Eastern Michigan Athletics
Tuesday, January 6
Muncie, Ind.
7 p.m.
Eastern Michigan University
at
Ball State
Eastern Playing at Ball State Tuesday
1/4/2026 9:04:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Last three meetings in Muncie have been decided by a total of five points
| Men's Basketball at Ball State | |
| Dates/Times | Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2025 | 7 p.m. ET |
| Venue | Worthern Arena (11,500) | Muncie, Ind. |
| 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 |
MUNCIE, Ind. (EMUEagles.com) -- The Eastern Michigan University men's basketball team continues Mid-American Conference play with a road matchup against Ball State University Tuesday, Jan. 6, at 7 p.m. inside Worthen Arena.
ON AIR
Eastern Michigan and Ball State 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
» Despite holding Ohio to just 15 first-half points and registering a 20-point second-half lead, Eastern suffered a stunning 68-67 loss to the Bobcats, Jan. 3, as OU hit 30-footer at the buzzer to win after EMU missed a pair of free throws with 5.8 seconds remaining.
» Against OU, Jan. 3, Addison Patterson had 17 points while Braelon Green netted a career-high 16 points.
» Carlos Hart had 23 points and 12 rebounds to go with Addison Patterson adding 14 points and 11 rebounds in Eastern's 80-74 win over UMass, Dec. 30. Mohammad Habhab posted 20 points, nine rebounds, six assists, and three blocks.
» Mohammad Habhab is one of 17 players nationwide averaging at least 14.0 points, 7.0 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 54-86 record at EMU and a 263-293 record over 18 years as a collegiate head coach.
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 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.
UMASS RECAP, DEC. 30
SCORING/RUNS SUMMARY AGAINST UMASS
» EMU scored the first six points, jumping out to a 9-2 advantage.
» A 12-2 UMass run gave the Minutemen their first lead of the game, 23-20.
» EMU's 9-4 spurt put the hosts back ahead, 31-27.
» UMass responded with an 8-0 run, leading 41-38 at halftime.
» UMass held the lead until EMU launched a 14-3 run, which included nine-straight points for the Eagles, to take a commanding 62-54 advantage at the 7:24 mark.
» UMass cut the EMU's edge to two points with 3:36 left before the hosts pulled away to win, 80-74.
NOTEWORTHY PLAYERS AGAINST UMASS
» Carlos Hart: 23 points, 12 rebounds
» Addison Patterson: 14 points, 11 rebounds, and two assists
» Mohammad Habhab: 20 points, nine rebounds, six assists, three blocks, and one steal
KEY TEAM STATS AGAINST UMASS
» EMU was 27-for-39 (69.2%) from the free-throw line and UMass was 12-for-18 (66.7%) at the charity stripe.
» EMU turned the ball over nine times while forcing seven UMass giveaways.
» EMU had eight blocks.
HART AND PATTERSON DOUBLE-DOUBLES
Carlos Hart and Addison Patterson each recorded double-doubles against UMass, Dec. 30. Hart tallied 23 points and 12 rebounds while Patterson had 14 points and 11 boards.
Eastern's last two players to record double-doubles in the same game were Monty Scott and Mo Njie, Dec. 11, 2021, against Florida International in the four-overtime game. EMU won, 92-88.
Before that, EMU last had two players with double-doubles in the same game in regulation, Jan. 16, 2021, when Yeikson Montero and Miles Gibson registered double-doubles in the 75-64 loss at Central Michigan.
MOHAMMAD HABHAB'S STAT LINE AGAINST UMASS
Mohammad Habhab produced a standout showing against UMass, Dec. 30. He notched 20 points, nine rebounds, six assists, three blocks, and one steal, becoming the first player nationally with that stat line or better this season.
Overall, the last player to achieve Habhab's numbers or better was then-UAB Blazer and current Michigan Wolverine Yaxel Lendeborg, who had 30 points, 20 rebounds, eight assists, four blocks, and five steals against East Carolina on March 14, 2025.
SEVEN TURNOVERS FORCED AND WON
EMU forced just seven turnovers in the win over UMass, Dec. 30. The last time Eastern won when forcing seven turnovers or fewer came against Central Michigan, Feb. 17, 2018, when EMU forced seven in the 72-67 win in Mt. Pleasant.
EIGHT BLOCKS AGAINST UMASS
Highlighted by a career-high three blocks by Mo Habhab, Eastern Michigan posted eight blocks in the win over UMass, its most since recording eight at Central Michigan, March 8, 2024, in the 65-62 loss.
FIRST MAC MEETING BETWEEN EMU AND UMASS
EMU and UMass met on the hardwood for the first time as MAC members, Dec. 30, adding a new chapter to the league's history. In EMU's first games against current MAC foes, the Eagles posted a 6-7 record, including wins over Buffalo in 1999 and victories over Kent State and Ohio during the league's expansion in the mid-1970s. Several of those first meetings came down to one possession, including one-point wins over Kent State and Ohio, showing how competitive EMU's early MAC matchups were. The meeting with UMass marked EMU's first initial conference matchup since Buffalo joined the league nearly three decades ago, giving the Eagles another chance to open a new MAC rivalry on the floor.
