Women's Basketball Travels to Athens, Battles Ohio Wednesday Night

Women's Basketball at Ohio
Dates/Times	Wednesday, Jan. 7 \| 7 p.m.
Venue	Convocation Center \| Athens, Ohio
Preview Info	EMU Notes (PDF) \| Record Book
Watch Live	ESPN+
Listen Live	89.1 FM (WEMU)/The Varsity Network
Live Stats	Statbroadcast
Twitter	@EMUWBB \| @EMUAthletics
Instagram	@emuwbb \| @emuathletics

YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) -- Looking for its first 2-1 start to Mid-American Conference play since the 2019-20 campaign, the Eastern Michigan University women's basketball team seeks its second consecutive MAC win, as it travels to Ohio University, on Wednesday, Jan. 7. Tip off is set for 7 p.m. inside the Convocation Center, in Athens, Ohio.

Fans can stream the game live on ESPN+ and listen on WEMU (89.1 FM), and The Varsity Network with Tom Helmer and Greg Steiner calling the action. Live stats are available on EMUEagles.com, where a post-game recap will also be posted. Be sure to stay posted to EMU women's basketball social media @EMUWBB on X, @emuwbb on Instagram, and EMU Women's Basketball on Facebook.

QUICK NOTES
» Eastern is in the second year of the Head Coach Sahar Nusseibeh era. The Eagles surpassed their 2024-25 win total (two) just six games into the 2025-26 season, earning their third win over Robert Morris, 64-54, Nov. 26. EMU posted a 2-27 (1-17 MAC) record in 2024-25 and is currently 7-5 (1-1 MAC).
» Eastern has tripled its number of wins from the 2024-25 season (two) as it currently totals seven.
» Eastern and Ohio are meeting for the 70th time. EMU holds a 28-41 record against the Bobcats and a 12-22 mark when playing in Athens.
» Eastern is looking to start 2-1 in MAC play for the first time since 2019-20.
» Senior Sisi Eleko was named MAC Player of the Week, Dec. 16, for the second time this season as she averaged 19 points and 14.5 rebounds per game.
» Junior Fernanda Ovalle posted her second career double-double with a career-high 26 points and 10 rebounds in the 86-76 win over Bowling Green, Dec. 30.
» Fernanda Ovalle has excelled in her last six games, averaging 16.3 points off 46.1% shooting from the field and 81.8% from the free-throw line. She was previously averaging 7.7 points off 34.0% shooting.
» Senior Sisi Eleko was named Preseason All-MAC First Team after earning second-team honors following the 2024-25 regular season that saw her lead the MAC in double-doubles (14) and rebounds per game (10.1) while ranking second with 17.9 points per game.
» Averaging 17.9 points and 10.2 rebounds per game, Sisi Eleko is the only MAC player averaging a double-double this season as she is one of 20 players to do so nationally this season.
» Eastern most recently topped Bowling Green, 86-76, Dec. 30. The Eagles saw a trio of 20-point performances from Fernanda Ovalle (26 points), Peyton Hill (22 points), and Sisi Eleko (20 points).
» Eastern returns just Sisi Eleko and Brooklyn Thrash from the 2024-25 squad as it totals 13 newcomers, six of which came via the transfer portal.
» Eastern has nine international players on the roster, tying for the fourth-most in the nation and most in the MAC. Wagner has the most with 13.

FIVE-WIN IMPROVEMENT
Eastern's 7-5 record represents a five-win improvement over last season's 2-27 record. The five-win improvement is the largest in one season since the 2022-23 squad improved by eight wins (15-15) from the 2021-22 team's 7-20 record.

LOOKING FOR 2-1 START TO MAC PLAY
Eastern is looking to start 2-1 in MAC play for the first time since 2019-20. That season, Eastern started MAC competition with a 78-61 home win over Bowling Green, on Jan. 4, followed by a 74-69 road win at Kent State, on Jan. 8. EMU dropped its third MAC game, a 59-54 loss at Ball State, on Jan. 11.

