Eastern Michigan Athletics
Tuesday, January 27
Mount Pleasant, Mich.
7 p.m.
Eastern Michigan University
at
Central Michigan
Photo by: Joey Wolter
Eastern Off to Central for Tuesday Rivalry Game
1/25/2026 8:08:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Contest set for 7 p.m. start
| Men's Basketball at Central Michigan | |
| Dates/Time | Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2025 | 7 p.m. ET |
| Venue | McGuirk Arena (5,300) | Mt. Pleasant, Mich. |
| 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 |
MT. PLEASANT, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) -- The Eastern Michigan University men's basketball team travels to Central Michigan University for a critical Mid-American Conference game Tuesday, Jan. 27, at 7 p.m. inside McGuirk Arena.
ON AIR
Eastern Michigan and Central Michigan 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.
OPENING TIPS
» Eastern dropped a tight 76-75 decision to Kent State, Jan. 24, in double overtime. EMU led by four in the second overtime but was held to just two points in the final 4:06.
» Against Kent State, Jan. 24, Mohammad Habhab notched his eighth double-double with 22 points and 11 rebounds, while Addison Patterson netted 17 points to go with six rebounds and a career-high eight steals.
» Braelon Green netted 22 points against his former team as Eastern rallied to take a five-point lead after trailing by 21 points in the second half, but fell, 85-79, at Bowling Green, Jan. 17. Mehki Ellison scored 22 points off the bench while Mohammad Habhab posted 15 points and 12 rebounds.
» Mohammad Habhab is one of six players nationwide averaging at least 14.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists.
» 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), highlighted by its 64-56 win over the Bearcats.
» 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.
» 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 56-89 record at EMU and a 265-296 record over 18 years as a collegiate head coach.
ON THE CENTRAL MICHIGAN GAME
IF EASTERN WINS...
» EMU will improve to 103-107 all-time against Central Michigan.
» EMU will improve to 489-556 all-time against current MAC schools.
SERIES HISTORY VS. CENTRAL MICHIGAN
Eastern Michigan and Central Michigan are playing for the 210th time, making CMU the Eagles' most common foe. The Chippewas lead the all-time series, 107-102.
Eastern is 1-3 in the last four meetings but had won the previous three meetings. EMU, which has lost in Mt. Pleasant in back-to-back meetings, is seeking to avoid its first three-game losing streak at CMU since the Eagles dropped three-straight games from 2010-12.
LAST MEETING/WIN VS. CENTRAL MICHIGAN
Eastern won an 84-73 decision, Feb. 28, 2025, in the most recent meeting in a game that was aired on CBSSN. The Eagles hit 12 three-pointers as Jalen Terry led the way with 25 points behind six made triples. Da'Sean Nelson posted a double-double with 25 points and 10 rebounds.
LAST MEETING VS. CMU ON THE ROAD
Eastern fell, 82-63, Jan. 14, 2025, in the teams' most recent meeting in Mt. Pleasant. Eastern had 11 turnovers in the game's first 11:07 as Da'Sean Nelson scored 15 points, Christian Henry scored 14 points, and Jalen Terry scored 13 points in the loss.
LAST WIN VS. CMU ON THE ROAD
Eastern won, 75-70, Feb. 15, 2022, in EMU's most recent win in Mt. Pleasant. Noah Farrakhan led the way with 24 points.
EASTERN AGAINST THE MAC
Eastern holds a 488-556 all-time mark against current Mid-American Conference schools.
ALL-TIME AGAINST THE CURRENT MAC SCHOOLS 488-556
»Akron 24-39
»Ball State 47-72
»Bowling Green 45-59
»Buffalo 16-22
»Central Michigan 102-107
»Kent State 36-52
»Miami 30-56
»Northern Illinois 49-59
»Ohio 29-56
»Toledo 53-64
»UMass 1-3
»Western Michigan 56-67
CENTRAL MICHIGAN PLAYING CONNECTION
Mohammad Habhab and Aidan Rubio each spent one season in Mt. Pleasant. Habhab played two minutes before missing the rest of the 2024-25 season due to injury.
During the 2023-24 season, Rubio played in 24 games, averaging 6.6 points per game while converting 40% of his three-point attempts and adding 18 blocks.
