Eastern Michigan Athletics
Tuesday, February 24
Ypsilanti, Mich.
6:30 p.m.
Eastern Michigan University
vs
No. 21 Miami
Photo by: Steve King/KingStudios
Eastern Hosting Undefeated No. 22 Miami in Tuesday Night Showdown
2/23/2026 12:09:00 PM | Men's Basketball
EMU seeking first ranked win against ranked foe since 1997
| Men's Basketball vs. No. 22 Miami | |
| Dates/Time | Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2026 | 6:30 p.m. |
| Venue | George Gervin GameAbove Center (8,754) | Ypsilanti, Mich. |
| Preview Info | EMU Notes (PDF) |
| Watch Live | ESPN+ |
| Listen Live | WEMU (89.1 FM) | The Varsity Network App |
| Live Stats | Fan Stats | Media Stats |
| @EMU_MBB | @EMUAthletics | |
| @emumbb | @emuathletics | |
| Tickets | Tickets for home games |
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) -- The Eastern Michigan University men's basketball team looks to secure its first win against a ranked opponent for the first time since 1997, battling undefeated and No. 22 Miami University Tuesday, Feb. 24, at 6:30 p.m. inside the George Gervin GameAbove Center.
ON AIR
Eastern Michigan and Miami will air on ESPN+ with Ryan Wooley, Reggie Butler, and Elena Davis on the call. Tom Helmer will have the call live on WEMU (89.1 FM) and the Varsity Network App. Live stats will also be available on EMUEagles.com.
OPENING TIPS
» Eastern looks to defeat its first ranked opponent since it beat No. 21 Michigan, Dec. 17, 1997, after it last hosted a ranked team, Jan. 5, 2019, against No. 20 Buffalo.
» Mohammad Habhab had 21 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists in a 94-75 loss at Toledo, Feb. 21.
» Gregory Lawson II put in 17 points and Godslove Nwabude recorded a career-high 16 points, six rebounds, and three blocks in Eastern's 66-54 win over Central Michigan, Feb. 17.
» Addison Patterson scored 22 points while Gregory Lawson II netted 18 points (5-6 3PT) to lead Eastern in its 76-62 loss to Western Michigan, Feb. 14, as WMU outscored EMU, 48-29, in the second half.
» Mohammad Habhab is one of six players nationwide averaging at least 14.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists.
» Eastern played a quartet of high-profile road games in the 2025-26 season (Nov. 10 at Pittsburgh, Nov. 24 at No. 6 Louisville, Nov. 26 at Cincinnati, and Dec. 2 at Butler), highlighted by its 64-56 win over the Bearcats.
» Eastern finished 9-9 in MAC play and 16-16 overall in the 2024-25 season, and secured its bid to the MAC Tournament for the first time since 2020, playing in postseason competition in Cleveland for the first time since 2018.
» EMU replaced key contributors from last year's squad. The Eagles returned 7.8% of minutes played (502) and 2.9% of points scored (69), with four players returning.
» The Eagles were picked ninth in the MAC Preseason Poll after tying for sixth last season.
» EMU has nine players from the state of Michigan, its most since the 2022-23 season (11).
» Eastern Michigan's Stan Heath is in his fifth year at the helm of the Eagles, holding a 57-96 record at EMU and a 266-303 record over 18 years as a collegiate head coach.
ON THE MIAMI GAME
IF EASTERN WINS...
» EMU will improve to 31-57 all-time against Miami.
» EMU will improve to 19-22 all-time playing Miami in Ypsilanti.
» EMU will improve to 490-562 all-time against current MAC schools.
» EMU will secure a ranked win against a ranked opponent for the first time since Dec. 17, 1997, against Michigan, 89-83.
» EMU will secure a ranked win at home against a ranked opponent for the first time since Dec. 10, 1994, against Wisconsin, 92-76.
SERIES HISTORY VS. MIAMI
Eastern Michigan and Miami are playing for the 88th time. The RedHawks lead the all-time series, 57-30.
Eastern is 1-4 in the last five games against Miami. EMU is 3-8 in the last 11 meetings against the RedHawks.
LAST MEETING AGAINST MIAMI
Eastern Michigan was topped by Miami, 81-75, March 13, 2025, to end its 2024-25 season in the MAC Tournament. Jalen Terry scored 21 points behind five first-half threes while Christian Henry netted 24 points.