Akron - 1993 - L, 57-62
Ball State - 1975 - L, 78-84
Bowling Green - 1974 - L, 71-74
Buffalo - 1999 - W, 54-51
Central Michigan - 1974 - L, 75-96
Kent State - 1974 - W, 56-55
Miami - 1974 - L, 57-60
Northern Illinois - 1975 - W, 83-70
Ohio - 1974 - W, 73-71
Toledo - 1974 - L, 59-81
UMass - 2025 - W, 80-74
Western Michigan - 1974 - L, 65-80
WRIGHT STATE RECAP, DEC. 22
SCORING/RUNS SUMMARY AGAINST WRIGHT ST.
» Neither team led by more than three until the 4:13 mark of the first half (EMU, 27-23)
» WSU closed the half with an 11-6 run to lead 34-33 at the break.
» Neither team led by more than three in the second half until the 6:11 mark of the first half (WSU, 56-50)
» EMU used a 9-2 run to tie the game at 62-62 with less than two minutes to go.
» WSU scored the following four points to lead 66-62 at the 1:15 mark.
» WSU won, 70-64.
NOTEWORTHY PLAYERS AGAINST WRIGHT STATE
» Carlos Hart: 18 points (16 in second half), six rebounds, and two steals
» Addison Patterson: 18 points (14 in first half), four rebounds, and two assists
» Mak Manciel: nine points (3-6 3PT)
KEY TEAM STATS AGAINST WRIGHT STATE
» EMU was 11-for-16 (68.8%) from the free-throw line and WSU was 20-for-32 (62.5%) at the charity stripe.
» EMU had just seven assists on 24 made baskets while WSU posted 13 dimes on 23 made field goals.
AKRON RECAP, DEC. 19
SCORING/RUNS SUMMARY AGAINST AKRON
» Akron led, 20-9.
» EMU used a 13-4 spurt to cut the deficit to 24-22.
» Akron led, 48-34, at halftime.
» Akron led by 29 with 4:18 left.
» Akron won, 93-72.
NOTEWORTHY PLAYERS AGAINST AKRON
» Carlos Hart: 32 points (9-14 FG, 12-18 FT)
KEY TEAM STATS AGAINST AKRON
» EMU limited Akron to 3-of-18 (16.7%) shooting from beyond the three-point line.
» EMU had just seven assists on 25 made baskets while Akron posted 22 dimes on 39 made field goals.
» EMU was outscored in the paint, 70-36.
EASTERN'S THREE-POINT DEFENSE
EMU limited Akron to 3-of-18 (16.7%) shooting from beyond the three-point line, Dec. 19. Akron's 16.7% three-point conversion rate is the lowest by an Eastern opponent in an EMU loss since Indiana was 4-of-24 (16.7%) in a 68-62 loss, Nov. 9, 2021.
Furthermore, the Zips' three made triples are the fewest by an Eastern foe in a loss since Bowling Green was 4-of-17 (17.6%), Jan. 25, 2022.
The Eagles' 21-point loss is their largest when an opponent shoots 16.7% or worse on three-pointers since losing to Michigan State, 72-40, Nov. 27, 2011, despite shooting 2-for-12 (16.7%) from three-point range.
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.
ON THE BALL STATE GAME
IF EASTERN WINS...
» EMU will improve to 47-72 all-time against Ball State and 3-2 in the last five games.
» EMU will improve to 487-553 all-time against current MAC schools.
EASTERN AGAINST BALL STATE
Eastern Michigan and Ball State are playing for the 119th time. The Cardinals lead the all-time series, 72-46.
Despite going 2-9 over the previous 11 games, EMU is 2-2 against BSU in the last four games, including a 58-56 road win, Feb. 24, 2024, and a 75-68 victory in Ypsilanti, Feb. 25, 2023.
Tuesday's meeting will be the third straight in Muncie, marking the second time in series history that three-straight games will be played at Ball State (the first four games of the series from 1947-1954). Overall, six of the last nine games have come in Muncie.
2-9-1947 A L 32-73
1-31-1948 A L 38-64
2-4-1950 A L 41-66
12-6-1954 A L 78-83
The last three games in Muncie have been decided by a total of five points, with the hosts securing overtime wins in two of the three contests.
EASTERN AGAINST THE MAC
Eastern holds a 486-553 all-time mark against current Mid-American Conference schools.
ALL-TIME AGAINST THE CURRENT MAC SCHOOLS 486-553
»Akron 24-39
»Ball State 46-72
»Bowling Green 45-58
»Buffalo 16-22
»Central Michigan 102-107
»Kent State 36-51
»Miami 30-56
»Northern Illinois 48-59
»Ohio 29-56
»Toledo 53-64
»UMass 1-3
»Western Michigan 56-66
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)
»13-26: Jan. 26, 2019 at Western Mich. (W, 93-67) (26)
»11-12: Nov. 30, 2022 at FIU (W, 80-68) (12)
»1-10: Nov. 18, 2025 at Detroit Mercy (W, 72-62) (10)
ACTIVE 2025-26 SEASON NOTES
NINE-STRAIGHT GAMES WITH BETTER 3PT%
Eastern has rattled off nine straight games with a better three-point shooting percentage than its opponent.
During that nine-game span, EMU is 56-of-158 (35.4%) and its opponents are 53-of-184 (28.8%).
EMU is 4-5 in its last nine games, 1-4 in its last five, and 3-5 during that stretch against Division I foes.
Game EMU%Opp% W/L
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
MORE ON EASTERN'S THREE-POINTERS
Eastern averages 5.9 makes from deep and 17.6 attempts per game (33.7%). The 17.6 attempts is 2.5 lower than any other team in the MAC (Central Michigan, 20.1) while the 33.7% conversion rate ranks seventh in the conference. EMU's 5.9 makes per game clips CMU's 5.7 conversions for the 12th-ranked mark in the MAC.
