Eastern Michigan Athletics
Saturday, January 17
Bowling Green, Ohio
1 p.m.
Eastern Michigan University
at
Bowling Green
Photo by: Walt Middleton Photography
Eastern Seeking Second-Straight Win, at BGSU Saturday
1/15/2026 5:35:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Game slated for 1 p.m. start
| Men's Basketball at Bowling Green | |
| Dates/Times | Saturday, Jan. 17, 2025 | 1 p.m. ET |
| Venue | Stroh Center (4,387) | Bowling Green, Ohio |
| Preview Info | EMU Notes (PDF) |
| Watch Live | ESPN+ |
| Listen Live | WEMU (89.1 FM) | The Varsity Network App |
| Live Stats | Fan Stats | Media Stats |
| @EMU_MBB | @EMUAthletics | |
| @emumbb | @emuathletics | |
| Tickets | Tickets for home games |
BOWLING GREEN, Ohio (EMUEagles.com) -- The Eastern Michigan University men's basketball team seeks its second-straight win, taking on Bowling Green State University Saturday, Jan. 17, at 1 p.m. inside the Stroh Center.
ON AIR
Eastern Michigan and Bowling Green will air on ESPN+. 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.
Tuesday will feature an in-game recognition for retiring Eastern Michigan University President Dr. James Smith, in addition to a halftime athletics coaches challenge. Dr. Smith is retiring in March after nearly 10 years of service.
OPENING TIPS
» Addison Patterson had 17 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists, but EMU allowed a late 15-0 run at Western Michigan, Jan. 10, falling, 79-62, despite holding a 36-30 halftime lead.
» Eastern topped Ball State, 74-52, Jan. 6, with help from an impressive 48-12 run and 37-18 rebounding advantage. Carlos Hart led the way with 18 points while Addison Patterson had 12.
» Mo Habhab is one of 12 players nationwide averaging at least 14.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.0 assists.
» Eastern finished 9-9 in MAC play and 16-16 overall in the 2024-25 season, and secured its bid to the MAC Tournament for the first time since 2020, playing in postseason competition in Cleveland for the first time since 2018.
» EMU replaced key contributors from last year's squad. The Eagles returned 7.8% of minutes played (502) and 2.9% of points scored (69), with four players returning.
» Eastern played a quartet of high-profile road games in the 2025-26 season (Nov. 10 at Pittsburgh, Nov. 24 at No. 6 Louisville, Nov. 26 at Cincinnati, and Dec. 2 at Butler).
» The Eagles were picked ninth in the MAC Preseason Poll after tying for sixth last season.
» EMU has nine players from the state of Michigan, its most since the 2022-23 season (11).
» Eastern Michigan's Stan Heath is in his fifth year at the helm of the Eagles, holding a 56-87 record at EMU and a 265-294 record over 18 years as a collegiate head coach.
ON THE BOWLING GREEN GAME
IF EASTERN WINS...
» EMU will improve to 46-59 all-time against Bowling Green.
» EMU will win its second-straight road game at BGSU for the first time since winning there in 2007 and 2009.
» EMU will improve to 489-554 all-time against current MAC schools.
EASTERN AGAINST BOWLING GREEN
Eastern Michigan and Bowling Green are playing for the 104th time. The Falcons lead the all-time series, 58-45.
The teams split the two meetings last season as BGSU won, 65-60, in Ypsilanti, Feb. 25, after EMU won, 68-62, in Bowling Green.
Eastern is 2-10 in the teams' last 12 meetings with the two wins coming in the last three games. In those 12 meetings, Eastern has averaged 68.3 points, scoring 72 points or more in just one game, Eastern 92-90 loss, Jan. 2, 2024 in the MAC opener. During that 12-game span, BGSU averaged 75.2 points per game.
With a win Saturday, Eastern would secure its second win in a row at BGSU for the first time since winning in 2007 and 2009 in Bowling Green.
EASTERN AGAINST THE MAC
Eastern holds a 488-554 all-time mark against current Mid-American Conference schools.
ALL-TIME AGAINST THE CURRENT MAC SCHOOLS 488-554
»Akron 24-39
»Ball State 47-72
»Bowling Green 45-58
»Buffalo 16-22
»Central Michigan 102-107
»Kent State 36-51
»Miami 30-56
»Northern Illinois 49-59
»Ohio 29-56
»Toledo 53-64
»UMass 1-3
»Western Michigan 56-67
IN CASE EASTERN WINS BY A LOT
ALL GAMES
Last time Eastern won by AT LEAST...