CENTRAL MICHIGAN COACHING CONNECTION
Eastern Michigan Assistant Coach Jay Smith is set to face Central Michigan, Jan. 27, as well as his son EMU senior Cooper Smith.
Smith was the Head Coach of Central Michigan from 1997-2006. His time at the helm of the program was highlighted by 2001 and 2003 MAC Championships.
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)
»19-38: Dec. 5, 2025 vs. Cleary (W, 86-48) (38)
»1-18: Jan. 13, 2026 vs. Northern Ill. (W, 77-59) (18)
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)
»19-38: Dec. 5, 2025 vs. Cleary (W, 86-48) (38)
»1-18: Jan. 13, 2026 vs. Northern Ill. (W, 77-59) (18)
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)
KENT STATE RECAP, JAN. 24
SCORING/RUNS SUMMARY AGAINST KENT STATE
» KSU used an 18-9 run to close the first half, leading, 31-23 at the break.
» EMU erased a 13-point second-half deficit with a 19-8 spurt to take a 44-42 lead.
» EMU tied the game at 58-58 with 1:16 left in regulation before the contest went to overtime.
» KSU opened the first overtime with a 7-2 run, but Mohammad Habhab scored nine points in the final 2:05, including a game-tying three with 44 seconds to go, to send the game to a second overtime.
» EMU scored the first four points of double overtime before KSU's 7-0 run put the Golden Flashes up for good.
» KSU won, 76-75.
NOTEWORTHY PLAYERS AGAINST KENT STATE
» Addison Patterson: 17 points, six rebounds, and career-high eight steals
» Mo Habhab: 22 points (7-7 FT), 12 rebounds, two assists, career-high four blocks, and two steals
KEY TEAM STATS AGAINST KENT STATE
» EMU outscored KSU, 19-2, in fast-break settings.
» EMU forced 18 turnovers, tallying 14 steals.
EASTERN IN DOUBLE OVERTIME
Eastern's 76-75 loss to Kent State, Jan. 24, came in double overtime.
Eastern moved to 42-50 all-time in overtime games, which includes a 3-6 mark under Stan Heath.
EMU last played an overtime game, Feb. 11, 2025, an 86-84 loss at Ball State and last played two overtimes against Florida International, Dec. 11, 2021, a 92-88 win in four overtimes.
The Eagles have dropped three-straight overtime games and are 1-6 in their last seven, with the lone win coming over the Golden Flashes, 71-69, on Jan. 6, 2024.
19 POINTS IN THE FAST BREAK
EMU outscored Kent State, 19-2, in fast-break settings, Jan. 24.
Eastern's 19 fast-break points are the Eagles' most since tallying 19 against Bowling Green, Jan. 18, 2025. EMU's +17 margin in fast-break points is its highest since a +20 margin (35-15) against Toledo, Jan. 7, 2025.
The two fast-break points allowed are the fewest by an EMU opponent since Oakland had just two, Nov. 21, 2024.
For the 2025-26 season, Eastern is averaging 10.2 fast-break points per game and conceding 12.0 per contest.
14 STEALS
Eastern's 14 steals are the highest total in a game since its Jan 7, 2023, game against Central Michigan, when 15 were recorded.
ADDISON PATTERSON'S EIGHT STEALS
Addison Patterson recorded his career high in steals with eight against Kent State, Jan. 24, the highest total in one game by an Eagle since Tim Bond had eight against Toledo, March 4, 2016.
The eight steals are one short of the school record of nine, set by Michael Ross against Concordia, Nov. 25, 2003. The total is also tied for the most steals this season in the MAC and the third-most in the NCAA for the 2025-26 season. In addition, Patterson ties the mark for the most steals against a Division I opponent in team history, joining Bond and Carlos Medlock (vs. Davidson, Nov. 10, 2006) as Eagles with eight steals in one game.
BOWLING GREEN RECAP, JAN. 17
SCORING/RUNS SUMMARY AGAINST BGSU
» BGSU led by as many as 15 in the first half, taking a 46-36 advantage into halftime.
» An 11-0 Falcon burst to start the second half gave BGSU a 21-point advantage at 56-35 with 17:20 remaining, its largest lead of the game.
» A 30-9 EMU run, which includes 11-straight points, tied the game at 65-65 with 9:56 left.