Eastern's 17.6 three-point attempts per game is its fewest since the 2013-14 season when EMU averaged 16.4 three-point shots, putting in 30.9%.
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 17.6 13th 33.7 7th
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 limited opponents to averages of 6.7 makes and 21.3 attempts per game (31.25%), its best defensive three-point percentage since the 2012-13 season (29.9%).
Eastern also put up impressive defensive numbers in the 2023-24 (31.6%) and 2013-14 (31.28%) seasons.
EASTERN FROM THE FREE THROW LINE
While Eastern ranks last in the MAC in three-point attempts at 17.6 per game, part of the reason for that stems from the Eagles' ability to get to the free throw line, as evidenced by their 20.1 free throw attempts per game, an average that ranks ninth in the MAC and is EMU's highest mark since the 2019-20 season (22.3 FTA/game).
The Green and White are converting from the charity stripe at a rate of 71.5%, which ranks seventh in the conference.
MAK MANCIEL FROM THREE-POINT RANGE
Mak Manciel is 22-for-53 (41.5%) from three-point range this season. His 41.5% conversion rate ranks 10th in the MAC.
Manciel has four games with at least three made triples this season with three of those four coming in the last seven games.
If Manciel can maintain his percentage, he would be the first Eagle to shoot 41.5% or better (min. 20 made three-pointers) since both Jarred Axon shot 41.7% in the 2007-08 season.
TRIO OF TRIPLES
Eastern has a trio of players converting at an efficient, high-volume rate from behind the three-point line.
Mak Manciel, Carlos Hart, and Jon Sanders II are all making at least 1.0 three-pointer per game and shooting 35.0% or better.
Player 3PM 3PA 3PT%
Mak Manciel 1.5 3.5 41.5
Carlos Hart 1.1 3.1 37.0
Jon Sanders II 1.1 2.9 36.6
Manciel, Hart, and Sanders II would be the first EMU trio to each make at least 1.0 three-pointers per game while converting at a rate of 35.0% or better since the 2007-08 season.
Player 3PM 3PA 3PT%
Jesse Bunkley 2.2 6.2 36.2
Jarred Axon 2.1 5.4 38.7
Travis Lewis 1.0 2.3 41.2
CARLOS HART'S LAST THREE ROAD GAMES
Carlos Hart has shone bright in EMU's last three road games, scoring 32 points at Akron, Dec. 19; 18 at Wright State, Dec. 22; and 23 against UMass, Dec. 30; for an average of 24.3 points per game over the last three road contests.
During that span, Hart was 21-for-39 (53.8%) from the floor, 5-for-12 (41.7%) from three-point range, and 26-for-35 (74.3%) from the free-throw line. He also averaged 8.3 rebounds and 2.0 steals per game.
In Eastern's other five road games, Hart is averaging 7.0 points per game for a rate of 14.8 points per road game this season.
HOME SUCCESS
In seven home games, EMU posted a 5-2 record while outscoring opponents by an average of 11.7 points per contest. The Eagles shoot 47.0% from the floor at home and average 79.6 points, a 15.4 point jump from their road production. EMU also dominated the glass at home, holding a +7.1 rebounding margin.
Eastern Michigan averages 15.7 assists per game in home contests while forcing opponents into 14.6 turnovers per game.
The assist-to-turnover ratio at home stands at 1.3, compared to 0.9 in road games. Mohammad Habhab and Addison Patterson combine for 47 assists in home play.
SOME WINS/LOSSES TRENDS
In seven wins this season, Eastern Michigan displayed balance on both ends of the floor. EMU averaged 77.6 points while holding opponents to 62.1. Field goal defense stood out, with opponents shooting 37.4% overall and 26.4% from three. The Eagles also controlled the glass with a +7.7 rebounding margin.
In EMU's eight losses, opponents averaged 83.1 points and shot 50.1% from the field. Three-point defense slipped to 36.1% allowed. EMU also faced a -4.7 rebounding margin in losses, creating additional scoring chances for opponents.
Carlos Hart averages 13.3 points in losses and converted 74.5% at the free-throw line. Addison Patterson shot 54.5% from the field in losses while contributing 13.8 points per game. Mohammad Habhab added 11.5 points and 6.4 rebounds per loss, often facing heavy defensive attention.
DOUBLE-DIGIT GAMES
Mohammad Habhab leads the team with 12 games scoring at least 10 points.
Eastern's Double-Digit Performances:
12 - Mohammad Habhab
10 - Carlos Hart
10 - Addison Patterson
6 - Jon Sanders II
3 - Godslove Nwabude
2 - Braelon Green
2 - Mak Manciel
1 - Mehki Ellison
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.
FIVE DOUBLE-DOUBLES IN 14 GAMES
Mohammad Habhab has produced five double-doubles in 14 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
Mohammad Habhab has five double-doubles, averaging 14.1 points and 7.6 rebounds.
Habhab is tied for 40th nationally in double-doubles, six behind MAC counterpart Delrecco Gillespie from Kent State for the conference lead, and seven behind the nation's leader in Butler's Michael Ajayi.
HABHAB DOING IT ALL
Mohammad Habhab is averaging 14.1 points, 7.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.1 steals, and 0.9 blocks.
Habhab is one of 17 players nationwide averaging at least 14.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists.