Eastern led, 59-57, with 7:17 to go, but a 17-2 RedHawk run gave Miami its largest lead of the game at 74-61 with 3:04 left.
LAST HOME MEETING/WIN AGAINST MIAMI
Eastern won a 76-66 decision, Feb. 18, 2025, in the most recent home meeting against Miami. Da'Sean Nelson had 25 points and Jalen Terry scored 24 points.
Eastern led, 55-33, with 12:41 to go, but the RedHawks trimmed the final margin to 10.
EASTERN ALL-TIME AGAINST THE MAC
Eastern holds a 489-562 all-time mark against current Mid-American Conference schools.
ALL-TIME AGAINST THE CURRENT MAC SCHOOLS 489-562
»Akron 24-40
»Ball State 47-72
»Bowling Green 45-59
»Buffalo 16-22
»Central Michigan 103-108
»Kent State 36-53
»Miami 30-56
»Northern Illinois 49-59
»Ohio 29-56
»Toledo 53-65
»UMass 1-4
»Western Michigan 56-68
LAST RANKED HOME GAME
Eastern hosted a ranked opponent, Jan. 5, 2019, against No. 20 Buffalo, losing, 74-58. Elijah Minnie had 21 points to lead EMU.
LAST RANKED WIN
Eastern last won against a ranked opponent, Dec. 17, 1997, against No. 21 Michigan, 89-83.
Just four days after Michigan defeated No. 1 Duke, EMU authored a victory that headlined college basketball across the country.
The Eagles at one point led by 13 in the second half, but found themselves behind, 82-79, with 2:21 in overtime but stormed back on a 3-pointer by Head and a baseline lay-up from Jon Zajac (11 points), before Earl Boykins iced the victory with three free throws. EMU tied the Crisler Arena record for 3-pointers by an opponent with 12. Boykins had 29, James Head added 20 and Derrick Dial had 16.
LAST HOME RANKED WIN
Eastern last won against a ranked opponent at home, Dec. 10, 1994, against No. 14 Wisconsin, 92-76.
Eastern's greatest victory in program history was punctuated by leads of 29-4, 40-13, and 50-17 at halftime, as the Eagles ran the stunned Badgers off the Bowen Field House court.
IN CASE EASTERN WINS BY A LOT
ALL GAMES
Last time Eastern won by AT LEAST...
»72 or more: never
»63-71: Nov. 14, 2008 vs. Marygrove (W, 119-48) (71)
»61-62: Dec. 11, 2016 vs. Siena Heights (W, 117-55) (62)
»39-60: Dec. 9, 2020 vs. Adrian (W, 95-35) (60)
»19-38: Dec. 5, 2025 vs. Cleary (W, 86-48) (38)
»1-18: Jan. 13, 2026 vs. Northern Ill. (W, 77-59) (18)
HOME GAMES ONLY
Last time Eastern won by AT LEAST...
»72 or more: never
»63-71: Nov. 14, 2008 vs. Marygrove (W, 119-48) (71)
»61-62: Dec. 11, 2016 vs. Siena Heights (W, 117-55) (62)
»39-60: Dec. 9, 2020 vs. Adrian (W, 95-35) (60)
»19-38: Dec. 5, 2025 vs. Cleary (W, 86-48) (38)
»1-18: Jan. 13, 2026 vs. Northern Ill. (W, 77-59) (18)
ROAD GAMES ONLY
Last time Eastern won by AT LEAST... on the road
»60 or more: never
»36-59: Jan. 17, 1968 at Western Ontario (W, 100-41) (59)
»29-35: Jan. 12, 1970 at UW-Whitewater (W, 96-61) (35)
»27-28: Feb. 28, 2017 at Central Mich. (W, 109-81) (28)
»23-26: Jan. 26, 2019 at Western Mich. (W, 93-67) (26)
»1-22: Jan. 6, 2026 at Ball State (W, 74-52) (22)
TOLEDO RECAP, FEB. 21
SCORING/RUNS SUMMARY AGAINST TOLEDO
» Toledo led, 40-16, before taking a 51-29 halftime lead.
» Toledo led by as many as 28 in the second half, winning, 94-75.
NOTEWORTHY PLAYERS AGAINST TOLEDO
» Mohammad Habhab: 21 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists
» Mehki Ellison: 12 points
KEY TEAM STATS AGAINST TOLEDO
» EMU was 27-of-59 (45.8%) from the field, while UT was 37-of-55 (67.3%).