»72 or more: never
»63-71: Nov. 14, 2008 vs. Marygrove (W, 119-48) (71)
»61-62: Dec. 11, 2016 vs. Siena Heights (W, 117-55) (62)
»39-60: Dec. 9, 2020 vs. Adrian (W, 95-35) (60)
»1-38: Dec. 5, 2025 vs. Cleary (W, 86-48) (38)
HOME GAMES ONLY
Last time Eastern won by AT LEAST...
»72 or more: never
»63-71: Nov. 14, 2008 vs. Marygrove (W, 119-48) (71)
»61-62: Dec. 11, 2016 vs. Siena Heights (W, 117-55) (62)
»39-60: Dec. 9, 2020 vs. Adrian (W, 95-35) (60)
»1-38: Dec. 5, 2025 vs. Cleary (W, 86-48) (38)
ROAD GAMES ONLY
Last time Eastern won by AT LEAST... on the road
»60 or more: never
»36-59: Jan. 17, 1968 at Western Ontario (W, 100-41) (59)
»29-35: Jan. 12, 1970 at UW-Whitewater (W, 96-61) (35)
»27-28: Feb. 28, 2017 at Central Mich. (W, 109-81) (28)
»23-26: Jan. 26, 2019 at Western Mich. (W, 93-67) (26)
»1-22: Jan. 6, 2026 at Ball State (W, 74-52) (22)
NORTHERN ILLINOIS RECAP, JAN. 13
SCORING/RUNS SUMMARY AGAINST NIU
» NIU led, 5-0.
» After Eastern took the lead NIU rebounded to lead, 26-21.
» EMU scored the half's last seven points, to lead 28-26.
» EMU used a 15-3 run to lead 43-34.
» After NIU cut the lead to 43-41, EMU used a 13-3 spurt to lead 56-44.
» EMU scored the final four points to win, 77-59.
NOTEWORTHY PLAYERS AGAINST NIU
» Addison Patterson: 20 points and five rebounds
» Mo Habhab: 15 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, and two blocks
» Gregory Lawson II: career-high 13 points in 14 minutes
KEY TEAM STATS AGAINST NIU
» EMU's bench outscored NIU's, 25-8.
» EMU out-rebounded NIU, 39-38.
GREGORY LAWSON II CAREER-HIGH 13 POINTS
Gregory Lawson II scored a career-high 13 points against NIU, Jan. 13. Lawson II posted a career-high five made field goals and three made triples in his 14 minutes on the floor.
WESTERN MICHIGAN RECAP, JAN. 10
SCORING/RUNS SUMMARY AGAINST WMU
» WMU led, 20-12.
» A 12-0 EMU run helped the visitors take a 24-20 lead.
» EMU led, 36-30, at halftime.
» An 18-6 WMU run gave the hosts a 55-49 lead.
» EMU used a 7-1 spurt to tie the game at 56-56 with 8:15 left.
» WMU scored the following 15 points, winning, 79-62.
NOTEWORTHY PLAYERS AGAINST WMU
» Addison Patterson: 17 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists
» Mo Habhab: 20 points, nine rebounds, and three assists
KEY TEAM STATS AGAINST WESTERN MICHIGAN
» EMU made 10-straight field goals in the first half but was 15-of-46 (32.6%) outside of that 11:35 span.
» EMU was out-rebounded by WMU, 39-25.
» EMU was 4-of-6 (66.7%) from the free-throw line, while WMU was 20-of-27 (74.1%).
ADDISON PATTERSON'S PERFORMANCE
With his eight assists at Western Michigan, Jan. 10, Addison Patterson matched his career high. Patterson's last eight assist game was with Northwestern State, recording the mark against Louisiana Monroe, Nov. 22, 2024.
Patterson, who had 17 points, has scored at least 12 points in each of the last five games.
BALL STATE RECAP, JAN. 6
SCORING/RUNS SUMMARY AGAINST BALL STATE
» EMU led, 5-2.
» A 9-0 BSU run helped the hosts take a 20-14 lead.
» EMU closed the first half with a 25-5 run, leading 39-24 at halftime.
» EMU opened the second half with a 22-7 run to lead 62-32.
» BSU scored the following seven points before EMU took a 74-43 lead.