MOHAMMAD HABHAB SECOND-HALF SCORER
Mohammad Habhab has excelled in the second half of games, matching his first-half total or scoring more in the second half in all but four games played this season.
Through 14 games played, Habhab has scored 114 points in second halves (8.1 points per second half) and 83 points in first halves (5.9 points per first half).
DEVELOPMENT OF GODSLOVE NWABUDE
Godslove Nwabude has played an increased role for Eastern Michigan in his second season in the Green and White.
Nwabude, who has started 14 games, has seen an increase of 9.8 minutes per game (8.0 --> 17.8), an increase of 4.6 points per game (1.1 --> 5.7), an increase of 3.0 rebounds per game (2.3 --> 5.3), and an increase of 1.1 blocks per game (0.3 --> 1.4)
GODSLOVE NWABUDE BLOCKING SHOTS
Godslove Nwabude has ramped up his shot blocking this season, specifically in recent games. Nwabude has 16 blocks in the last eight games, highlighted by his career-high five rejections against Cleary, Dec. 5. The Nigerian native has multiple blocks in five of the previous 11 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 21 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.
FIRST GAME WITHIN FIVE POINTS
Eastern had played three games decided by six points this season before finally playing its first game with a margin of five or fewer points as Ohio's 30-foot buzzer-beater resulted in an 68-67 OU win, Jan. 3. Eastern was 8-2 in games decided by five points or less in the 2024-25 season and 8-3 in such games in the 2023-24 campaign, for a 16-5 record in games decided by five points or fewer in the previous two seasons. EMU is 0-1 in such games in the 2025-26 slate.
EMU had not started a season with 14-straight games decided by six points or more since the 2020-21 season, which did not see a game decided by single digits until the campaign's 18th and final contest (shortened season due to COVID-19).
REBOUNDING SO FAR
Rebounding has been an indicator of Eastern's wins and losses so far this season, going 7-2 when out-rebounding its opponent and 0-6 when being out-rebounded. The Eagles outrebounded IU Indy, 40-36, but lost, 90-83, Nov. 14. EMU also lost to Ohio, 68-67, Jan. 3, when holding a 38-35 rebounding edge.
THR33-POINT STR3AK, 661-STRAIGHT GAM3S
After converting seven three-pointers against Ohio, Jan. 3, Eastern has hit at least one three-pointer in 661-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.
LAST THREE ROAD GAMES
Eastern dropped each of its last three road games. During that span, EMU was outscored by an average score of 81.0-67.0.
Although the Eagles' three-point defense excelled during that span, as evidenced by an opponent three-point conversion rate of just 25.5%, Eastern foes still shot 50.8% from the floor, meaning EMU opponents shot 60.0% on two-point attempts.
Comparatively, EMU shot 33.3% from three-point range and 47.5% on two-pointers for a 43.0% total during the three-game road swing.
Rebounding proved costly, as EMU was out-rebounded by an average of nearly eight boards per game.
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, against a to-be-determined opponent in the second leg of the MAC-SBC Challenge.
Eastern's MAC-SBC Challenge Results:
Date Against Score
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
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 Eagles moved to 4-7 all-time against current Big 12 schools and won against a current Big 12 school for the first time since Dec. 27, 1995, vs. Baylor (W, 71-69).
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.
BACK-TO-BACK 16-POINT GAMES
Jon Sanders II scored 16 points against IU Indy, Nov. 14, and 17 points at Detroit Mercy, Nov. 18.
Sanders II has scored 16-plus points in back-to-back games at three different Division I schools but has never done so in three-straight games.
Sanders II opened the 2024-25 season at Northwestern State by scoring 16 points against Dallas Christian and 18 points against Texas Tech after scoring 17 points against Wofford and 17 points against College of Charleston while at Coastal Carolina.
MOHAMMAD HABHAB'S PERFORMANCE AGAINST GSU
Mohammad Habhab, just a redshirt freshman, produced an impressive 15 points, 16 rebounds, four assists, and two blocks in the 71-49 win over Georgia State, Nov. 3.
Habhab is the first player in the MAC to record that stat line or better since Nov. 22, 2003, when Northern Illinois' Marcus Smallwood had 17 points, 21 rebounds, six assists, and four blocks.
There were a total of eight performances in Division I with a player tallying at least 15 points, 16 rebounds, four assists, and two blocks in the 2024-25 season, none of which were by freshmen. Through Nov. 11, 2025, Habhab was the only player in Division I to achieve that line this season.
Habhab is the first freshman in the nation to record at least 15 points, 16 rebounds, four assists, and two blocks since former Gonzaga Bulldog and recent NBA champion Chet Holmgren had 20 points, 17 rebounds, four assists, and five blocks, Feb. 5, 2022, against BYU.
Habhab is the first Eagle to have 15+ and 15+ rebounds in one game since James Thompson IV had 20 points and 23 rebounds, March 5, 2019, against Ball State.
Habhab is the first Eagle to record 16 rebounds in one game since Boubacar Toure had 17 against Akron, Jan. 4, 2020. Concerning Habhab's eight offensive rebounds against Georgia State, Toure is also the last Eagle with at least eight offensive rebounds in one game, grabbing nine against Michigan-Dearborn, Nov. 14, 2019. James Thompson IV's 11 offensive rebounds against Ball State, Jan. 8, 2019, mark the last time an Eagle had at least eight against a Division I foe.