» UT out-scored EMU in the paint, 54-38.
WESTERN MICHIGAN RECAP, FEB. 14
SCORING/RUNS SUMMARY AGAINST WMU
» EMU led 19-5 before surrendering a 13-0 run to trail, 25-24.
» EMU's 9-3 run gave the Eagles a 33-28 halftime lead.
» WMU used a 40-20 run to take control of the game and closed the contest on a 20-9 spurt to win, 76-62.
NOTEWORTHY PLAYERS AGAINST WMU
» Addison Patterson: 22 points and nine rebounds
» Gregory Lawson II: 18 points (5-6 3PT) and four assists
KEY TEAM STATS AGAINST WMU
» EMU was 24-of-59 (40.7%) from the field, while WMU was 24-of-61 (39.3%).
» EMU was outrebounded, 45-29.
» EMU's bench was outscored, 32-14.
ADDISON PATTERSON BACK-TO-BACK 20+ POINTS
With his 32-point outing at Kent State, Feb. 11, and his 22 points against Western Michigan, Feb. 14, Addison Patterson has back-to-back games with 20 or more points for the first time as a Division I player.
GREGORY LAWSON II'S PERFORMANCE
Against WMU, Feb. 14, Gregory Lawson II scored 18 points, the second-highest mark of his career and two short of his 20 points scored at UMass, Jan. 31. Lawson II was 5-for-6 (83.3%) from three-point range, his second career game with five made triples with the other coming against Akron. Through the CMU game, Feb. 17, Lawson II has made at least one three-pointer in seven-straight games and leads the MAC with a 49.2% three-point conversion rate.
OUTSHOT WESTERN MICHIGAN AND LOST
Eastern shot better than Western (.407-.393). The Eagles' record fell to 9-5 when outshooting opponents this season, with all five losses coming in the last five games.
Eastern has not lost five in a row while outshooting its opponent since at least the 2003-04 season. In the last five years across Division I, Delaware State is the only known team to have a streak as long as EMU, as DSU had six-straight games out-shooting its foe and still losing from Jan. 24-Feb. 12, 2022.
KENT STATE RECAP, FEB. 11
SCORING/RUNS SUMMARY AGAINST KENT STATE
» KSU led, 29-22.
» EMU used a 12-0 run to lead, 38-31, before taking a 47-40 advantage into halftime.
» EMU led, 63-53, with 12:41 left, its largest lead of the game.
» KSU used a 9-0 run to tie the game at 70-70.
» After EMU led, 83-82, with 2:10 left, KSU scored the game's next six points to tilt the game in the hosts' favor.
» KSU won, 95-91.
NOTEWORTHY PLAYERS AGAINST KENT STATE
» Addison Patterson: 32 points (14-19 FG)
» Mohammad Habhab: 22 points, nine rebounds, and three assists
» Godslove Nwabude: 13 points (6-8 FG), five rebounds, and two blocks.
» Braelon Green: 15 points (6-9 FG)
KEY TEAM STATS AGAINST KENT STATE
» EMU was 38-of-64 (59.4%) from the field, while KSU was 27-of-55 (49.1%).
» EMU was 8-of-10 (80.0%) from the free-throw line, while KSU was 29-of-33 (87.9%). EMU committed 26 fouls, while KSU had 13.
» EMU's bench was outscored, 21-0.
» EMU outscored KSU in the paint, 46-18.
91 POINTS SCORED ON THE ROAD
EMU netted 91 points in the 95-91 loss at Kent State, Feb. 11, the Eagles' most in a MAC game since beating Ohio, 94-87, Jan. 21, 2025.
The 186 combined points are the most in an Eastern MAC game since losing 102-97, Feb. 7, 2023, at Buffalo as that game also represents EMU's most recent 92+ point road showing.
ADDISON PATTERSON'S 32 POINTS
Addison Patterson's 32 points at Kent State, Feb. 11, were just one short of his career high of 33, set against Southern-New Orleans, Dec. 20, 2024, while playing at Northwestern State. His 14-of-19 (73.7%) shooting are career highs in both field goals made and attempts.
