Women's Basketball Opens Home Stretch, Hosts Toledo Tuesday Night

Women's Basketball vs. Toledo
Dates/Times	Tuesday \| Jan. 20 \| 6:30 p.m.
Venue	George Gervin GameAbove Center \| Ypsilanti, Mich.
Tickets	Purchase Here
Preview Info	EMU Notes (PDF) \| Record Book
Watch Live	ESPN+
Live Stats	Statbroadcast
Radio	89.1 FM (WEMU) \| The Varsity Network
Twitter	@EMUWBB \| @EMUAthletics
Instagram	@emuwbb \| @emuathletics

YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) -- The Eastern Michigan University women's basketball team is set to play eight of its final 13 regular-season games at home, beginning with a game against the University of Toledo Tuesday, Jan. 20, at 6:30 p.m., in Mid-American Conference action, inside the George Gervin GameAbove Center.

Fans can purchase tickets here and stream the game live on ESPN+ with Ryan Wooley, Claire Dau, and Elena Davis on the call, while Tom Helmer will call the action courtside on 89.1 FM (WEMU), and The Varsity Network app. 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 7-9 (1-5 MAC).
» Eastern has more than tripled its number of wins from the 2024-25 season (two) as it currently totals seven.
» Ainhoa Cea is one of seven players nationally averaging at least 6.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game as she is posting 7.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per contest. Of players on that list, she is one of three shooting 50.0% or better, and the only player shooting 40.0% or better from three-point range.
» Eastern Michigan and Toledo are meeting for the 95th time. EMU is 35-59 against the Rockets and 18-27 when facing them in Ypsilanti.
» The 95 meetings between EMU and Toledo mark the most between EMU and an out-of-state opponent. It is the third-longest series in EMU history.
» Eastern fell to Toledo in the only matchup last season, 77-49, Feb. 1, in Ypsilanti.
»The Eagles are looking for their first win over Toledo since they topped the Rockets at home, 69-55, Feb. 21, 2021.
» Fernanda Ovalle has excelled in eight of her last nine 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 dropped a game at Central Michigan, in Mt. Pleasant, 77-64, Jan. 17.
» 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.

ALL-TIME VS. TOLEDO
Eastern Michigan and Toledo will meet for the 95th time Tuesday as EMU holds a 35-59 all-time record against the Rockets, and an 18-27 mark when facing them in Ypsilanti. Toledo has won eight consecutive meetings including eight of the last 10. Eastern is looking to top the Rockets for the first time since Feb. 21, 2021, a 69-59 home win for EMU.

STREAKS AGAINST TOLEDO
After Eastern won 11 of the first 14 matchups from 1977-87, Toledo rattled off 27-straight wins from 1987-2000.

FIRST TIME BEATING TOLEDO SINCE?
The Eagles are looking for their first win over UT since Feb. 21, 2021, a 69-59 home win. The win marked the 400th victory inside the then-Convocation Center for both the EMU men's and women's basketball programs combined. The Green and White were paced by junior Jenna Annecchiarico, who scored 17 points and knocked in a season-high five three pointers. Redshirt senior Corrione Cardwell and redshirt sophomore Ce'Nara Skanes both added double-doubles, with Cardwell collecting 16 points and 11 rebounds, and Skanes posting 13 points and 12 rebounds.

LAST SEASON AGAINST UT
Eastern fell at home to the Rockets last season, 77-49, Feb. 1, in the lone matchup between EMU and Toledo. EMU forced a season-high-tying 16 turnovers and posted their third-lowest total in Mid-American Conference action, but it was not enough as Toledo grabbed a 77-49 decision. Sisi Eleko tallied her 11th double-double of the year, Olivia Smith added 14 points, and Brooklyn Thrash scored eight points while grabbing five rebounds.