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 travels to Western Michigan University for a Saturday game, Jan. 10, at 1 p.m. The game is on ESPN+ and will be held in Kalamazoo, Mich., inside University Arena.
FOLLOW US
For the most up-to-date information on the Eagles, visit EMUEagles.com. Fans can also follow the team on social media, including Twitter (@EMU_MBB) and Instagram (@EMUMBB).
ON AIR
Eastern Michigan and Ball State 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
» Despite holding Ohio to just 15 first-half points and registering a 20-point second-half lead, Eastern suffered a stunning 68-67 loss to the Bobcats, Jan. 3, as OU hit 30-footer at the buzzer to win after EMU missed a pair of free throws with 5.8 seconds remaining.
» Against OU, Jan. 3, Addison Patterson had 17 points while Braelon Green netted a career-high 16 points.
» Carlos Hart had 23 points and 12 rebounds to go with Addison Patterson adding 14 points and 11 rebounds in Eastern's 80-74 win over UMass, Dec. 30. Mohammad Habhab posted 20 points, nine rebounds, six assists, and three blocks.
» Mohammad Habhab is one of 17 players nationwide averaging at least 14.0 points, 7.0 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 54-86 record at EMU and a 263-293 record over 18 years as a collegiate head coach.
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 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.
UMASS RECAP, DEC. 30
SCORING/RUNS SUMMARY AGAINST UMASS
» EMU scored the first six points, jumping out to a 9-2 advantage.
» A 12-2 UMass run gave the Minutemen their first lead of the game, 23-20.
» EMU's 9-4 spurt put the hosts back ahead, 31-27.
» UMass responded with an 8-0 run, leading 41-38 at halftime.
» UMass held the lead until EMU launched a 14-3 run, which included nine-straight points for the Eagles, to take a commanding 62-54 advantage at the 7:24 mark.
» UMass cut the EMU's edge to two points with 3:36 left before the hosts pulled away to win, 80-74.
NOTEWORTHY PLAYERS AGAINST UMASS
» Carlos Hart: 23 points, 12 rebounds
» Addison Patterson: 14 points, 11 rebounds, and two assists
» Mohammad Habhab: 20 points, nine rebounds, six assists, three blocks, and one steal
KEY TEAM STATS AGAINST UMASS
» EMU was 27-for-39 (69.2%) from the free-throw line and UMass was 12-for-18 (66.7%) at the charity stripe.
» EMU turned the ball over nine times while forcing seven UMass giveaways.
» EMU had eight blocks.
HART AND PATTERSON DOUBLE-DOUBLES
Carlos Hart and Addison Patterson each recorded double-doubles against UMass, Dec. 30. Hart tallied 23 points and 12 rebounds while Patterson had 14 points and 11 boards.
Eastern's last two players to record double-doubles in the same game were Monty Scott and Mo Njie, Dec. 11, 2021, against Florida International in the four-overtime game. EMU won, 92-88.
Before that, EMU last had two players with double-doubles in the same game in regulation, Jan. 16, 2021, when Yeikson Montero and Miles Gibson registered double-doubles in the 75-64 loss at Central Michigan.
MOHAMMAD HABHAB'S STAT LINE AGAINST UMASS
Mohammad Habhab produced a standout showing against UMass, Dec. 30. He notched 20 points, nine rebounds, six assists, three blocks, and one steal, becoming the first player nationally with that stat line or better this season.
Overall, the last player to achieve Habhab's numbers or better was then-UAB Blazer and current Michigan Wolverine Yaxel Lendeborg, who had 30 points, 20 rebounds, eight assists, four blocks, and five steals against East Carolina on March 14, 2025.
SEVEN TURNOVERS FORCED AND WON
EMU forced just seven turnovers in the win over UMass, Dec. 30. The last time Eastern won when forcing seven turnovers or fewer came against Central Michigan, Feb. 17, 2018, when EMU forced seven in the 72-67 win in Mt. Pleasant.
EIGHT BLOCKS AGAINST UMASS
Highlighted by a career-high three blocks by Mo Habhab, Eastern Michigan posted eight blocks in the win over UMass, its most since recording eight at Central Michigan, March 8, 2024, in the 65-62 loss.
FIRST MAC MEETING BETWEEN EMU AND UMASS
EMU and UMass met on the hardwood for the first time as MAC members, Dec. 30, adding a new chapter to the league's history. In EMU's first games against current MAC foes, the Eagles posted a 6-7 record, including wins over Buffalo in 1999 and victories over Kent State and Ohio during the league's expansion in the mid-1970s. Several of those first meetings came down to one possession, including one-point wins over Kent State and Ohio, showing how competitive EMU's early MAC matchups were. The meeting with UMass marked EMU's first initial conference matchup since Buffalo joined the league nearly three decades ago, giving the Eagles another chance to open a new MAC rivalry on the floor.
Akron - 1993 - L, 57-62
Ball State - 1975 - L, 78-84
Bowling Green - 1974 - L, 71-74
Buffalo - 1999 - W, 54-51
Central Michigan - 1974 - L, 75-96
Kent State - 1974 - W, 56-55
Miami - 1974 - L, 57-60
Northern Illinois - 1975 - W, 83-70
Ohio - 1974 - W, 73-71
Toledo - 1974 - L, 59-81
UMass - 2025 - W, 80-74
Western Michigan - 1974 - L, 65-80
WRIGHT STATE RECAP, DEC. 22
SCORING/RUNS SUMMARY AGAINST WRIGHT ST.