» EMU led 72-67 at the 7:01 mark before BGSU retook the lead with 1:21 left, securing an 85-79 win.
NOTEWORTHY PLAYERS AGAINST BGSU
» Mehki Ellison: 22 points and four assists
» Braelon Green: 22 points and two steals
» Mohammad Habhab: 15 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, and two steals
KEY TEAM STATS AGAINST BGSU
» EMU's bench outscored BGSU's, 30-15.
» EMU was 7-for-20 (35.0%) from three-point range, while BGSU was 9-for-13 (69.2%)
BRAELON GREEN'S CAREER-HIGH 22 POINTS
Braelon Green's career-high 22 points at BGSU, Jan. 17, topped his previous mark of 16 scored against Ohio, Jan. 3. Before that, 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.
The former Bowling Green Falcon dropped numerous career highs against his previous school. In Green's career-high 34 minutes, he made a career-high nine field goals in just 11 attempts from the field.
His two made three-pointers represent the third time in his career that he has made multiple three-pointers in one game.
MEHKI ELLISON'S SEASON-HIGH 22 POINTS
Mehki Ellison's season-high 22 points at BGSU, Jan. 17, topped his previous mark of 13 scored against Oakland, Nov. 21. Ellison was three points short of his career-high 25-point showing against West Georgia, Jan. 4, 2025, while playing for Stetson.
Before his 22-point effort, Ellison scored nine points or more just once this season, his 13-point showing against Oakland, Nov. 21. Ellison had scored 23 total points in the last eight games prior to Saturday. His four assists matched his season high set against Oakland, Nov. 21.
EASTERN'S 30 BENCH POINTS
Eastern's 30 bench points are its third-highest bench output of the season, seven short of the 37 EMU bench points against Oakland, Nov. 21. The Eagles are averaging 20.0 bench points per game this season.
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
» Mohammad 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
» Mohammad 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%).
ACTIVE 2025-26 SEASON NOTES
EARLY MAC TOURNAMENT OUTLOOK
Eastern's currently sits tied for eighth in the MAC with Buffalo and Ball State at 3-5 for the final spot in the MAC Tournament field.
The Eagles are seeking their second-straight MAC Tournament appearance and are expected to need at least three more MAC wins to have any chance of qualifying for the conference tournament.
Record (Last 10) Qualifying % Most Likely Seed
13-5 (10-0) 100% 3
12-6 (9-1) 100% 3
11-7 (8-2) 100% 4
10-8 (7-3) >99% 5
9-9 (6-4) 98% 7
8-10 (5-5) 77% 8
7-11 (4-6) 27% 8
6-12 (3-7) 2% 8
5-13 (2-8) 0% -
4-14 (1-9) 0% -
3-15 (0-10) 0% -
*percentages per PlayoffStatus.com
MAC TOURNAMENT NO. 8 HISTORY
No. 8 in MAC Standings Wins by Year (last 10 shown):
Year Wins School
2024-25 8 BGSU
2023-24 8 Kent State
2022-23 6 Miami
2021-22 6 CMU/BGSU/NIU
2020-21 8 Ball St. (no tournament)
2019-20 8 Toledo/Ohio
2018-19 8 Akron/NIU
2017-18 7 BGSU/Ohio/CMU
2016-17 7 EMU/BGSU/NIU
2015-16 9 EMU/NIU
Data Since 1997-98 (first season with 12 MAC teams)
Average MAC Wins by No. 8 Seed: 7.55
Highest MAC Wins Needed: 10 (2004-05)
Lowest MAC Wins Needed: 6 (4x, last 2022-23)
The 2025-26 season is unique as the conference features 13 teams vying for eight spots.
BRAELON GREEN PROGRESSION
After being inserted into the starting lineup for the Wright State game, Dec. 22, Braelon Green has seen significant improvement in his numbers.
Green in his 11 games off the bench:
MPG PPG RPG APG SPG FG% 3PT%
12.3 1.5 1.0 0.7 0.3 23.3% 10.0%
Green in his eight starts:
MPG PPG RPG APG SPG FG% 3PT%
27.6 8.4 2.5 1.9 0.8 58.7% 52.9%
Since Dec. 22, Green has seen the following increases: 6.9 points, 1.5 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.5 steals, 35.4% from the field, and 42.9% from three-point range.