TOLEDO TIES
EMU Head Coach Sahar Nusseibeh and Toledo Assistant Coach/Recruiting Coordinator Hailey Yohn previously worked together on Miami's staff from 2019-21. During Nusseibeh's tenure as the RedHawks' defensive coordinator, 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).
Additionally, EMU Assistant Coach Shareese Ulis hails from the city of Toledo. In high school, she was named the Toledo Player of the Year on three occasions, District Player of the Year twice, and was a member of the All-State Team two times. She was also nominated for the McDonald's All-American Team as a senior, and finished her career as the all-time leading scorer in Waite High School history.

IN THE 90's
The 95 meetings between EMU and Toledo mark the most between EMU and out-of-state opponent, as It is the third-longest series in EMU history. Overall, Eastern has played over 90 games in four different series, including 97 with Western Michigan and Central Michigan, soon to be 95 with Toledo, and 93 with Ball State. The next series in line is the 80 games played with Bowling Green.

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 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.

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

LAST TIME OUT: AT CENTRAL MICH., JAN. 17
Sisi Eleko eclipsed the 1,500 career points mark as the Eagles fell on the road at Central Michigan, 77-64, in Mid-American Conference play, at McGuirk Arena, Saturday, Jan. 17.
Eleko is now the seventh Eagle to reach the mark in her NCAA career as she eclipsed the number with a pull-up jumper in the second quarter.
Despite battling foul trouble the entire game, Eleko managed to record her eighth double-double of the season with 15 points and 11 rebounds, while shooting 7-for-12 from the field. Fernanda Ovalle had a strong performance with 17 points, three assists, one rebound, and one steal. Brooklyn Thrash aided with nine points, five rebounds, and two assists, while shooting 50% (2-for-4) from three-point range in a full 40 minutes of court time.

NOTABLES FROM GAME AT CENTRAL MICH., JAN. 17
»Eastern had fewer turnovers (14-20) than its opponent for the seventh time this season, as it holds a 5-2 record when doing so. EMU's 20 forced turnovers are its fourth-highest total of the season and the second-most against a MAC opponent. Eastern previously turned Ball State over 24 times on the road, Dec. 20. The Eagles are 3-2 this season when forcing 20+ turnovers.
» Eastern's 14 turnovers are its second-lowest total of the season, tying for its fewest against a MAC opponent. EMU previously turned the ball over 14 times in the 86-76 win over Bowling Green, Dec. 30, after recording a season-low 12 turnovers at power-conference opponent, Indiana, Dec. 14, a game the Eagles led at one point in the second quarter.
» Fernanda Ovalle recorded her ninth double-digit scoring game of the season with 17, highlighted by 6-for-7 shooting from the free-throw line. She has scored at least 10 points in eight of her last 10 games for the first time in her career.
» Sisi Eleko posted her 15th double-digit scoring game of the season and 82nd of her career, as she eclipsed the 1,500-point mark with 15 points off 7-for-12 shooting from the field.
» Sisi Eleko notched her eighth double-double of the season with 15 points and 11 rebounds. Her eight double-doubles lead the MAC and rank seventh in the nation by value. The game also marked her eighth game with 10+ rebounds this season and the 44th of her career.

NOTABLES FROM GAME AT CENTRAL MICH., JAN. 17
» Ainhoa Cea totaled four steals on the day, tying her season-high and marking her seventh game of the season with at least three takeaways. Her four steals tie for the most from an Eagle in a single game this season as she has met the mark four times.
» Brooklyn Thrash scored nine points and grabbed five rebounds.
» Eastern has now faced Central 97 times, as the rivalry serves as the most storied matchup in program history.
» With her basket at the 4:48 mark of the second quarter, Sisi Eleko became the seventh EMU player to reach the 1,500-point milestone in their NCAA career and first since Cha Sweeny did so in the 2015-16 season. Eleko is now one of 48 active Division I players to reach the milestone and the only player in the MAC to do so.

HOME STRETCH IS HERE
Beginning with the game against Toledo, Jan. 20, Eastern will play eight of its final 13 games inside the friendly confines of the George Gervin GameAbove Center, where it holds a 4-1 mark this season.