» Neither team led by more than three until the 4:13 mark of the first half (EMU, 27-23)
» WSU closed the half with an 11-6 run to lead 34-33 at the break.
» Neither team led by more than three in the second half until the 6:11 mark of the first half (WSU, 56-50)
» EMU used a 9-2 run to tie the game at 62-62 with less than two minutes to go.
» WSU scored the following four points to lead 66-62 at the 1:15 mark.
» WSU won, 70-64.
NOTEWORTHY PLAYERS AGAINST WRIGHT STATE
» Carlos Hart: 18 points (16 in second half), six rebounds, and two steals
» Addison Patterson: 18 points (14 in first half), four rebounds, and two assists
» Mak Manciel: nine points (3-6 3PT)
KEY TEAM STATS AGAINST WRIGHT STATE
» EMU was 11-for-16 (68.8%) from the free-throw line and WSU was 20-for-32 (62.5%) at the charity stripe.
» EMU had just seven assists on 24 made baskets while WSU posted 13 dimes on 23 made field goals.
AKRON RECAP, DEC. 19
SCORING/RUNS SUMMARY AGAINST AKRON
» Akron led, 20-9.
» EMU used a 13-4 spurt to cut the deficit to 24-22.
» Akron led, 48-34, at halftime.
» Akron led by 29 with 4:18 left.
» Akron won, 93-72.
NOTEWORTHY PLAYERS AGAINST AKRON
» Carlos Hart: 32 points (9-14 FG, 12-18 FT)
KEY TEAM STATS AGAINST AKRON
» EMU limited Akron to 3-of-18 (16.7%) shooting from beyond the three-point line.
» EMU had just seven assists on 25 made baskets while Akron posted 22 dimes on 39 made field goals.
» EMU was outscored in the paint, 70-36.
EASTERN'S THREE-POINT DEFENSE
EMU limited Akron to 3-of-18 (16.7%) shooting from beyond the three-point line, Dec. 19. Akron's 16.7% three-point conversion rate is the lowest by an Eastern opponent in an EMU loss since Indiana was 4-of-24 (16.7%) in a 68-62 loss, Nov. 9, 2021.
Furthermore, the Zips' three made triples are the fewest by an Eastern foe in a loss since Bowling Green was 4-of-17 (17.6%), Jan. 25, 2022.
The Eagles' 21-point loss is their largest when an opponent shoots 16.7% or worse on three-pointers since losing to Michigan State, 72-40, Nov. 27, 2011, despite shooting 2-for-12 (16.7%) from three-point range.
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.
ON THE BALL STATE GAME
IF EASTERN WINS...
» EMU will improve to 47-72 all-time against Ball State and 3-2 in the last five games.
» EMU will improve to 487-553 all-time against current MAC schools.
EASTERN AGAINST BALL STATE
Eastern Michigan and Ball State are playing for the 119th time. The Cardinals lead the all-time series, 72-46.
Despite going 2-9 over the previous 11 games, EMU is 2-2 against BSU in the last four games, including a 58-56 road win, Feb. 24, 2024, and a 75-68 victory in Ypsilanti, Feb. 25, 2023.
Tuesday's meeting will be the third straight in Muncie, marking the second time in series history that three-straight games will be played at Ball State (the first four games of the series from 1947-1954). Overall, six of the last nine games have come in Muncie.
2-9-1947 A L 32-73
1-31-1948 A L 38-64
2-4-1950 A L 41-66
12-6-1954 A L 78-83
The last three games in Muncie have been decided by a total of five points, with the hosts securing overtime wins in two of the three contests.
EASTERN AGAINST THE MAC
Eastern holds a 486-553 all-time mark against current Mid-American Conference schools.
ALL-TIME AGAINST THE CURRENT MAC SCHOOLS 486-553
»Akron 24-39
»Ball State 46-72
»Bowling Green 45-58
»Buffalo 16-22
»Central Michigan 102-107
»Kent State 36-51
»Miami 30-56
»Northern Illinois 48-59
»Ohio 29-56
»Toledo 53-64
»UMass 1-3
»Western Michigan 56-66
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)
»13-26: Jan. 26, 2019 at Western Mich. (W, 93-67) (26)
»11-12: Nov. 30, 2022 at FIU (W, 80-68) (12)
»1-10: Nov. 18, 2025 at Detroit Mercy (W, 72-62) (10)
ACTIVE 2025-26 SEASON NOTES
NINE-STRAIGHT GAMES WITH BETTER 3PT%
Eastern has rattled off nine straight games with a better three-point shooting percentage than its opponent.
During that nine-game span, EMU is 56-of-158 (35.4%) and its opponents are 53-of-184 (28.8%).
EMU is 4-5 in its last nine games, 1-4 in its last five, and 3-5 during that stretch against Division I foes.
Game EMU%Opp% W/L
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
MORE ON EASTERN'S THREE-POINTERS
Eastern averages 5.9 makes from deep and 17.6 attempts per game (33.7%). The 17.6 attempts is 2.5 lower than any other team in the MAC (Central Michigan, 20.1) while the 33.7% conversion rate ranks seventh in the conference. EMU's 5.9 makes per game clips CMU's 5.7 conversions for the 12th-ranked mark in the MAC.
Eastern's 17.6 three-point attempts per game is its fewest since the 2013-14 season when EMU averaged 16.4 three-point shots, putting in 30.9%.