GODSLOVE NWABUDE'S 13 POINTS + 2 BLOCKS
At Kent State, Feb. 11, Godslove Nwabude bucketed 13 points, one short of his career high of 14 points against Cleary, Dec. 5, which also represents the last time he's scored double-digit points. Nwabude's 13 points are his top mark against a Division I foe, with his previous high being 12 against NJIT, Nov. 28. He had two blocks, his 10th game with multiple rejections this season.
OUTSHOT KENT STATE BY 10.3% AND LOST
EMU outshot Kent State, Feb. 11, by 10.3% (.594-.491), representing the largest positive gap in shooting percentage in an Eastern loss since Jan. 24, 2023, against Toledo as EMU shot 54.4% compared to UT's 42.6% (11.8% difference).
APPALACHIAN STATE RECAP, FEB. 7
SCORING/RUNS SUMMARY AGAINST APP STATE
» EMU held its final lead of the contest at 25-23 before ASU led, 36-33, at halftime.
» EMU came within one point on three occasions in the second half, highlighted by a 42-41 deficit with 11:17 remaining before ASU used a 12-6 run to widen its advantage.
» EMU cut the deficit to 58-54 at the 1:37 mark before ASU scored the following five points.
» ASU won, 65-60.
NOTEWORTHY PLAYERS AGAINST APP STATE
» Mohammad Habhab: 14 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, one steal, and two blocks
» Addison Patterson: 14 points and nine rebounds
KEY TEAM STATS AGAINST APPALACHIAN STATE
» EMU was 25-of-63 (39.7%) from the field, while ASU was 23-of-59 (39.0%) from the floor.
» EMU was 4-of-6 (66.7%) from the free-throw line, while ASU was 15-of-28 (53.6%). EMU committed 22 fouls, while ASU had 10.
» EMU did not score in the fast-break, while ASU had 12 points in such settings.
EASTERN IN THE MAC-SBC CHALLENGE
Eastern is 3-3 in the MAC-SBC Challenge and 3-0 at home.
Eastern's MAC-SBC Challenge Results:
Date Against Score
Feb. 7, 2026 at Appalachian State L, 60-65
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
ACTIVE 2025-26 SEASON NOTES
MAC TOURNAMENT OUTLOOK
Eastern currently sits 11th in the MAC. EMU is 2.0 games back of UMass for the eighth and final spot in the MAC Tournament field and will have to also jump Central Michigan and Northern Illinois to qualify.
The Eagles are seeking their second-straight MAC Tournament appearance and need at least one more MAC win to have any chance of qualifying for the conference tournament.
Record (Last 3) Qualifying % Most Likely Seed
7-11 (3-0) 71% 8
6-12 (2-1) 5% 8
5-13 (1-2) 0% -
4-14 (0-3) 0% -
*percentages per PlayoffStatus.com
MAC TOURNAMENT SEEDING ELIMINATION CASES
Eastern has been eliminated from being a top-five seed and could be eliminated from MAC Tournament with a loss to Miami, Feb. 24, if UMass tops Ball State and either Buffalo beats Akron or Central Michigan beats Kent State.
No. 1-5 Seeds
Eastern Michigan cannot win this spot.
No. 6 Seed
Case 1
Eastern Michigan loses to Miami
Case 2
UMass beats Ball State
Case 3
Bowling Green beats Western Michigan
No. 7 Seed
Case 1
Eastern Michigan loses to Miami, and
UMass beats Ball State
Case 2
Eastern Michigan loses to Miami, and
Buffalo beats Akron
Case 3
Eastern Michigan loses to Miami, and
Central Michigan beats Kent State
No. 8 Seed
Case 1
Eastern Michigan loses to Miami, and
UMass beats Ball State, and
Buffalo beats Akron
Case 2
Eastern Michigan loses to Miami, and
UMass beats Ball State, and
Central Michigan beats Kent State
MAC TOURNAMENT NO. 8 HISTORY
No. 8 in MAC Standings Wins by Year (last 10 shown):
Year Wins School
2024-25 8 BGSU
2023-24 8 Kent State
2022-23 6 Miami
2021-22 6 CMU/BGSU/NIU
2020-21 8 Ball St. (no tournament)
2019-20 8 Toledo/Ohio
2018-19 8 Akron/NIU
2017-18 7 BGSU/Ohio/CMU
2016-17 7 EMU/BGSU/NIU
2015-16 9 EMU/NIU
Data Since 1997-98 (first season with 12 MAC teams)
Average MAC Wins by No. 8 Seed: 7.55
Highest MAC Wins Needed: 10 (2004-05)
Lowest MAC Wins Needed: 6 (4x, last 2022-23)
The 2025-26 season is unique as the conference features 13 teams vying for eight spots.
