern also quadrupled its home win total from last season (one) as it won its fourth home game of the season against Bowling Green, on Dec. 30. A win against the RedHawks would quadruple the Eagles' 2024-25 road-win total (one) and exceed their conference win sum (one).

SURPASSING 2024-25 MAC WIN TOTAL?
A win against the RedHawks would exceed the Eagles' 2024-25 conference win total in the fifth conference game of the season. Eastern won just one MAC game last season, a 76-72 comeback win at Northern Illinois, Feb. 22.

MONEY FROM THE LINE
Eastern is shooting 74.8% (196-for-262) from the free-throw line this season, ranking third in the MAC, and 56th in the country. Although just 14 games in, EMU's 74.8% free-throw percentage would serve as the team's single-season program record and is 2.2% better than the current single-season record, a 72.6% clip in the 1994-95 season. The Eagles have shot 81.0% or better from the free-throw line in six of 14 games this season, as their season-best 90.9% (20-for-22) rate vs. Robert Morris, Nov. 26, ranks fourth in program history in single-game standings. Peyton Hill (81.7%) leads EMU individually, as her clip ranks seventh, and is the best from a MAC freshman. Eastern recently broke the program and George Gervin GameAbove Center records in free throws made and attempted, shooting 77.1% (37-for-48) against Bowling Green, on Dec. 30.

STARTERS CARRY THE WORKLOAD
A large majority of Eastern's 70.14 points per game is scored by the starting five, as they have accounted for 85.7% (811-of-946) of EMU's total points.

CONSISTENT TRENDS
Eastern is 7-1 this season when holding opponents below 44.9% from the field, as it has held its foes to 41.5% or worse in its seven victories. In losses, opponents are shooting at least 44.8%. The same goes for three-point shooting as Eastern's opponents are shooting 26.3% or worse in five of EMU's seven wins and 31.3% or better in six of EMU's seven losses. Eastern is also 6-4 when outrebounding its foe as it has done so in 10-of-14 games this season while holding a clean 6-0 mark when leading at halftime.

CRASHING THE GLASS
Eastern ranks seventh in the MAC with a +3.3 rebounding margin as opponents average 33.0 rebounds per game against EMU while it pulls down an average of 36.3 per contest. After getting outrebounded in the season-opener at Louisiana Monroe, 37-29, Nov. 3, Eastern has outrebounded its opponent in 10 of the last 13 games with its largest margin being +23 in the 96-44 win vs. Defiance, Dec. 5. Along with Sisi Eleko (9.7 rebounds per game, second in the MAC), Brooklyn Thrash also carries a sizeable workload when it comes to rebounding, averaging 4.8 per game. Ainhoa Cea also averages 4.7 per game while standing 5-foot-6.

HOME FLOOR SETS THE TONE
Eastern Michigan has turned home games into a clear advantage early in the season. The Eagles are 4-1 at home while outscoring opponents by 12.2 points per game. EMU averages 77.0 points inside the George Gervin GameAbove Center and holds opponents to 64.8. The defense has forced 19.2 opponent turnovers per game at home while committing only 16.6. The rebounding margin sits at plus 5.2, driven by strong interior play from Sisi Eleko, who averages 10.5 rebounds per home contest and scores 21.3 points per game on 57.7% shooting.

STRONG STARTS IN YPSILANTI
EMU has controlled games early at home. The Eagles have outscored opponents 106 to 71 in first quarters and 192 to 143 across first halves. Opponents shoot only 37.3% overall in home games and 29.5% from three. EMU's pressure defense has led to 8.2 steals per game at home, creating extra possessions and transition scoring chances.

ROAD GAMES TEST DEPTH AND POISE
Away from Ypsilanti, EMU owns three wins, while facing higher scoring environments. Road games average nearly nine more possessions per team, reflected in tighter margins. The Eagles score 66.3 points per road game and allow 69.1. Rebounding remains a strength with a +2.2 margin, while EMU averages 13.9 assists per game, showing ball movement even under pressure.

ROAD RESILIENCE IN WINS
In road victories, EMU has leaned on defense and discipline. Opponents score only 45.0 points per game in those three wins, including a 70-39 decision at Canisius, on Nov. 7, and a 52-41 win at St. Thomas, on Nov. 14. EMU has forced 22.0 turnovers per game in road wins while holding opponents to 33.0 percent shooting. Sisi Eleko averages 17.3 points and 11.3 rebounds in wins overall, setting the tone inside.