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 17.6 13th 33.7 7th
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 limited opponents to averages of 6.7 makes and 21.3 attempts per game (31.25%), its best defensive three-point percentage since the 2012-13 season (29.9%).
Eastern also put up impressive defensive numbers in the 2023-24 (31.6%) and 2013-14 (31.28%) seasons.
EASTERN FROM THE FREE THROW LINE
While Eastern ranks last in the MAC in three-point attempts at 17.6 per game, part of the reason for that stems from the Eagles' ability to get to the free throw line, as evidenced by their 20.1 free throw attempts per game, an average that ranks ninth in the MAC and is EMU's highest mark since the 2019-20 season (22.3 FTA/game).
The Green and White are converting from the charity stripe at a rate of 71.5%, which ranks seventh in the conference.
MAK MANCIEL FROM THREE-POINT RANGE
Mak Manciel is 22-for-53 (41.5%) from three-point range this season. His 41.5% conversion rate ranks 10th in the MAC.
Manciel has four games with at least three made triples this season with three of those four coming in the last seven games.
If Manciel can maintain his percentage, he would be the first Eagle to shoot 41.5% or better (min. 20 made three-pointers) since both Jarred Axon shot 41.7% in the 2007-08 season.
TRIO OF TRIPLES
Eastern has a trio of players converting at an efficient, high-volume rate from behind the three-point line.
Mak Manciel, Carlos Hart, and Jon Sanders II are all making at least 1.0 three-pointer per game and shooting 35.0% or better.
Player 3PM 3PA 3PT%
Mak Manciel 1.5 3.5 41.5
Carlos Hart 1.1 3.1 37.0
Jon Sanders II 1.1 2.9 36.6
Manciel, Hart, and Sanders II would be the first EMU trio to each make at least 1.0 three-pointers per game while converting at a rate of 35.0% or better since the 2007-08 season.
Player 3PM 3PA 3PT%
Jesse Bunkley 2.2 6.2 36.2
Jarred Axon 2.1 5.4 38.7
Travis Lewis 1.0 2.3 41.2
CARLOS HART'S LAST THREE ROAD GAMES
Carlos Hart has shone bright in EMU's last three road games, scoring 32 points at Akron, Dec. 19; 18 at Wright State, Dec. 22; and 23 against UMass, Dec. 30; for an average of 24.3 points per game over the last three road contests.
During that span, Hart was 21-for-39 (53.8%) from the floor, 5-for-12 (41.7%) from three-point range, and 26-for-35 (74.3%) from the free-throw line. He also averaged 8.3 rebounds and 2.0 steals per game.
In Eastern's other five road games, Hart is averaging 7.0 points per game for a rate of 14.8 points per road game this season.
HOME SUCCESS
In seven home games, EMU posted a 5-2 record while outscoring opponents by an average of 11.7 points per contest. The Eagles shoot 47.0% from the floor at home and average 79.6 points, a 15.4 point jump from their road production. EMU also dominated the glass at home, holding a +7.1 rebounding margin.
Eastern Michigan averages 15.7 assists per game in home contests while forcing opponents into 14.6 turnovers per game.
The assist-to-turnover ratio at home stands at 1.3, compared to 0.9 in road games. Mohammad Habhab and Addison Patterson combine for 47 assists in home play.
SOME WINS/LOSSES TRENDS
In seven wins this season, Eastern Michigan displayed balance on both ends of the floor. EMU averaged 77.6 points while holding opponents to 62.1. Field goal defense stood out, with opponents shooting 37.4% overall and 26.4% from three. The Eagles also controlled the glass with a +7.7 rebounding margin.
In EMU's eight losses, opponents averaged 83.1 points and shot 50.1% from the field. Three-point defense slipped to 36.1% allowed. EMU also faced a -4.7 rebounding margin in losses, creating additional scoring chances for opponents.
Carlos Hart averages 13.3 points in losses and converted 74.5% at the free-throw line. Addison Patterson shot 54.5% from the field in losses while contributing 13.8 points per game. Mohammad Habhab added 11.5 points and 6.4 rebounds per loss, often facing heavy defensive attention.
DOUBLE-DIGIT GAMES
Mohammad Habhab leads the team with 12 games scoring at least 10 points.
Eastern's Double-Digit Performances:
12 - Mohammad Habhab
10 - Carlos Hart
10 - Addison Patterson
6 - Jon Sanders II
3 - Godslove Nwabude
2 - Braelon Green
2 - Mak Manciel
1 - Mehki Ellison
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.
FIVE DOUBLE-DOUBLES IN 14 GAMES
Mohammad Habhab has produced five double-doubles in 14 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
Mohammad Habhab has five double-doubles, averaging 14.1 points and 7.6 rebounds.
Habhab is tied for 40th nationally in double-doubles, six behind MAC counterpart Delrecco Gillespie from Kent State for the conference lead, and seven behind the nation's leader in Butler's Michael Ajayi.
HABHAB DOING IT ALL
Mohammad Habhab is averaging 14.1 points, 7.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.1 steals, and 0.9 blocks.
Habhab is one of 17 players nationwide averaging at least 14.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists.
MOHAMMAD HABHAB SECOND-HALF SCORER
Mohammad Habhab has excelled in the second half of games, matching his first-half total or scoring more in the second half in all but four games played this season.
Through 14 games played, Habhab has scored 114 points in second halves (8.1 points per second half) and 83 points in first halves (5.9 points per first half).