RECEIVING VOTES IN CI MID MAJOR POLL
Eastern is receiving votes in the College Insider Mid-Major Women's Basketball poll. Eastern notably beat Robert Morris in its home opener, 64-54, on Nov. 26, who was receiving votes in the poll for multiple weeks, while hard-fought losses at Indiana, 74-68, on Dec. 14, and No. 11, Ball State, 78-74, on Dec. 20, highlight EMU's performances. EMU also topped Detroit Mercy on the road, 64-55, on Nov. 30, as UDM holds a win against No. 18 Cleveland State, on Dec. 4, before beating Bowling Green, 86-76, on Dec. 30, as the Falcons previously beat Purdue Fort Wayne, on Nov. 30, who has been receiving votes throughout the season. The full poll can be found on page 12.

NET RATING
Eastern currently ranks 136th in the latest NET ranking, released on Jan. 5, slotting fifth among MAC schools. The ranking is the second-highest in program history as the highest was 102nd, Jan. 21, 2021. UMass leads the MAC, ranking 68th, followed by Ball State (80th), Central Michigan (102nd), and Miami (111th).

ALL-TIME VS. OHIO
The Eagles trail, 28-41, in their all-time series with the Bobcats, and hold a 12-22 mark when the game is played in Athens, as the two teams are meeting for the 70th time overall and fourth consecutive time in Athens. Ohio has won seven of the previous 10 games overall and six of the last 10 that have taken place in Athens. Eastern is looking for its first win over the Bobcats since a 74-64 decision in Athens, on March 4, 2023, a game that saw EMU clinch a MAC Tournament appearance. Lachelle Austin (25 points) and Ce'Nara Skanes (21) each scored 20+ points.

LAST SEASON VS. OHIO
Sisi Eleko recorded a 25-point, 12-rebound double-double and Olivia Smith dished out a career-high eight assists as the Eagles dropped a 69-59 decision at Ohio, on Jan. 25, 2025. The Eagles also received 11 points from Olivia Westhphal.

LAST TIME OUT
Eastern topped Bowling Green, 86-76, as the Eagles saw a trio of 20-point performances from Fernanda Ovalle (26 points), Peyton Hill (22 points), and Sisi Eleko (20 points), on Dec. 30.

The win marked the first home Mid-American Conference win in the Head Coach Sahar Nusseibeh era (2024-present).

Ovalle added 10 rebounds for the second double-double performance of her career and first as an Eagle. Eleko grabbed six boards, as both she and Hill converted on 10 free throws in a game where a total of 81 free throws were shot.

Other notable performances included a 10-point, six-assist, and seven-rebound showing from Ainhoa Cea while Brooklyn Thrash grabbed a season-high nine rebounds.

The free throws proved to be the difference maker as Eastern made 10 more foul shots than BGSU (37-27), the same margin as the final score (86-76). Eastern's litany (24) of free throws in the fourth quarter propelled it to setting program records in both free throws made (37) and free throws attempted (48).

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

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

CONSECUTIVE GAMES WITH MULTIPLE 20-POINT PERFORMANCES
With Fernanda Ovalle (26 points), Peyton Hill (22), and Sisi Eleko's (20) scoring totals against Bowling Green, on Dec. 30, the Eagles have had multiple players score 20 points in consecutive games for the first time since Areanna Combs and Courtnie Lewis did so in the 2020 Mid-American Conference Tournament against Northern Illinois, March 9, and Ball State, March 11. Combs scored 23 points against the Huskies and Lewis poured in 21. Combs scored 23 once more against the Cardinals, while Lewis notched 20. Ovalle (22) and Eleko (20) previously scored 20+ in Eastern's game at Ball State, Dec. 20.

HISTORIC DAY AT THE LINE
Eastern set program and George Gervin GameAbove Center records with 37 free throws made and 48 attempted against Bowling Green, on Dec. 30. EMU broke records that were held for 15 and 14 years, respectively. The previous record for made free throws was 34 against Toledo, on March 2, 2010, while the prior record for free throws attempted was 48 at UIC, on Dec. 23, 2011. Additionally, both figures stand as the most in the MAC and the second-most in the nation.

Four Eagles set career highs in free throws made and attempted, including Sisi Eleko (10-for-12), Peyton Hill (10-for-14), Fernanda Ovalle (8-for-9), and Ainhoa Cea (6-for-7). Hill's 14 free-throw attempts are the most in a single game in the MAC.