WINNING FORMULA SHOWS BALANCE
Across all seven victories, EMU posts a +17.9 scoring margin and holds opponents under 55.0 points per game. The Eagles shoot 42.5% from the floor while limiting opponents to 33.6%. Rebounding stands out at plus 8.6 per game. EMU also records nearly twice as many assists as opponents, 13.3 to 7.4, highlighting unselfish offense and effective execution.

FOURTH QUARTER CONTROL IN VICTORIES
EMU finishes games with authority when leading. In wins, the Eagles outscore opponents 149 to 123 in fourth quarters. Free-throw efficiency is a factor: EMU shoots 79.5% at the line in wins and averages 17.7 made free throws per game. Peyton Hill averages 15.1 points per game in wins, shoots 47.8% from the field, and adds steady perimeter defense.

SISI STILL GOT IT
Sisi Eleko has picked up where she left off from the 2024-25 season. Named Preseason First Team All-MAC, Eleko has scored at least 10 points in all 13 games she has played in this season, including 20+ in five, as she is the only MAC player to rank inside the top two in points per game, rebounds per game OR assists per game. Eleko currently averages 17.8 points and 9.7 rebounds per game, ranking first and second in the MAC, respectively, while averaging 32.8 minutes per game (10th in the MAC), and shooting 49.7% from the field (12th in the conference).

ELEKO IN THE STANDINGS
Sisi Eleko has seven double-doubles on the season, ranking first in the MAC and seventh nationally by value. The senior also paces the MAC in points per game, posting 17.8 per contest, just shy of her career-best rate from last season (17.9). Her 9.7 rebounds per game rank second in the MAC and 33rd nationally, while she also leads the MAC in defensive rebounds per game (7.9), checking in at No. 12 in America. Altogether, she ranks inside the MAC top-three in five categories.

ELEKO PROGRAM DOUBLE-DOUBLES
Sisi Eleko's 21 double-doubles rank second on the program's all-time list (since 1997). She needs 10 more to tie Ce'Nara Skanes (2020-23) for the most in program history (31). Eleko most recently posted a double-double with 15 points and 18 rebounds against Indiana, Dec. 14.

ELEKO DOUBLE-DOUBLE RATE
Sisi Eleko has secured her 21 EMU double-doubles at an astonishing rate, doing so in 38 games. It took program double-doubles leader, Ce'Nara Skanes (2020-23), 41 games to total 21 double-doubles, finishing her tenure with 31. Eleko has posted a double-double in 53.8% (21-of-39) of her games at EMU. Skanes did so in 41.3% (31-of-75) of her career games.

ELEKO ELITE COMPANY
Leading the MAC in points (17.8) and ranking second in rebounds (9.7) per game, Eleko is one of just eight players nationally to rank top two in their respective conference in both points and rebounds per game.

ELEKO CLOSING IN ON 1,500 POINTS
Senior Sisi Eleko is closing in on 1,500 career points. She currently totals 1,474, requiring 26 to reach the mark. Factoring in Eleko's 17.8 points per game average this season, she is expected to eclipse 1,500 points at Central Michigan, on Jan. 17. Eleko would be the seventh EMU player to reach the milestone and first since Cha Sweeny did so in the 2015-16 season. Eleko would be one of 47 active Division I players to reach the milestone.

ELEKO PRESEASON ALL-MAC FIRST TEAM
Sisi Eleko was named Preseason All-MAC First Team, Oct. 21. The 2024-25 All-MAC Second Team selection led the MAC with 14 double-doubles. She was the only player to average one in the MAC. She paced the MAC with 10.1 rebounds per game, becoming the only MAC player to average double-digit boards, and ranked second with 17.9 points per game.

STRONG START: PEYTON HILL
Peyton Hill is the first EMU freshman to record double-digit points in 11 of her first 14 NCAA games since EMU Women's Basketball Ring of Honor Recipient Ryan Coleman did so in 2002-03. She's the first freshman to score 10+ in any four consecutive games and in nine of any 10-game stretch since Cha Sweeny ended her freshman season with 22 consecutive 10+ point outings. Through 14 games, Hill is averaging 13.1 points and 3.1 rebounds per game, while shooting 81.7% from the free-throw line, 44.0% from the field, and 38.5% from three.

LEADING FRESHMAN: PEYTON HILL
Peyton Hill's 13.1 points per game, 81.2% clip from the free throw line, and 38.5% rate from beyond the arc are all the best from a MAC freshman this season.

FRESHMAN 10+ POINTS: PEYTON HILL
Peyton Hill has the most games with double-digit points of an EMU freshman (11) since Courtnie Lewis recorded 22 in the 2017-18 season.