» BSU scored the final nine points.
» EMU won, 74-52.
NOTEWORTHY PLAYERS AGAINST BALL STATE
» Carlos Hart: 18 points and three assists
» Addison Patterson: 12 points
» Mo Habhab: nine points, nine rebounds, and three assists
KEY TEAM STATS AGAINST BALL STATE
» EMU held BSU to 4-of-29 (13.8%) shooting, which includes a stretch of 12-straight misses, from the 10:34 mark of the first half through the 6:09 mark of the second half. The span lasts for 24:25 and EMU outscored BSU, 48-12, during that time (trailed, 20-14, at the start; led, 62-32, at the end).
» EMU out-rebounded BSU, 37-18.
» EMU registered 10 second-chance points while limiting BSU to two.
» EMU had 14 turnovers while forcing just seven BSU giveaways.
» EMU was 5-of-6 (83.3%) from the free-throw line, while BSU was 13-of-15 (86.7%).
LARGEST WIN OVER BALL STATE
The 74-52 win at Ball State, Jan. 6, represents the largest Eastern win margin over Ball State in series history, topping the previous mark of a 17-point margin in a 58-41 EMU win, Feb. 3, 2018, in Ypsilanti.
37-18 REBOUNDING ADVANTAGE OVER BALL ST.
Eastern out-rebounded Ball State, 37-18, Jan. 6. The 18 Ball State rebounds are the fewest by an EMU opponent since the Eagles out-rebounded Detroit Mercy, 21-18, Nov. 21, 2023, in Eastern's 76-72 win.
Ball State was also the last MAC school with 18 or fewer boards against EMU as the Cardinals had just 16 in the Eagles' 60-58 win in Ypsilanti, Jan. 9, 2013.
Eastern's +19 rebounding margin is its highest since holding a 50-27 (+23) advantage against Adrian, Dec. 9, 2020, in EMU's 95-35 win. The Green and White last had a +19 rebounding margin against a Division I foe when the Eagles out-rebounded Northern Illinois 45-26 (+19) in a 75-69 road win.
TWICE AS MANY TURNOVERS IN WIN AT BALL ST.
Eastern Michigan had 14 turnovers compared to just seven for Ball State, Jan. 6. The Eagles last won when having twice as many or more turnovers than their opponent, Jan. 29, 2022, when EMU won, 85-75, over Miami, despite tallying 18 turnovers to the RedHawks' eight.
WON AT BALL STATE WITH JUST SIX FREE THROWS
In the win at Ball State, Jan. 6, Eastern was 5-of-6 (83.3%) from the free throw line, its fewest attempts since Feb. 25, 2025, against Bowling Green (2-of-4), a 65-60 loss.
EMU last won when shooting six free throws or fewer during the 2017-18 season as the Eagles topped Niagara, March 14, 2018, (83-65, 2-of-6) and won at Miami, Jan. 27, 2018 (58-48, 3-of-6).
OHIO RECAP, JAN. 3
SCORING/RUNS SUMMARY AGAINST OHIO
» EMU led, 9-2.
» EMU led 29-10 before taking a 32-15 lead into halftime.
» EMU led, 35-15, its largest lead of the game.
» Ohio used a 19-7 run to cut EMU's lead to 42-34.
» Ohio's 11-straight points gave the visitors a 56-54 lead at the 5:16 mark.
» EMU retook the lead, gaining a 66-61 lead with 1:34 to go before holding a 67-63 edge with 14 seconds left.
» Up 67-65 with 5.8 seconds left, EMU missed a pair of free throws to open the door for an Ohio 30-footer to win at the buzzer, 68-67.
NOTEWORTHY PLAYERS AGAINST OHIO
» Braelon Green: career-high 16 points (6-6 FG, 3-3 3 PT) in 19 minutes
» Addison Patterson: 17 points, six rebounds, and two assists
» Jon Sanders II: 12 points (2-4 3PT, 6-8 FT)
KEY TEAM STATS AGAINST OHIO
» EMU was 7-for-16 (43.8%) from three-point range, and Ohio was 7-for-27 (25.9%) at the charity stripe.
» EMU held Ohio to 15 points (1-15 3PT) in the first half but conceded 53 points (6-12 3PT) in the second half.
» EMU out-rebounded OU, 38-35.
» Each team had four second-chance points apiece.