MAC STRENGTH OF SCHEDULE SNAPSHOT
Team | Past Opp. % | Future Opp. % | Cumulative Opp. %
Toledo | .575 | .629 | .582
Kent State | .552 | .452 | .539
Massachusetts | .548 | .463 | .539
Western Michigan | .536 | .645 | .551
Ohio | .536 | .684 | .551
Bowling Green | .529 | .425 | .518
Buffalo | .526 | .500 | .522
Akron | .522 | .519 | .522
Central Michigan | .507 | .610 | .520
Eastern Michigan | .505 | .716 | .527
Northern Illinois | .502 | .581 | .513
Miami | .500 | .449 | .493
Ball State | .460 | .390 | .451
CLOSE GAMES GOING IN FOES' FAVOR
Eastern lost its last seven games decided by six points or less, moving to 1-8 in such games this season with its 95-91 loss at Kent State, Feb. 11.
EMU is one of eight schools in the nation to have eight losses by six points or less, joining UMass as MAC schools in that category.
National Leaders in Losses By Six Points or Less:
1. UMass 10
T2. Princeton 9
NWST 9
Youngstown St. 9
T5. Eastern Michigan 8
Marquette 8
Providence 8
ULM 8
Under Stan Heath, Eastern is 24-21 in games decided by five or less points, compared to a 32-74 mark in games with a margin of six points or more.
FOUR-STRAIGHT LOSSES BY FIVE OR LESS
Before winning against Central Michigan, Feb. 17, Eastern had lost eight-straight games with four of the last five coming by five points or fewer.
Last Four Games Before WMU game, Feb. 14:
2-11-26 at Kent State L 91-95
2-7-26 at App State L 60-65
2-3-26 vs. Akron L 64-66
1-31-26 at UMass L 67-70
The Eagles lost four-straight games by five points or less for the first time since the 1978-79 season.
1978-79
2-28-79 at Ball St. L 67-69
2-24-79 vs. CMU L 65-66
2-21-79 at Kent St. L 71-75
2-17-79 vs. Ohio L 82-86
FIVE-STRAIGHT LOSSES WHEN OUTSHOOTING
Before winning against Central Michigan, Feb. 17, Eastern had lost eight-straight games with the last five all coming when outshooting its opponent from the field. EMU had not lost five-straight games when out-shooting its foe since at least the 2003-04 campaign.
In the last five years across Division I, Delaware State is the only known team to have a streak as long as EMU, as DSU had six-straight games out-shooting its foe and still losing from Jan. 24-Feb. 12, 2022.
Last Five Games Before CMU Win:
2-14-26 vs. W. Mich. L 62-76 .407-.393
2-11-26 at Kent State L 91-95 .594-.491
2-7-26 at App State L 60-65 .397-.390
2-3-26 vs. Akron L 64-66 .404-.377
1-31-26 at UMass L 67-70 .469-.440
OVER/UNDER 69.5 DURING HEATH'S TIME
Under Stan Heath's tenure, scoring 70 points or more has created success while holding opponents to 69 points or fewer has also been key.
Metric 2025-26 Under Heath
Scoring 70+ 6-6 44-33
Scoring <70 4-12 ="">
Allowing 70+ 2-15 22-78
Allowing <70 8-3 ="">
GREGORY LAWSON II GETTING GOING
After a slow start to his season, Gregory Lawson II, highlighted by a career-high 20 points at UMass, Jan. 31, has emerged as one of Eastern's top players.
Lawson II in his first 12 games:
MPG PPG RPG APG SPG FG% 3PT%
5.6 1.5 0.5 1.0 1.0 35.3% 33.3%
Lawson II in his last 13 games:
MPG PPG RPG APG SPG FG% 3PT%
25.2 10.2 1.4 1.2 0.2 42.5% 49.1%
Lawson II in his last eight games:
MPG PPG RPG APG SPG FG% 3PT%
33.2 13.1 1.9 1.8 0.3 40.9% 47.5%
Since Jan. 6, Lawson II has seen the following increases: 9.5 points, 0.9 rebounds, 10.0% from the field, and 19.8% from three-point range.