DEVELOPMENT OF GODSLOVE NWABUDE
Godslove Nwabude has played an increased role for Eastern Michigan in his second season in the Green and White.
Nwabude, who has started 14 games, has seen an increase of 9.8 minutes per game (8.0 --> 17.8), an increase of 4.6 points per game (1.1 --> 5.7), an increase of 3.0 rebounds per game (2.3 --> 5.3), and an increase of 1.1 blocks per game (0.3 --> 1.4)
GODSLOVE NWABUDE BLOCKING SHOTS
Godslove Nwabude has ramped up his shot blocking this season, specifically in recent games. Nwabude has 16 blocks in the last eight games, highlighted by his career-high five rejections against Cleary, Dec. 5. The Nigerian native has multiple blocks in five of the previous 11 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 21 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.
FIRST GAME WITHIN FIVE POINTS
Eastern had played three games decided by six points this season before finally playing its first game with a margin of five or fewer points as Ohio's 30-foot buzzer-beater resulted in an 68-67 OU win, Jan. 3. Eastern was 8-2 in games decided by five points or less in the 2024-25 season and 8-3 in such games in the 2023-24 campaign, for a 16-5 record in games decided by five points or fewer in the previous two seasons. EMU is 0-1 in such games in the 2025-26 slate.
EMU had not started a season with 14-straight games decided by six points or more since the 2020-21 season, which did not see a game decided by single digits until the campaign's 18th and final contest (shortened season due to COVID-19).
REBOUNDING SO FAR
Rebounding has been an indicator of Eastern's wins and losses so far this season, going 7-2 when out-rebounding its opponent and 0-6 when being out-rebounded. The Eagles outrebounded IU Indy, 40-36, but lost, 90-83, Nov. 14. EMU also lost to Ohio, 68-67, Jan. 3, when holding a 38-35 rebounding edge.
THR33-POINT STR3AK, 661-STRAIGHT GAM3S
After converting seven three-pointers against Ohio, Jan. 3, Eastern has hit at least one three-pointer in 661-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.
LAST THREE ROAD GAMES
Eastern dropped each of its last three road games. During that span, EMU was outscored by an average score of 81.0-67.0.
Although the Eagles' three-point defense excelled during that span, as evidenced by an opponent three-point conversion rate of just 25.5%, Eastern foes still shot 50.8% from the floor, meaning EMU opponents shot 60.0% on two-point attempts.
Comparatively, EMU shot 33.3% from three-point range and 47.5% on two-pointers for a 43.0% total during the three-game road swing.
Rebounding proved costly, as EMU was out-rebounded by an average of nearly eight boards per game.
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, against a to-be-determined opponent in the second leg of the MAC-SBC Challenge.
Eastern's MAC-SBC Challenge Results:
Date Against Score
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
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 Eagles moved to 4-7 all-time against current Big 12 schools and won against a current Big 12 school for the first time since Dec. 27, 1995, vs. Baylor (W, 71-69).
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.
BACK-TO-BACK 16-POINT GAMES
Jon Sanders II scored 16 points against IU Indy, Nov. 14, and 17 points at Detroit Mercy, Nov. 18.
Sanders II has scored 16-plus points in back-to-back games at three different Division I schools but has never done so in three-straight games.
Sanders II opened the 2024-25 season at Northwestern State by scoring 16 points against Dallas Christian and 18 points against Texas Tech after scoring 17 points against Wofford and 17 points against College of Charleston while at Coastal Carolina.
MOHAMMAD HABHAB'S PERFORMANCE AGAINST GSU
Mohammad Habhab, just a redshirt freshman, produced an impressive 15 points, 16 rebounds, four assists, and two blocks in the 71-49 win over Georgia State, Nov. 3.
Habhab is the first player in the MAC to record that stat line or better since Nov. 22, 2003, when Northern Illinois' Marcus Smallwood had 17 points, 21 rebounds, six assists, and four blocks.
There were a total of eight performances in Division I with a player tallying at least 15 points, 16 rebounds, four assists, and two blocks in the 2024-25 season, none of which were by freshmen. Through Nov. 11, 2025, Habhab was the only player in Division I to achieve that line this season.
Habhab is the first freshman in the nation to record at least 15 points, 16 rebounds, four assists, and two blocks since former Gonzaga Bulldog and recent NBA champion Chet Holmgren had 20 points, 17 rebounds, four assists, and five blocks, Feb. 5, 2022, against BYU.
Habhab is the first Eagle to have 15+ and 15+ rebounds in one game since James Thompson IV had 20 points and 23 rebounds, March 5, 2019, against Ball State.
Habhab is the first Eagle to record 16 rebounds in one game since Boubacar Toure had 17 against Akron, Jan. 4, 2020. Concerning Habhab's eight offensive rebounds against Georgia State, Toure is also the last Eagle with at least eight offensive rebounds in one game, grabbing nine against Michigan-Dearborn, Nov. 14, 2019. James Thompson IV's 11 offensive rebounds against Ball State, Jan. 8, 2019, mark the last time an Eagle had at least eight against a Division I foe.
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 travels to Western Michigan University for a Saturday game, Jan. 10, at 1 p.m. The game is on ESPN+ and will be held in Kalamazoo, Mich., inside University Arena.
FOLLOW US
For the most up-to-date information on the Eagles, visit EMUEagles.com. Fans can also follow the team on social media, including Twitter (@EMU_MBB) and Instagram (@EMUMBB).
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