HIGHEST SCORING MAC GAME SINCE 2018
Eastern's 86 points against Bowling Green, on Dec. 30, are its most in a MAC contest since it scored 92 in an overtime loss to Buffalo, Jan. 27, 2018. It's the most points in regulation in a MAC contest since EMU bested Central Michigan, 93-86, March 7, 2015. The performance marked EMU's first time scoring 80+ points in a conference contest since it scored 83 in a victory at Central Michigan on Feb. 19, 2022. Moreover, the 86 points are the third-most by a MAC team in a league game this season.

WINNING CONFERENCE HOME OPENER
The 86-76 win against the Falcons, on Dec. 30, was the first time EMU won its conference home opener since it topped Miami, 68-67, behind a pair of double-doubles from Lachelle Austin (16 points, 10 rebounds) and Ce'Nara Skanes (14 points, 12 rebounds). It also marked the first home Mid-American Conference victory under Head Coach Sahar Nusseibeh.

WINNING AFTER TRAILING AT HALF
Eastern beat Bowling Green, 86-76, on Dec. 30, despite trailing by two (39-37) at halftime. The win marks the first of the season after trailing at the half, and the fourth time a Nusseibeh-led EMU team has done so. EMU overcame halftime deficits in both its wins last season, erasing a 20-point (45-25) hole to beat Xavier, 72-60, on Dec. 1, 2024. Eastern later overcame a six-point disadvantage at NIU, on Feb. 22, 2025, besting the Huskies, 76-72.

CONSISTENT STARTING FIVE
Eastern has started Brooklyn Thrash, Fernanda Ovalle, Ainhoa Cea, Sisi Eleko, and Peyton Hill all 12 games this season. EMU is one of 14 known schools to start the same five every game this season, and the only MAC school to do so. Conversely, EMU sent out seven different starting fives last season.

74+ POINTS IN FOUR-OF-FIVE GAMES
Eastern has scored 74+ points in four of its last five games, scoring 96 points against Defiance, on Dec. 5, and 74 points versus Duquesne, on Dec. 9, and at Ball State, on Dec. 20, before putting up 86 versus Bowling Green, on Dec. 30. The occurrence is EMU's first time with 74+ points in four-of-five games since the 2019-20 season. That year, it scored 84 points in a 84-70 win at Detroit Mercy, on Dec. 21, prior to notching 78 points, besting Bowling Green, 78-61, on Jan. 4, and scoring 74 points in a 74-69 win over Kent State, on Jan.8, EMU scored just 54 points, losing a 59-54 game at Ball State, on Jan. 11, before rebounding to put up 80 points, beating Miami, 8--53, on Jan. 15.

74+ POINTS IN CONSECUTIVE MAC GAMES
After scoring 74 points in a 78-74 loss at Ball State, on Dec. 20, and 86 points in a 86-76 win over Bowling Green, on Dec. 30, Eastern has scored 74+ points in consecutive MAC games for the first time since the 2019-20 campaign. EMU put up 77 points, beating Toledo on the road, 77-62, on Jan. 29, before dropping 81 points in a high-scoring 88-81 loss at Akron, on Feb. 1.

ELEKO MAC POTW X2
Sisi Eleko collected her second MAC Player of the Week award of the season, on Dec. 16. The senior averaged 19.0 points and 14.5 rebounds per game, while shooting 45.7% from the field with a pair of double-doubles. She was the only MAC player to record two double-doubles on the week. She started her week with 23 points, the most in the conference last week, while grabbing 11 rebounds in a 74-72 win against Duquesne, Dec. 9, a contest where she hit the game-winning layup. Eleko then posted 15 points with a game-high 18 rebounds, the second-most in the MAC and seventh-most in the nation this season, in a hard-fought 74-67 loss on the road at Indiana, Dec. 14.

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

STRONG START
Eastern Michigan is looking for its first 8-5 start or better through the first 13 games of the season since it went 10-3 in its first 13 games of the 2022-23 campaign. That season ended with a first-round loss in the MAC tournament to Bowling Green, 70-36, March 8.

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

HOT AT HOME
After the 86-76 win over Bowling Green, on Dec. 30, Eastern is 4-0 at home for the first time since the 2022-23 season, when it started 6-0 at home. Eastern notably topped Robert Morris in its home opener, on Nov. 26, who was receiving votes in the College Insider Mid Major poll, and is predicted to finish second in the Horizon League. EMU also ended Bowling Green's seven-game win streak after topping the Falcons, 86-76. EMU is looking for a 5-0 home start for the first time since 2022-23.