GREGORY LAWSON II THREE-POINT SHOOTER
Gregory Lawson II's 30-for-65 (46.2%) shooting from three-point range ranks as the top percentage in the MAC and would be the third-best mark in program history (min. 20 makes).
Program leaders in single-season 3PT% (min. 20 makes):
Rank/Player FG-FGA 3PT% Year
1. Deron Goheen 25-47 53.2 1986-87
2. Howard Chambers 39-77 50.6 1988-89
3. Deron Goheen 50-107 46.7 1987-88
4. Carl Thomas 89-191 46.6 1990-91
5. Gregory Lawson II 30-65 46.2 2025-26
6. Brad Soucie 72-159 45.3 1986-87
7. Ellery Morgan 55-122 45.1 1986-87
8. Brad Soucie 73-164 44.5 1987-88
9. Lewis Scott 30-68 44.1 1986-87
If Lawson II maintains his 46.2% conversion rate, he would have the top three-point shooting mark among MAC teams (min 1.0 make/game) since Western Michigan's William Boyer-Richard made 49.3% of his three-point attempts in the 2018-19 season. Boyer-Richard was also a freshman that season, making Lawson II one of three MAC freshmen since the 2002-03 season to shoot 48.0% from distance.
ADDISON PATTERSON DOUBLE-DIGIT SCORING
Addison Patterson had a streak 15-straight games with at least 10 points snapped at Toledo with his five-point outing. Patterson has 22 games with at least 10 points this season, with 18 of those coming in the last 20 games. Patterson had 10-plus points just four times in the first eight games, despite relatively minor differences in his averages from the season's first eight contests to the most recent 20 games.
Patterson in first eight games:
MPG PPG RPG APG SPG FG% 3PT%
27.2 11.3 5.3 2.8 1.3 53.8% 44.4%
Patterson in last 20 games:
MPG PPG RPG APG SPG FG% 3PT%
30.5 14.7 5.3 2.6 1.2 57.1% 23.9%
BRAELON GREEN PROGRESSION
After being inserted into the starting lineup for the Wright State game, Dec. 22, Braelon Green has seen significant improvement in his numbers.
Green in his 12 games off the bench:
MPG PPG RPG APG SPG FG% 3PT%
12.3 1.8 0.7 0.7 0.3 24.2% 16.7%
Green in his 12 starts:
MPG PPG RPG APG SPG FG% 3PT%
26.8 7.8 2.3 1.9 0.8 53.5% 46.7%
Since Dec. 22, Green has seen the following increases (starts only): 6.0 points, 1.6 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.4 steals, 29.3% from the field, and 30.0% from three-point range.
DEVELOPMENT OF GODSLOVE NWABUDE
Godslove Nwabude has played an increased role for Eastern Michigan in his second season.
Nwabude's freshman season:
MPG PPG RPG SPG BPG FG%
8.0 1.1 2.3 0.2 0.3 36.7%
Nwabude's sophomore season:
MPG PPG RPG SPG BPG FG%
18.9 5.3 5.3 0.6 1.4 66.3%
Nwabude has seen the following increases from his freshman to sophomore seasons: 4.2 points, 3.0 rebounds, 0.4 steals, 1.1 blocks, and 29.6% from the field.
GODSLOVE NWABUDE BLOCKING SHOTS
Godslove Nwabude has ramped up his shot blocking this season. In total, Nwabude has 38 blocks for the season, averaging 1.4 per game. He is on pace to have the most prolific shot-blocking season for Eastern since Elijah Minnie and James Thompson IV each averaged 1.9 blocks during the 2017-18 season.
Before his block-free outing at PFW, Dec. 10, Nwabude became the first Eagle with four-straight contests with multiple blocks since Boubacar Toure did so in the 2018-19 season.
Nwabude has 12 games with multiple blocks this season, the most since Toure's 14 games in the 2018-19 season.
TEAM SHOT BLOCKING
Helped by Godslove Nwabude's 38 blocks, which ranks fourth in the MAC, Eastern is averaging 4.0 blocks per game, its most since averaging 4.5 rejections in the 2018-19 season. EMU ranks second in the MAC behind Central Michigan's 4.5 rejections.
HABHAB BLOCKS
Mohammad Habhab has 37 blocks this season to rank fifth in the MAC.