BRAELON GREEN CAREER-HIGH 16 POINTS
Braelon Green scored a career-high 16 points against Ohio, Jan. 3. Green was a perfect 6-of-6 from the floor, which includes a 3-of-3 conversion mark from three-point range.
Green had never scored more than 10 points against a Division I foe and topped his career high of 15 points scored against NAIA Taylor University while at Bowling Green, Nov. 11, 2024.
His trio of three-pointers marks the first time in his career that he has made multiple three-pointers.
ACTIVE 2025-26 SEASON NOTES
MAK MANCIEL FROM THREE-POINT RANGE
Mak Manciel is 23-for-56 (41.1%) from three-point range this season. His 41.1% conversion rate ranks 13th in the MAC.
Manciel has four games with at least three made triples this season with three of those four coming in the last nine games.
If Manciel can maintain his percentage, he would be the first Eagle to shoot 41.1% or better (min. 20 made three-pointers) since Jarred Axon shot 41.7% in the 2007-08 season.
MORE ON EASTERN'S THREE-POINTERS
Eastern averages 6.2 makes from deep and 18.3 attempts per game (33.7%). The 18.3 attempts are 1.6 lower than any other team in the MAC (Toledo, 19.9) while the 33.7% conversion rate ranks ninth in the conference. EMU's 6.2 makes per game edges CMU's 5.7 conversions for the 12th-ranked mark in the MAC.
Eastern's 18.3 three-point attempts per game is its fewest since the 2015-16 season when EMU averaged 18.2 three-point shots, putting in 31.1%.
During Stan Heath's tenure, EMU has not finished higher than eighth in the MAC in three-point attempts per game, despite finishing as high as fourth in conversion rate.
Season 3PA/G 3PA Rk. 3PT% 3PT% Rk.
2025-26 18.3 13th 33.7 9th
2024-25 21.6 8th 34.9 4th
2023-24 18.9 11th 30.4 9th
2022-23 19.6 12th 31.6 11th
2021-22 20.5 11th 30.8 12th
EASTERN'S THREE-POINT DEFENSE
EMU's three-point defense has held opponents to averages of 6.6 makes and 20.9 attempts per game (31.3%).
Eastern also put up impressive defensive numbers in the 2023-24 (31.6%), 2013-14 (31.3%), and 2012-13 seasons.
EASTERN FROM THE FREE THROW LINE
While Eastern ranks last in the MAC in three-point attempts at 18.3 per game, part of the reason is the Eagles' ability to get to the free throw line, as evidenced by their 18.5 free throw attempts per game, an average that ranks ninth in the MAC.
The Green and White are converting from the charity stripe at a rate of 70.9%, which ranks ninth in the conference.
HOME SUCCESS
In eight home games, EMU posted a 6-2 record while outscoring opponents by an average of 12.5 points per contest. The Eagles shoot 47.3% from the floor at home and average 79.3 points, a 14.0-point jump from their road production. EMU also dominated the glass at home, holding a +6.3 rebounding margin.
Eastern Michigan averages 15.8 assists per game in home contests while forcing opponents into 14.5 turnovers per game.
The assist-to-turnover ratio at home stands at 1.4, compared to 0.9 in road games. Mo Habhab and Addison Patterson combine for 55 assists in home play.
SOME WINS/LOSSES TRENDS
In nine wins this season, Eastern Michigan displayed balance on both ends of the floor. EMU averaged
77.1 points while holding opponents to 60.7. Field goal defense stood out, with opponents shooting
36.8% overall and 26.2% from three. The Eagles also controlled the glass with a +8.2 rebounding margin.
In EMU's nine losses, opponents averaged 81.0 points and shot 50.2% from the field. Three-point defense slipped to 36.8% allowed. EMU also faced a -5.6 rebounding margin in losses, creating additional scoring chances for opponents.
DOUBLE-DIGIT GAMES
Mo Habhab leads the team with 14 games scoring at least 10 points.
Eastern's Double-Digit Performances:
14- Mo Habhab
13 - Addison Patterson
11 - Carlos Hart
6 - Jon Sanders II
3 - Godslove Nwabude
2 - Braelon Green
2 - Mak Manciel
1 - Mehki Ellison
1 - Gregory Lawson II
With Habhab's nine-straight double-digit performances to open the season, he is the first Eastern freshman to have nine-straight games with at least 10 points in each game since James Thompson IV had a streak of 13 games in the 2015-16 season.