GREGORY LAWSON II GETTING GOING
After a slow start to his season, Gregory Lawson II, highlighted by a career-high 13 points in 14 minutes against Northern Illinois, Jan. 13, has started to show flashes of his potential.
Lawson II in his first 12 games:
MPG PPG RPG APG SPG FG% 3PT%
5.6 1.5 0.5 1.0 1.0 35.3% 33.3%
Lawson II in the last five games:
MPG PPG RPG APG SPG FG% 3PT%
14.0 5.4 0.6 0.4 0.3 50.0% 53.8%
Since Jan. 6, Lawson II has seen the following increases: 4.9 points, 0.1 rebounds, 14.7% from the field, and 20.5% from three-point range.
ADDISON PATTERSON DOUBLE-DIGIT SCORING
Addison Patterson has eight-straight games with at least 10 points. Patterson has 15 games with at least 10 points this season, with 11 of those coming in the last 12 games. Patterson had 10-plus points just four times in the first eight games, despite relatively minor differences in his averages from the season's first eight contests to the most recent 12 games.
Patterson in first eight games:
MPG PPG RPG APG SPG FG% 3PT%
27.2 11.3 5.3 2.8 1.3 53.8% 44.4%
Patterson in last 12 games:
MPG PPG RPG APG SPG FG% 3PT%
31.2 14.2 5.5 2.5 1.3 56.8% 16.7%
DEVELOPMENT OF GODSLOVE NWABUDE
Godslove Nwabude has played an increased role for Eastern Michigan in his second season.
Nwabude's freshman season:
MPG PPG RPG SPG BPG FG%
8.0 1.1 2.3 0.2 0.3 36.7%
Nwabude's sophomore season:
MPG PPG RPG SPG BPG FG%
17.8 5.1 5.3 0.5 1.4 62.0%
Nwabude has seen the following increases from his freshman to sophomore seasons: 4.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, 0.3 steals, 1.1 blocks, and 25.3% from the field.
GODSLOVE NWABUDE BLOCKING SHOTS
Godslove Nwabude has ramped up his shot blocking this season. In total, Nwabude has 26 blocks for the season, averaging 1.4 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.
Before 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.
TEAM SHOT BLOCKING
Helped by Godslove Nwabude's 26 blocks, Eastern is averaging 3.9 blocks per game, its most since averaging 4.5 rejections in the 2018-19 season.
MAK MANCIEL FROM THREE-POINT RANGE
Mak Manciel is 25-for-62 (40.3%) from three-point range this season. His 40.3% conversion rate ranks 14th in the MAC.
If Manciel can maintain his percentage, he would be the first Eagle to shoot 40.3% or better (min. 20 made three-pointers) since Noah Farrakhan shot 40.8% in the 2022-23 season.
MORE ON EASTERN'S THREE-POINTERS
Eastern averages 6.2 makes from deep and 18.7 attempts per game (33.2%). The 18.7 attempts are 1.2 lower than any other team in the MAC (Toledo, 19.9) while the 33.2% conversion rate ranks ninth in the conference. EMU's 6.2 makes per game edges CMU's 5.9 conversions for the 12th-ranked mark in the MAC.
Eastern's 18.7 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 18.7 13th 33.2 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 6.8 makes and 20.7 attempts per game (32.7%).
Eastern also put up impressive defensive numbers in the 2023-24 (31.6%), 2013-14 (31.3%), and 2012-13 (29.9%) seasons.
EASTERN FROM THE FREE-THROW LINE
While Eastern ranks last in the MAC in three-point attempts at 18.7 per game, part of the reason is the Eagles' ability to get to the free-throw line, as evidenced by their 18.2 free-throw attempts per game, an average that ranks 11th in the MAC.
The Green and White are converting from the charity stripe at a rate of 72.3%, which ranks eighth in the conference.
A SECOND-HALF TEAM
Eastern has performed better in the second half of games this season, as evidenced by its -1.0 scoring margin in the first half, compared to its +1.4 scoring mark in the second half. Eastern's points per half jump from 33.5 in the opening half to 37.7 in the second half.
In EMU's 20 games, the Eagles have out-scored their foe 13 times in the second half.