ELEKO REACHES 1,500 POINTS
With her basket at the 4:48 mark of the second quarter at Central Michigan, Jan. 17, Sisi Eleko became the seventh EMU player to reach the 1,500-point milestone in their NCAA career and first since Cha Sweeny did so in the 2015-16 season. Eleko is now one of 50 active Division I players to reach the milestone and the only player in the MAC to do so. She totals 1,508 points in her career.

WHAT'S NEXT FOR SISI?
Sisi Eleko needs 82 rebounds to reach 1,000 in her NCAA career and 73 to hit 500 as an Eagle, while requiring 235 points to reach 1,000 in Eastern Green and White. Should she meet the standards, Eleko would be the 25th player to score 1,000 points in their EMU career and the 23rd student-athlete to reach 500 rebounds. Furthermore, she needs eight double-doubles to reach 50 in her NCAA tenure, nine to tie for the most in program history, and 11 to be the sole record owner.

HILL HEATING UP FROM THREE
Freshman Peyton Hill has caught fire from deep as of late, shooting at least 50% in four of her last six games as she is averaging 3.6 attempts per game while shooting 50.0% (11-for-22) from distance in that span. The stretch has seen Hill elevate to fourth in the MAC in three-point shooting, as she is up to 41.3% (19-for-46) this season, the best clip from a MAC freshman. She recently made a career-best three triples at Miami, Jan. 14, and one at Central Michigan, Jan. 17.

YOUR DO-IT-ALL PG
Senior Ainhoa Cea is averaging 7.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per contest, making her one of seven players nationally averaging at least 6.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game. Of players on that list, she is one of three shooting 50.0% or better, and the only player shooting 40.0% or better from three-point range. The other two players shooting 50% or better from the field while posting the stat line are Olivia Miles of TCU and Kennedy Blair of Michigan State.

THE OFFENSE IS HUMMIN'
Eastern has thrived offensively in eight of its last nine games (excluding game at CMU, Jan. 17), greatly improving upon multiple offensive statistics from the first seven games of the season.

EMU Eight of Last Nine Games (All per game averages)
Pts: 75.5, FG%: 45.9%, 3P FG%: 35.0%, Ast: 15.9, TO: 17.0

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 13.6 points per game increase, 4.0 jump in assists, 8.0% advancement in three-point field-goal percentage, 7.1% improvement in from the field, while turnovers have decreased by 2.1.

HIGH IN THE MAC AS OF LATE: TEAM
Since EMU's offensive improvements (since Dec. 6), it ranks highly in the MAC in multiple categories.

Category          Rnk      Value
FG% 2nd       45.7% (202-for-442)
3P FG%             3rd        35.1% (59-for-168)
3P FG Per Game  5th        7.38
Points/Game    6th        71.50

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

Name Stat      Rnk      Value (All Per Game Avgs.)
A. Cea MPG     1st        37.34
A. Cea APG      2nd       5.88
S. Eleko PPG      2nd       18.29
B. ThrashMPG     3rd`     36.57
F. Ovalle  PPG      4th        16.50
S. Eleko  RPG      4th        8.57
S. Eleko   FG%     4th        51.0% (51-for-100)
F. Ovalle   FG%     8th        44.2% (46-for-104)

OVALLE NAMED MAC PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Fernanda Ovalle was named Mid-American Conference Player of the Week, 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, 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, Nov. 28, 2022.

THREE POTW AWARDS IN ONE SEASON
After Sisi Eleko's MAC Player of the Week awards (Dec. 2 and Dec. 16), and Fernanda Ovalle's, 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 (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 eight of her last 10 games with a pair of five-assist outings, including a then-career-best 22 points and five assists at Ball State, Dec. 20, before topping that with a career-high 26 points and season-best 10 rebounds against Bowling Green, Dec. 30. Ovalle most recently scored 17 points with three assists at Central Michigan, Jan. 17. The junior has seen substantial leaps in her points and rebounds per game average, along with her field-goal percentage throughout the stretch.