SIX DOUBLE-DOUBLES IN 17 GAMES
Mo Habhab has produced six double-doubles in 17 games played in the 2025-26 season.
Habhab is the first EMU freshman to record five double-doubles in one season since James Thompson IV had 19 in the 2015-16 campaign.
HABHAB AMONG THE NATION'S LEADERS
Mo Habhab has six double-doubles, averaging 14.2 points and 7.9 rebounds.
Habhab is tied for 33rd nationally in double-doubles, eight behind MAC counterpart Delrecco Gillespie from Kent State for the nation's lead.
HABHAB DOING IT ALL
Mo Habhab is averaging 14.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.9 blocks.
Habhab is one of 12 players nationwide averaging at least 14.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.0 assists.
DEVELOPMENT OF GODSLOVE NWABUDE
Godslove Nwabude has played an increased role for Eastern Michigan in his second season.
Nwabude, who has started 16 games, has seen an increase of 9.8 minutes per game (8.0 --> 17.8), an increase of 4.3 points per game (1.1 --> 5.4), an increase of 3.0 rebounds per game (2.3 --> 5.4), and an increase of 1.2 blocks per game (0.3 --> 1.5)
GODSLOVE NWABUDE BLOCKING SHOTS
Godslove Nwabude has ramped up his shot blocking this season, specifically in recent games. Nwabude has 18 blocks in the last nine games, highlighted by his career-high five rejections against Cleary, Dec. 5. The Nigerian native has multiple blocks in six of the previous 12 contests.
Prior to his block-free outing at PFW, Dec. 10, Nwabude became the first Eagle with four-straight contests with multiple blocks since Boubacar Toure did so in the 2018-19 season.
In total, Nwabude has 26 blocks for the season, averaging 1.5 per game. He is on pace to have the most prolific shot-blocking season for Eastern since Elijah Minnie and James Thompson IV each averaged 1.9 blocks during the 2017-18 season.
THR33-POINT STR3AK, 664-STRAIGHT GAM3S
After converting five three-pointers against Northern Illinois, Jan. 13, Eastern has hit at least one three-pointer in 664-straight games. EMU last failed to score from downtown Jan. 24, 2004, when Miami held the Eagles to 0-of-7 from behind the arc.
EASTERN IN THE MAC-SBC CHALLENGE
Eastern is 3-2 in the MAC-SBC Challenge and 3-0 at home. The Eagles will play a road game, Feb. 7, at Appalachian State in the second leg of the MAC-SBC Challenge.
Eastern's MAC-SBC Challenge Results:
Date Against Score
Feb. 7, 2026 at Appalachian State ????????
Nov. 3, 2025 Georgia State W, 71-49
Feb. 8, 2025 Old Dominion W, 76-70
Nov. 4, 2024 at Texas State L, 44-64
Feb. 10, 2024 at Louisiana-Monroe L, 76-82
Nov. 11, 2023 Georgia Southern W, 70-60
PREVIOUSLY IN THE 2025-26 SEASON NOTES
10-STRAIGHT GAMES WITH BETTER 3PT%
Eastern rattled off 10 straight games with a better three-point shooting percentage than its opponent before being out-shot from distance by Western Michigan, .438-.231, Jan. 10.
During that 10-game span, EMU was 67-of-179 (37.4%) and its opponents were 58-of-200 (29.0%).
EMU was 5-5 during the 10-game span.
Game EMU%Opp% W/L
Ball State 52.4 31.3 W
Ohio 43.8 25.9 L
UMass 25.0 24.0 W
Wright St. 38.5 26.7 L
Akron 26.3 16.7 L
PFW 36.4 35.7 L
Cleary 26.1 15.4 W
Butler 57.1 55.0 L
NJIT 38.9 34.8 W
Cincinnati 33.3 24.1 W
CARLOS HART'S 32 POINTS AND 18 FTA
Carlos Hart scored a career-high 32 points at Akron, Dec. 19. His previous Division I career-high was 22 points against Oakland, Nov. 21.
Da'Sean Nelson also scored 32 points for EMU in last season's MAC opener against NIU.
Hart's 32 points are the most by an Eagle since Jalen Terry netted 38 against Toledo, Feb. 15, 2025. His 32 points are the fifth-most by a MAC player this season.