FRESHMAN POINTS: PEYTON HILL
Freshman Peyton Hill posted a career-high 22 points in the win against Bowling Green, on Dec. 30. Her 22 points are the most from a MAC freshman in a single game this season and the most from an EMU freshman since Aaliyah Stanley scored 24 points in a 68-59 win at UIC, on Dec. 18, 2019. Hill's two 20-point outings are the most from an EMU rookie since Stanley put up three in 2019-20.

AT THE LINE FOR EASTERN: PEYTON HILL
Freshman Peyton Hill is shooting 81.7% from the line, the ninth-best mark in the conference, best from a freshman, and the 13th-best mark nationally from a freshman. Overall, Hill's 81.2% clip would tie for eighth in the program's single-season records if it is maintained. The record is currently held by Kelly Helbler, who shot 91.1% (82-of-90) in the 1989-90 season.

AINHOA'S ASSISTS
Senior Ainhoa Cea has distributed the ball effectively in her first 14 games as an Eagle. Cea has dished at least five dimes in 11 of her first 14 games, with her highest total being 12 at Ohio, on Jan. 7. Cea's 12 assists against the Bobcats tie for the most in a single game in the MAC. Cea's 5.9 assists per game rank second in the conference and 18th nationally. The senior's 5.9 assists per game average, should it hold, would set the program's single-season record, tying Cassie Schrock, who averaged 5.9 in the 2010-11 season. Schrock dished 220 assists that season. Cea has posted six or more dimes in six of her last nine games. She recently totaled 12 at Ohio, on Jan. 7.

AINHOA'S MINUTES
Ainhoa Cea has handled significant minutes on the court as she slots first in the MAC and fourth in America, averaging 36.5 minutes per game. Cea's 36.5 minutes per game are a career high and stand 7.7 minutes more than her previous career high of 28.8 MPG. She recently played 36 minutes against Kent State, on Jan. 10.

AINHOA CEA: STAT-SHEET STUFFER
Ainhoa Cea has excelled in multiple facets of the game as she has recorded nine games with at least five points, three assists, and three rebounds this season, as she has done so in four consecutive games at Indiana, Dec. 14 (nine points, six assists, 10 rebounds), at Ball State, Dec. 20 (eight points, five assists, three rebounds), versus Bowling Green (10 points, six assists, seven rebounds), on Dec. 30, and most recently at Ohio (seven points, five rebounds, 12 assists). Overall, the senior is averaging 6.7 points, 5.9 assists, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.1 steals per game. She is shooting 51.4% from the field (36-for-70) and 43.8% (7-for-16) from three-point range.

PELKA FROM DOWNTOWN
Freshman Oliwia Pelka is shooting 35.9% from the three-point line, ranking 15th in the MAC and fourth among MAC freshmen. She made her NCAA debut against Louisiana Monroe, Nov. 3, shooting 3-for-4 from the three-point line as she made three or more three-point field goals for the second time in her career with a trio of triples in the win over Defiance, Dec. 5. Pelka recently went 2-for-5 (40%) from behind the arc against Kent State, on Jan. 10.

UPCOMING MILESTONES
Fernanda Ovalle needs 86 points to reach the 500 mark. Sisi Eleko needs 99 rebounds to reach 1,000 and 91 to hit 500 as an Eagle. She is 26 points from 1,500 and needs nine double-doubles to reach 50 in her NCAA tenure. Furthermore, Eleko needs 10 total double-doubles to tie for the most in program history and 11 to be the sole record owner.

SHOOTING STREAK
The Eagles have recorded at least one three-pointer in 146 consecutive games, the third-longest stretch since the start of the 1999-00 season. The longest streak in that period is 281 games, which began with seven makes at Northern Illinois, Jan. 31, 2002, and ended with no makes in the MAC Tournament, March 11, 2011, against Toledo. The second-longest lasted 157 games and started Dec. 9, 2014, and ended Nov. 29, 2020, against visiting UIC, when no makes halted the streak.

ON THE HORIZON
Eastern remains on the road to face rival Central Michigan University on Saturday, Jan. 17, at 1 p.m. Fans can stream the game live on ESPN+.

FOLLOW US
Stay connected with the Eagles all season long by following @EMUWBB and @EMUAthletics on X for all the latest EMU women's basketball updates. Be sure to also follow the Eagles on Instagram @emuwbb and @emuathletics.

Women's Basketball Opens Two-Game Road Swing at Miami Wednesday

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Players Mentioned

Ainhoa Cea

Sisi Eleko

Peyton Hill

Fernanda Ovalle

Oliwia Pelka

Brooklyn Thrash

Believe Tshibangu

Eastern Michigan Athletics