HOME SUCCESS
In eight home games, EMU posted a 6-3 record while outscoring opponents by an average of 11.0 points per contest. The Eagles shoot 45.7% from the floor at home and average 78.8 points, a 13.5-point jump from their road production. EMU also dominated the glass at home, holding a +5.1 rebounding margin.
Eastern Michigan averages 15.7 assists per game in home contests while forcing opponents into 14.9 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 59 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 11 losses, opponents averaged 80.9 points and shot 49.5% from the field. Three-point defense slipped to 38.5% allowed. EMU also faced a -5.2 rebounding margin in losses, creating additional scoring chances for opponents.
DOUBLE-DIGIT GAMES
Mohammad Habhab leads the team with 16 games scoring at least 10 points.
Eastern's Double-Digit Performances:
16 - Mohammad Habhab
15 - Addison Patterson
11 - Carlos Hart
6 - Jon Sanders II
4 - Braelon Green
3 - Godslove Nwabude
3 - Mak Manciel
2 - 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.
EIGHT DOUBLE-DOUBLES IN 19 GAMES
Mohammad Habhab has produced eight double-doubles in 19 games played in the 2025-26 season.
Habhab is the first EMU freshman to record eight double-doubles in one season since James Thompson IV had 19 in the 2015-16 campaign.
Habhab's eight double-doubles are the most by an Eagle since Boubacar Toure had 13 in the 2019-20 season.
HABHAB AMONG THE NATION'S LEADERS
Mohammad Habhab has eight double-doubles, averaging 14.8 points and 8.3 rebounds.
Habhab is tied for 26th nationally in double-doubles, eight behind MAC counterpart Delrecco Gillespie from Kent State for the nation's lead.
HABHAB DOING IT ALL
Mohammad Habhab is averaging 14.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 0.9 steals, and 1.2 blocks.
Habhab is one of six players nationwide averaging at least 14.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists. He is joined on that list by Arkansas Pine-Bluff's Quinon Williams, Butler's Michael Ajayi, Duke's Cameron Boozer, Monmouth's Jason Rivera-Torres, and Sacramento State's Prophet Johnson.
MO ON MO'S REBOUNDING
Mohammad Habhab is averaging 8.3 rebounds, the highest mark by an Eagle since Boubacar Toure's 9.9 rebounds per game average in the 2019-20 season.
If Habhab maintains his 8.3 rebounds per game pace, he would finish the season with 240 rebounds, which would rank 90th in the program's list of top career rebounders.
Habhab's 8.3 boards per contest are the most by an EMU freshman since James Thompson IV averaged 10.7 in the 2015-16 season.
MORE ON EASTERN'S REBOUNDING
Eastern out-rebounds its foe, 36.5-35.6. EMU has not had a positive rebounding margin since the 2018-19 season (36.1-34.6).
The Eagles are averaging 10.8 offensive rebounds per game, which would be their top mark since recording 12.6 in 2018-19.
THR33-POINT STR3AK, 666-STRAIGHT GAM3S
After converting six three-pointers against Kent State, Jan. 24, Eastern has hit at least one three-pointer in 666-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
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).
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.
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
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 CCU 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).
MOHAMMAD HABHAB TRIPLE-DOUBLE
Mohammad 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 a 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:
» Mohammad 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 travels to the University of Massachusetts for a Saturday game, Jan. 27, at 6 p.m. The game is on ESPN+ and will be held in Amherst, Mass., inside the Mullins Center.
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
G
/ Men's Basketball
G
/ Men's Basketball
F
/ Men's Basketball
G
/ Men's Basketball
G
/ Men's Basketball
G
/ Men's Basketball
G
/ Men's Basketball
F
/ Men's Basketball
F
/ Men's Basketball
F
/ Men's Basketball
G/F
/ Men's Basketball
G
/ Men's Basketball
C
/ Men's Basketball
G
/ Men's Basketball
G
/ Men's BasketballCinematic Recap: Jan. 24 Basketball Doubleheader
Saturday, January 24
Thank You from EMU Men's Basketball!
Monday, December 01
Giving Tuesday 2025 - EMU Men's Basketball
Monday, December 01
Giving Tuesday 2025 - Eastern Michigan Men's Basketball
Monday, December 01