Hart was 12-of-18 (66.7%) from the free-throw line. His 18 attempts are tied for the fourth-most in a single game in program history and are the most since Carlos Medlock shot 18 against SEMO, Feb. 23, 2008. Hart's 18 free throw attempts are tied for the 10th-most in Division I this season and the most by a MAC player this season.
CAREER DAY FOR GODSLOVE
Godslove Nwabude produced his first career double-double in the best game of his career against NJIT, Nov. 28.
Nwabude notched top career marks in points (12), rebounds (14), blocks (4), steals (4), and minutes (28).
Nwabude is the only player in the nation this season to produce at least 12 points, 14 rebounds, four blocks, and four steals.
Only one player did so during the 2024-25 season as then-UAB Blazer and current Michigan Wolverine Yaxel Lendeborg had 30 points, 20 rebounds, eight assists, four blocks, and five steals against East Carolina on March 14, 2025.
Former Akron Zip and current Indiana Pacer Enrique Freeman was the most recent MAC player to record at least 12 points, 14 rebounds, four blocks, and four steals in one game, Dec. 7, 2023.
The 16 Players with 12+ Points, 14+ Rebounds, 4+ Blocks, and 4+ Steals in One Game Since 2002-03:
Godslove Nwabude EMU Nov. 28, 2025
Yaxel Lendeborg UAB March 14, 2025
Enrique Freeman Akron Dec. 7, 2023
Norchad Amier Arkansas St. Feb. 23, 2022
Paul Reed Jr. DePaul Dec. 8, 2019
Lamine Diane CSUN Jan. 5, 2019
Ben Lammers GA Tech Nov. 19, 2017
Pascal Siakam NMST Feb. 20, 2016
Trayvon Palmer Chicago St. Nov. 18, 2015
Ryan Bacon St. Peter's Jan. 21, 2011
Gregory Echenique Rutgers March 1, 2009
Marqus Blakely Vermont Feb. 20, 2008
Joseph Harris Coastal Carolina Dec. 7, 2007
Aleks Maric Nebraska Nov. 17, 2007
Mark Zoller Penn March 2, 2007
Cuthbert Victor Murray State Jan. 29, 2004
Nwabude, who played 28:03, is the only player on the list to accomplish the feat in less than 30 minutes.
LAST POWER CONFERENCE WIN AND MORE
Before beating Cincinnati, Nov. 26, Eastern's last Power Conference (ACC, Big East, Big Ten, Big 12, SEC) win was Dec. 9, 2014, at Michigan (W, 45-42). EMU improved to 20-129 all-time against current Power Conference schools.
The 56 points allowed were Eastern's fewest against a Power Conference opponent since the 45-42 win at Michigan, Dec. 9, 2014.
The eight-point win was Eastern's largest against a Power Conference opponent since beating Texas Tech, 93-77, Dec. 27, 1995, at the Sierra Medical Center Sun Carnival in El Paso, Texas.
EASTERN'S 37-OF-59 (62.7%) SHOOTING VS. OU
Eastern shot 37-of-59 (62.7%) against Oakland on Nov. 21, its fifth-best conversion rate for a single game in program history. The 62.7% shooting percentage marked EMU's best since Nov. 21, 2023, when the Eagles shot 63.6% at Detroit Mercy. That game also marked the last time EMU won when securing four or fewer offensive rebounds, as the Eagles had four against the Titans and Golden Grizzlies, respectively.
EASTERN'S 25 ASSISTS AGAINST OAKLAND
Eastern had 25 assists against Oakland, Nov. 21, tying for the second-highest mark in program history and the team's most since Dec. 11, 2016, against Siena Heights (26).
MO HABHAB TRIPLE-DOUBLE
Mo Habhab recorded 24 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists, marking the program's first triple-double and the fourth by a MAC player since the start of the 2024-25 season.
The 10 assists are the most by an Eagle since Paul Jackson posted 10, Jan. 26, 2019, against Western Michigan.
BACK-TO-BACK GAMES 56 AND UNDER
EMU, which held Cincinnati to 56 points, Nov. 26, and NJIT to 55 points, Nov. 28, produced consecutive outings allowing 56 points or fewer for the first time since conceding 56 to Kent State, Jan. 18, 2022, and 46 in its next game to Akron, Jan. 22, 2022.