NUSSEIBEH STRONG START
Head Coach Sahar Nusseibeh is seeking the second 8-5 start or better through 13 games in her head coaching tenure. She last led a team to a 8-5 record or better through 13 games at Canisius in 2023-24. That season was highlighted by a first-round MAAC Tournament win over Manhattan, 58-55, March 14, and a 17-14 overall record, marking the Golden Griffins' most wins since the 2008-09 season.

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

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

BOUNCE BACK
Eastern went 10 games without consecutive losses to start the season, the longest such streak since the 2015-16 Eagles went the first 19 games without consecutive losses. The stretch was the second-longest to start a season for Nusseibeh, as her Canisius Golden Griffins went the first 19 games of the 2023-24 season without back-to-back losses.

MONEY FROM THE LINE
Eastern is shooting 77.7% (174-for-224) from the free-throw line this season, ranking second in the MAC, and 17th in the country. Although just 12 games in, EMU's 77.7% free-throw percentage would serve as the team's single-season program record and is 5.1% better than the current single-season record, a 72.6% clip in the 1994-95 season. The Eagles have shot 81.0% or better from the free-throw line in six of 12 games this season, as their season-best 90.9% (20-for-22) rate vs. Robert Morris, Nov. 26, ranks fourth in program history in single-game standings. Fernanda Ovalle (83.3%) and Peyton Hill (81.2%) lead EMU individually, as Ovalle's clip slots sixth in the conference and Hill's ranks ninth. Hill's 81.2% rate ranks first in the MAC by a freshman and is the 13th-best mark of any freshman in the nation. Eastern most recently broke the program and George Gervin GameAbove Center records in free throws made and attempted, shooting 77.1% (37-for-48) against Bowling Green, on Dec. 30.

SEASON-BEST AND HISTORIC FT PCT
Eastern tied a season-best shooting 90.9% (20-for-22) from the free-throw line in the win over Robert Morris, Nov. 26. The figure ranks fourth on EMU single-season leaderboards and fifth in a single game in the MAC this season by value. Eastern previously shot 90.9% (10-for-11) from the charity stripe in a 77-39 road win at Canisius, Nov. 7.

LOCKDOWN D
Eastern has played well on defense to start the season. It ranks fourth in the MAC, allowing an average of 64.3 points per game while holding opponents to a 30.0% rate from three-point range, placing sixth in the MAC. The Eagles most allowed their best opponent three-point shooting percentage of the season- as Ball State shot 55.0% (11-for-22) from beyond the arc, Dec. 20. The Eagles have held opponents to 30% or worse from three six times this season, producing a 6-0 record.

Eastern has held three opponents (Canisius, 39; St. Thomas, 41; Defiance, 44) to 44 points or less this season for the first time since 2018-19, when it held Illinois State to 41 points in a 50-41 win, Nov. 17, UIC to 38 points in a 52-38 victory, Nov. 27, and Northwood to 39 points in a 53-39 win, Dec. 30.

STARTERS CARRY THE WORKLOAD
A large majority of Eastern's 69.2 points per game is scored by the starting five, as they have accounted for 83.3% (692-of-830) of EMU's total points.

CONSISTENT TRENDS
Eastern is 7-1 this season when holding opponents below 44.9% from the field, as it has held its foes to 41.5% or worse in its seven victories. In losses, opponents are shooting at least 44.8%. The same goes for three-point shooting as Eastern's opponents are shooting 26.3% or worse in five of EMU's seven wins and 31.3% or better in four of EMU's five losses. Eastern is also 6-3 when outrebounding its foe as it has done so in 9-of-12 games this season while holding a clean 6-0 mark when leading at halftime.

CRASHING THE GLASS
Eastern ranks sixth in the MAC with a +3.8 rebounding margin as opponents average 32.9 rebounds per game against EMU while it pulls down an average of 36.7 per contest. After getting outrebounded in the season-opener at Louisiana Monroe, 37-29, Nov. 3, Eastern has outrebounded its opponent in nine of the last 11 games with its largest margin being +23 in the 96-44 win vs. Defiance, Dec. 5. Along with Sisi Eleko (10.2 rebounds per game, second in the MAC), Ainhoa Cea also carries a sizeable workload when it comes to rebounding, averaging 4.8 per game while standing 5-foot-6, and Brooklyn Thrash averages 4.3 per game.