Ovalle Nine of Last 10 Games (All Per Game Averages)
Excluding game at Miami, Jan. 14.
16.7 PTS, 45.7 FG%, 3.6 REB, 2.6 AST, 30.9 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, Dec. 20, before recording a career-best 26 points in the win against Bowling Green, 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, 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, Dec. 20, before recording a career-best 26 points in the win against Bowling Green, on Dec. 30, and 24 points at Ohio, Jan. 7.

CONSECUTIVE GAMES WITH 86+ POINTS
» After scoring 87 points against the Bobcats, Jan. 7, and 86 points against Bowling Green, 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, Dec. 31, before putting up 88 in an 88-70 victory over Kent State, Jan. 4.
» After scoring 87 points against the Bobcats, Jan. 7, and 86 points against Bowling Green, 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, Jan. 7, prior to besting rivals Central Michigan, 87-50, Jan. 10.
» Eastern is one of two MAC teams to score 86+ points in multiple conference games this season.

FIVE-WIN IMPROVEMENT
Eastern's 7-9 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.

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

Category          Rnk      Value
3-Point FG%: 2nd       37.6% (47-for-125)
FG%: 3rd        45.6% (152-for-333)
3P FGs Per Game: 4th        7.83
Points Per Game:        5th        71.83
Assist/TO Ratio:           5th        0.84
Asst Per Game:            5th        14.50

COOKIN' IN CONFERENCE PLAY: INDIVIDUAL
Six 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% 2nd       66.7% (6-for-9)
S. Eleko  PPG      3rd        18.00
A. Cea MPG     3rd        37.54
A. Cea APG      4th        5.67
F. Ovalle PPG      4th        17.00
F. Ovalle 3P FG/GM        T7th      1.83
P. Hill   3P FG/GM        T7th      1.83
F. Ovalle  MPG     8th        34.74

BK CONSECUTIVE GAMES WITH 11+ POINTS/7+
REBOUNDS
After a career-best 22-points and seven rebounds at Ohio, Jan. 7, and an 11-point/eight-rebound game against Kent State, Jan. 10, Brooklyn Thrash recorded consecutive games with at least 11 points and seven rebounds for the first time in her career. She averaged 16.5 points and 7.5 rebounds per game over the span, while shooting 87.5% (7-for-8) from the free-throw line, and 36.4% (4-for-11) from the field. She recently scored nine points and grabbed five rebounds at Central Michigan, Jan. 17.

THRASH SCORING/REBOUNDING CONSISTENCY
With Brooklyn Thrash's nine points and five rebounds at Central Michigan, Jan. 17, she has posted at least nine points and five boards in three of her last four games for the first time in her career. She was also 2-for-4 from three-point range, marking her sixth game with multiple made triples this season and fourth time shooting 40% or better from beyond the arc.

3-STRAIGHT GAMES W/ MULTIPLE 20-POINT PERFORMANCES
With Fernanda Ovalle (24 points) and Brooklyn Thrash's (22) 20-point outings at Ohio, 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, Dec. 20, prior to Ovalle (26 points), Peyton Hill (22), and Eleko (20) doing so against Bowling Green, 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, March 7, Northern Illinois, March 9, and Ball State, 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, 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, Dec. 30, is the only occasion of a MAC school having three players with 20+ points in a single game this season.

ELEKO MAC POTW X2
Sisi Eleko collected her second MAC Player of the Week award of the season, 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. 9, 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, Jan. 23 and Jan. 30.

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, 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.

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, Nov. 7; St. Thomas, Nov. 14; Detroit Mercy, 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, 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, Dec. 9, and had just one last season, a 72-60 comeback win over Xavier, 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, Dec. 30. A win against the Rockets would quadruple the Eagles' 2024-25 road-win total (one) and exceed their conference win sum (one).