13-POINT SECOND HALF COMEBACK
Despite trailing 43-30, with 18:16 left, Eastern Michigan rallied to win at Detroit Mercy, Nov. 18, 72-62. The 13-point second-half comeback marked EMU's largest since overcoming a 17-point second-half deficit to beat Kent State in overtime, Jan. 6, 2024.
PRE-2025-26 SEASON NOTES
WHAT IS EASTERN RETURNING FROM LAST YEAR?
Eastern returned four players from its 2024-25 roster. The Eagles returned 7.8% of minutes played (502) and 2.9% of points scored (69).
» John Shanu II: 287 minutes, 38 points
» Godslove Nwabude: 207 minutes, 29 points
» Cooper Smith: 7 minutes, 2 points
» Mbaye N'Diaye: 1 minute, 0 points
POWER CONFERENCE ROAD CONTESTS
Eastern played a quartet of high-profile road games in the 2025-26 season:
» Nov. 10 at Pittsburgh; L, 66-78
» Nov. 24 at No. 6 Louisville; L, 46-87
» Nov. 26 at Cincinnati; W, 64-56
» Dec. 2 at Butler; L, 68-84
Eastern had not played four Power Conference foes in single season since the 2018-19 season, when the Eagles faced Duke, Rutgers, TCU, and Kansas, all on the road.
DePAUL DUO --> NORTHWESTERN STATE DUO
Out with one transfer duo and in with another. After DePaul transfers Da'Sean Nelson and Jalen Terry teamed up to both earn Second-Team All-MAC honors in the 2024-25 season, Eastern acquired another transfer duo in the offseason as Northwestern State transfers Addison Patterson and Jon Sanders II decided to become Eagles.
MAC --> EASTERN MICHIGAN
Eastern added a trio of players who were at MAC schools at one point in their careers:
» Mo Habhab: Central Michigan in 2024-25
» Braelon Green: Bowling Green in 2024-25
» Aidan Rubio: Central Michigan in 2023-24
NCAA ELIGIBILITY: PATTERSON AND SMITH
Both Addison Patterson and Cooper Smith had waivers approved by the NCAA to be eligible for the 2025-26 season. EMU compliance officers Alex Hensley and Kayla Gribble played a key role in getting both student-athletes eligible, with Patterson's ruling coming exactly one month before the first game.
STAYING HOME
Eastern Michigan has nine players from the state of Michigan, its most since the 2022-23 season (11).
EASTERN MICHIGAN IS HOME
Eastern's 14 players have combined to play for 28 different schools prior to coming to Eastern Michigan. In total, three Eagles (Gregory Lawson II, Godslove Nwabude, and Mbaye N'Diaye) began their collegiate careers at EMU.
ANY STAFF CHANGES?
Eastern's staff saw minor changes in the offseason:
» Carlos McMath: promoted to Director of Operations/Assistant Coach from Director of Operations
» Pritish Kokate: promoted to Head Student Manager from Student Manager
» Alex Kling: hired as Graduate Manager
» Shawn McCall: hired as Graduate Manager
COOPER SMITH: 9TH-OLDEST PLAYER
Cooper Smith is the ninth-oldest player in Division I, and one of 14 known players born in the 20th century:
1. Ramel Bethea, Green Bay - July 27, 1996
2. Brett White III, Oakland - Feb. 17, 1998
3. Corey Sands, Chicago State - Jan. 5, 1999
4. Nginyu Ngala, Kansas - April 3, 1999
5. Curt Lewis, Southern Miss - May 19, 1999
6. Olajuwon Ibrahim, FIU - May 26, 1999
7. Antwaan Jones, UNCG - May 29, 1999
8. Blaise Keita, Western Kentucky - June 29, 1999
9. Cooper Smith, Eastern Michigan - July 12, 1999
10. Devin Haid, South Florida - Aug. 22, 1999
11. Hunter Erickson, Hawaii - Sept. 14, 1999
12. Dawson Baker, BYU - Oct. 29, 1999
13. Bouna Kebe, Delaware - Dec. 24, 1999
14. Jordan Brinson, CSUN - Dec. 31, 1999
UP NEXT
Eastern hosts Kent State University for a Saturday game, Jan. 24, at 3:30 p.m. The game is on ESPN+ and will be held in Ypsilanti, Mich., inside the George Gervin GameAbove Center. EMU's game follows the Eastern women's game against Northern Illinois University, slated for a 1 p.m. start.
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).
Players Mentioned
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/ Men's BasketballThank You from EMU Men's Basketball!
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