HOME FLOOR SETS THE TONE
Eastern Michigan has turned home games into a clear advantage early in the season. The Eagles are 4-0 at home while outscoring opponents by 18.5 points per game. EMU averages 80.0 points inside the George Gervin GameAbove Center and holds opponents to 61.5. The defense has forced 20.0 opponent turnovers per game at home while committing only 15.8. The rebounding margin sits at plus 6.3, driven by strong interior play from Sisi Eleko, who averages 10.5 rebounds per home contest and scores 21.3 points per game on 57.7% shooting.

STRONG STARTS IN YPSILANTI
EMU has controlled games early at home. The Eagles have outscored opponents 91 to 46 in first quarters and 152 to 99 across first halves. Opponents shoot only 35.0% overall in home games and 28.4% from three. EMU's pressure defense has led to 9.5 steals per game at home, creating extra possessions and transition scoring chances.

ROAD GAMES TEST DEPTH AND POISE
Away from Ypsilanti, EMU owns three wins, while facing higher scoring environments. Road games average nearly nine more possessions per team, reflected in tighter margins. The Eagles score 63.8 points per road game and allow 65.8. Rebounding remains a strength with a +2.5 margin, while EMU averages 12.8 assists per game, showing ball movement even under pressure.

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

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

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

SISI STILL GOT IT
Sisi Eleko has picked up where she left off from the 2024-25 season, as she is the only MAC player currently averaging a double-double. Named Preseason First Team All-MAC, Eleko has scored at least 10 points in all 12 games this season, including 20+ in five, as she is the only MAC player to rank inside the top two in points per game, rebounds per game OR assists per game. Eleko currently averages 17.9 points and 10.2 rebounds per game, ranking first and second in the MAC, respectively, while averaging 32.8 minutes per game (ninth in the MAC), and shooting 49.7% from the field (11th in the conference).

ELEKO 20+ IN THREE OF LAST FOUR
Sisi Eleko has scored 20+ points in three of her last four games for the second time as an Eagle, previously doing so from Nov. 11 until Dec. 1 in the 2024-25 season. Eleko posted 23 points against Duquesne, on Dec. 9, and 20 each at Ball State, on Dec. 20, and versus Bowling Green, on Dec. 30.

ELEKO IN THE STANDINGS
Sisi Eleko has seven double-doubles on the season, ranking first in the MAC and fifth nationally by value. The senior also paces the MAC in points per game, posting 17.9 per contest, matching her career-best rate from last season. Her 10.2 rebounds per game rank second in the MAC and 24th nationally, while she also leads the MAC in defensive rebounds per game (8.3), checking in at No. 8 in America. Altogether, she ranks inside the MAC top-three in seven categories.

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

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

ELEKO ELITE COMPANY
Sisi Eleko is the only MAC player averaging a double-double this season as she is one of 20 players doing so nationally. Leading the MAC in points (17.9) and ranking second in rebounds (10.2) per game, Eleko is one of just 10 players nationally to rank top two in their respective conference in both points and rebounds per game.

ELEKO CLOSING IN ON 1,500 POINTS
Senior Sisi Eleko is closing in on 1,500 career points. She currently totals 1,458, requiring 42 to reach the mark. Factoring in Eleko's 17.9 points per game average this season, she is expected to eclipse 1,500 points at Miami, Jan. 14. Eleko would be the seventh EMU player to reach the milestone and first since Cha Sweeny did so in the 2015-16 season. Eleko would be one of 41 active Division I players to reach the milestone.

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

STRONG START: PEYTON HILL
Peyton Hill is the first EMU freshman to record double-digit points in 10 of her first 12 NCAA games since EMU Women's Basketball Ring of Honor Recipient Ryan Coleman did so in 2002-03. She's the first freshman to score 10+ in any four consecutive games and in nine of any 10-game stretch since Cha Sweeny ended her freshman season with 22 consecutive 10+ point outings. Through 12 games, Hill is averaging 13.7 points and 3.3 rebounds per game, while shooting 81.2% from the free-throw line, 43.6% from the field, and 37.5% from three. Her 13.7 points per game are the most from a MAC freshman this season and her 81.2% free-throw percentage is the best from a MAC rookie. Additionally, her 35.7% rate from three, the second-best mark among MAC freshman.