MONEY FROM THE LINE
Eastern is shooting 74.7% (213-for-285) from the free-throw line this season, ranking third in the MAC, and 62nd in the country. Sixteen games in, EMU's 74.7% free-throw percentage would serve as the team's single-season program record and is 2.1% 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 16 games this season, and 70% or better in 10 games, 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 (80.0%) leads EMU individually, as her clip ranks seventh in the MAC, 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, Dec. 30.

STARTERS CARRY THE WORKLOAD
A large majority of Eastern's 68.8 points per game is scored by the starting five, as they have accounted for 83.3% (918-of-1,101) of EMU's total points. The same applies to minutes as well, as Eastern starters have played 80.4% (2,574-of-3,200) of the Eagles' total minutes. Moreover, EMU is the only MAC school to have four players rank inside the top 15 in minutes per game, and one of four with two players in the top 15 in scoring.

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 seven of EMU's nine losses. Eastern is also 6-4 when outrebounding its foe as it has done so in 11-of-16 games this season while holding a clean 6-0 mark when leading at halftime.

CRASHING THE GLASS
Eastern ranks sixth in the MAC with a +2.3 rebounding margin as opponents average 33.0 rebounds per game against EMU while it pulls down an average of 35.3 per contest. After getting outrebounded in the season-opener at Louisiana Monroe, 37-29, Nov. 3, Eastern has outrebounded its opponent in 11 of the last 15 games with its largest margin being +23 in the 96-44 win vs. Defiance, Dec. 5. Along with Sisi Eleko (9.5 rebounds per game, second in the MAC), Brooklyn Thrash also carries a sizeable workload when it comes rebounding, averaging 4.8 per game, while Ainhoa Cea averages 4.7 per game while standing 5-foot-6. Eleko secured her eighth double-digit rebounds performance of the season with 11 at Central Michigan, Jan. 17, while Thrash secured five in the contest.

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, Nov. 7, and a 52-41 win at St. Thomas, 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 15 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 17.7 points and 9.5 rebounds per game, both ranking second in the MAC, while averaging 32.2 minutes per game (12th in the MAC), and shooting 50.0% from the field (13th in the conference).

ELEKO IN THE STANDINGS
Sisi Eleko has eight double-doubles on the season, ranking first in the MAC and seventh nationally by value. The senior ranks second in the MAC in both points and rebounds per game, posting 17.7 points and 9.5 rebounds. Her 9.5 boards per game stand 34th nationally, while she also leads the MAC in defensive rebounds per game (7.5), checking in at No. 17 in America. Altogether, she ranks inside the MAC top-three in six categories.

ELEKO PROGRAM DOUBLE-DOUBLES
Sisi Eleko's 22 double-doubles rank second on the program's all-time list (since 1997). She needs nine 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 11 rebounds at Central Michigan, Jan. 17.

ELEKO DOUBLE-DOUBLE RATE
Sisi Eleko has secured her 22 EMU double-doubles at an astonishing rate, doing so in 43 games. It took program double-doubles leader, Ce'Nara Skanes (2020-23), 42 games to total 22 double-doubles, finishing her tenure with 31. Eleko has posted a double-double in 51.1% (22-of-43) of her games at EMU. Skanes did so in 41.3% (31-of-75) of her career games.

ELEKO ELITE COMPANY
Ranking second in the MAC in both points (17.7) and rebounds (9.5) per game, Eleko is one of just nine players nationally to rank top two in their respective conference in both points and rebounds per game.

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 12 of her first 16 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 16 games, Hill is averaging 12.8 points and 2.9 rebounds per game, while shooting 80.0% from the free-throw line, 45.0% from the field, and 41.3% from three.

LEADING FRESHMAN: PEYTON HILL
Peyton Hill's 12.8 points per game, 80.0% clip from the free throw line, and 41.3% rate from beyond the arc are all the best from a MAC freshman this season. Her 45.0% mark from the field ranks third among the league's rookies.