FRESHMAN 10+ POINTS: PEYTON HILL
Peyton Hill has the most games with double-digit points of an EMU freshman (10) since Aaliyah Stanley recorded 11 in the 2019-20 season.

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

AT THE LINE FOR EASTERN: PEYTON HILL
Freshman Peyton Hill is shooting 81.2% from the line, the ninth-best mark in the conference, best from a freshman, and the 13th-best mark nationally from a freshman. Overall, Hill's 81.2% clip would rank 10th in the program's single-season records if it is maintained. The record is currently held by Kelly Helbler, who shot 91.1% (82-of-90) in the 1989-90 season.

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

Ovalle Last Six Games
16.3 PTS, 46.1 FG%, 4.2 REB, 2.3 AST, 29.5 MIN

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

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

AINHOA'S ASSISTS
Senior Ainhoa Cea has distributed the ball effectively in her first 12 games as an Eagle. Cea has dished at least five dimes in 10 of her first 12 games, with her highest total being nine at St. Thomas, on Nov. 14. Cea's nine assists against the Tommies are the fourth-most in a single game in the MAC. Cea's 5.7 assists per game rank second in the conference and 22nd nationally. The senior's 5.7 assists per game average is the highest from an Eagle since Cassie Schrock averaged 5.9 in the 2010-11 season. Schrock dished 220 assists that season, setting an EMU program record. Cea has posted six or more dimes in five of her last seven games. She most recently totaled six against Bowling Green, on Dec. 30.

AINHOA'S MINUTES
Ainhoa Cea has logged significant minutes on the court, ranking first in the MAC and eighth in America, averaging 36.3 minutes per game. Cea's 36.3 minutes per game are a career high and stand 7.5 minutes more than her previous career high of 28.8 MPG. She recently tied a career best, playing the full 40 minutes for the third time this season against Indiana, Dec. 14, after playing wire-to-wire at Purdue Fort Wayne, Nov. 19, and Louisiana Monroe, Nov. 3.

AINHOA CEA: STAT-SHEET STUFFER
Ainhoa Cea has excelled in multiple facets of the game as she has recorded eight games with at least five points, three assists, and three rebounds this season, as she has done so in three consecutive games at Indiana, Dec. 14 (nine points, six assists, 10 rebounds), at Ball State, Dec. 20 (eight points, five assists, three rebounds), and against Bowling Green (10 points, six assists, seven rebounds). Overall, the senior is averaging 6.5 points, 5.7 assists, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.2 steals per game. She is shooting 49.1% from the field (29-for-58) and 35.7% (5-for-14) from three-point range.

PELKA FROM DOWNTOWN
Freshman Oliwia Pelka is shooting 37.5% from the three-point line, ranking 10th in the MAC and second among MAC freshmen. She made her NCAA debut against Louisiana Monroe, Nov. 3, shooting 3-for-4 from the three-point line as she made three or more three-point field goals for the second time in her career with a trio of triples in the win over Defiance, Dec. 5. Pelka recently went 2-for-5 (40%) from behind the arc against Indiana, Dec. 14.

UPCOMING MILESTONES
Fernanda Ovalle needs 121 points to reach the 500 mark. Sisi Eleko needs 103 rebounds to reach 1,000 and 95 to hit 500 as an Eagle. She is 42 points from 1,500 and needs nine double-doubles to reach 50 in her NCAA tenure. Furthermore, Eleko needs 10 total double-doubles to tie for the most in program history and 11 to be the sole record owner.

SHOOTING STREAK
The Eagles have recorded at least one three-pointer in 144 consecutive games, the third-longest stretch since the start of the 1999-00 season. The longest streak in that period is 281 games, which began with seven makes at Northern Illinois, Jan. 31, 2002, and ended with no makes in the MAC Tournament, March 11, 2011, against Toledo. The second-longest lasted 157 games and started Dec. 9, 2014, and ended Nov. 29, 2020, against visiting UIC, when no makes halted the streak.

ON THE HORIZON
Eastern returns home to face preseason conference favorite Kent State University Saturday, Jan. 10, at 2 p.m. Fans can purchase tickets here, and stream the game live on ESPN+.

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

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Players Mentioned

Ainhoa Cea

Sisi Eleko

Peyton Hill

Fernanda Ovalle

Oliwia Pelka

Olivia Smith

Brooklyn Thrash

Eastern Michigan Athletics