FRESHMAN 10+ POINTS: PEYTON HILL
Peyton Hill has the most games with double-digit points of an EMU freshman (12) 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, Dec. 30. Her 22 points are the second-most from a MAC freshman in a single game this season, most from a true freshman, and the most from an EMU freshman since Aaliyah Stanley scored 24 points in a 68-59 win at UIC, 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 fourth-best mark in the conference, best from a freshman, and the 13th-best mark nationally from a freshman. Overall, Hill's 81.7% 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.

UNDERSIZED REBOUNDER
Standing 5-foot-6, Ainhoa Cea pulls down an average of 4.7 rebounds per game. Although five other MAC guards averaged 4.7 rebounds per game or more, all of them stand at least two inches taller (5-foot-8) than Cea. She has grabbed at least four rebounds in five of her last seven games with her highest single-game total being 10 at Indiana, Dec. 14. Cea's 10 rebounds against the Hoosiers are the most from an EMU player 5-foot-6 or shorter since Juanita Agosto also grabbed 10 against Western Michigan, Jan. 19, 2022.

AINHOA'S ASSISTS
Senior Ainhoa Cea has distributed the ball effectively in her first 16 games as an Eagle. Cea has dished at least five dimes in 12 of her first 16 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 and are the fifth-most nationally by value. Cea's 5.7 assists per game rank second in the conference and 21st nationally. The senior's 5.7 assists per game average, should it hold, would rank fourth on the program's single-season leaderboards, 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 11 games. She recently totaled four at Central Michigan, Jan. 17.

AINHOA'S MINUTES
Ainhoa Cea has handled significant minutes on the court as she slots first in the MAC and fourth in America, averaging 36.7 minutes per game. Cea's 36.7 minutes per game are a career high and stand 7.9 minutes more than her previous career high of 28.8 MPG. She most recently played 38 minutes at Central Michigan, Jan. 17.

AINHOA CEA: STAT-SHEET STUFFER
Ainhoa Cea has excelled in multiple facets of the game as she has recorded 10 games with at least five points, three assists, and three rebounds this season, as she has done so in five of her last seven 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), Dec. 30, at Ohio (seven points, five rebounds, 12 assists), and most recently at Miami, Jan. 14 (10 points, eight rebounds, five assists). Overall, the senior is averaging 7.0 points, 5.7 assists, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.3 steals per game. She is shooting 50.0% from the field (43-for-86) and 42.9% (9-for-21) from three-point range.

PELKA FROM DOWNTOWN
Freshman Oliwia Pelka is shooting 36.6% (15-for-41) from the three-point line, ranking 11th 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 1-for-2 (50%) from behind the arc against Central Michigan, Jan. 17.

UPCOMING MILESTONES
Fernanda Ovalle needs 67 points to reach the 500 mark. Sisi Eleko needs 82 rebounds to reach 1,000 and 74 to hit 500 as an Eagle. She needs eight double-doubles to reach 50 in her NCAA tenure. Furthermore, Eleko needs nine total double-doubles to tie for the most in program history and 11 to be the sole record owner. Ainhoa Cea needs 49 assists to hit 500 in her career and 52 rebounds to reach the same mark, while Brooklyn Thrash needs 25 triples to hit 100 in her NCAA career and 174 rebounds to total 500.

SHOOTING STREAK
The Eagles have recorded at least one three-pointer in 148 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 home to face Northern Illinois University Saturday, Jan. 24, at 1 p.m., inside the George Gervin GameAbove Center. The game will mark the Huskies' last appearance in Ypsilanti as members of the Mid-American Conference. Fans can purchase tickets here.

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 Home Stretch, Hosts Toledo Tuesday Night

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Players Mentioned

Ainhoa Cea

Sisi Eleko

Peyton Hill

Fernanda Ovalle

Oliwia Pelka

Olivia Smith

Brooklyn Thrash

Eastern Michigan Athletics