Before his one-block outing at Kent State, Jan. 24, Habhab became the first Eagle with multiple blocks in seven-straight games since Da'Shonte Riley in the 2013-14 season.
Habhab has 12-straight games with at least one block, averaging 2.0 blocks over the last 12 contests.
DOUBLE-DIGIT GAMES
Addison Patterson and Mohammad Habhab each have 22 games scoring at least 10 points to lead the team.
Eastern's Double-Digit Performances:
22 - Mohammad Habhab
22 - Addison Patterson
11 - Carlos Hart
9 - Jon Sanders II
7 - Gregory Lawson II
5 - Braelon Green
5 - Godslove Nwabude
4 - Mak Manciel
3 - 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.
MO'S MINUTES
Mohammad Habhab has averaged 36.1 minutes per game, ranking 24th nationally. Habhab is third in the MAC behind Ohio's Jackson Paveletzke and Toledo's Sonny Wilson.
10 DOUBLE-DOUBLES IN 27 GAMES
Mohammad Habhab has produced 10 double-doubles in 27 games played in the 2025-26 season.
Habhab is the first EMU freshman to record 10 double-doubles in one season since James Thompson IV had 19 in the 2015-16 campaign.
Habhab's 10 double-doubles are the most by an Eagle since Boubacar Toure had 13 in the 2019-20 season.
HABHAB AMONG THE NATION'S LEADERS
Mohammad Habhab has 10 double-doubles, averaging 14.3 points and 8.4 rebounds.
Habhab is tied for 29th nationally in double-doubles, 10 behind MAC counterpart Delrecco Gillespie from Kent State for the nation's lead.
HABHAB DOING IT ALL
Mohammad Habhab is averaging 14.3 points, 8.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 0.9 steals, and 1.4 blocks.
Habhab is one of six players nationwide averaging at least 14.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists. He is joined on that list by Arkansas Pine-Bluff's Quinon Williams, Butler's Michael Ajayi, Duke's Cameron Boozer, Monmouth's Jason Rivera-Torres, and Stony Brook's Frank Mitchell.
MO ON MO'S REBOUNDING
Mohammad Habhab is averaging 8.4 rebounds, the highest mark by an Eagle since Boubacar Toure's 9.9 rebounds per game average in the 2019-20 season.
If Habhab maintains his 8.4 rebounds per game pace, he would finish the season with 251 rebounds, which would rank 86th in the program's list of top career rebounders.
Habhab has 227 rebounds in his one season in the Green and White. He joined Eastern's top-100 career rebounders, ranked 95th and is the second player on the list with just one season at Eastern (51st, Tuggle Bowens, 388 in 1966-67) as everyone else on the list played multiple seasons at EMU.
Habhab's 8.4 boards per contest are the most by an EMU freshman since James Thompson IV averaged 10.7 in the 2015-16 season.
MORE ON EASTERN'S REBOUNDING
Eastern is narrowly outrebounding its foe, 35.2-35.1. EMU has not had a positive rebounding margin since the 2018-19 season (36.1-34.6).
The Eagles are averaging 10.1 offensive rebounds per game, which would be their top mark since recording 12.6 in 2018-19.
EASTERN'S THREE-POINTERS
Eastern averages 6.2 makes from deep and 18.9 attempts per game (33.0%). The 18.9 attempts are 0.7 lower than any other team in the MAC (Central Michigan, 19.6) while the 33.0% conversion rate ranks ninth in the conference. EMU's 6.21 makes per game is narrowly behind CMU's 6.18 conversions for the 13th-ranked mark in the MAC.
Eastern's 18.9 three-point attempts per game is its fewest since the 2015-16 season when EMU averaged 18.2 three-point shots, putting in 31.1%.
During Stan Heath's tenure, EMU has not finished higher than eighth in the MAC in three-point attempts per game, despite finishing as high as fourth in conversion rate.
Season 3PA/G 3PA Rk. 3PT% 3PT% Rk.
2025-26 18.9 12th 33.0 9th
2024-25 21.6 8th 34.9 4th
2023-24 18.9 11th 30.4 9th
2022-23 19.6 12th 31.6 11th
2021-22 20.5 11th 30.8 12th
EASTERN'S THREE-POINT DEFENSE
EMU's three-point defense has held opponents to averages of 6.7 makes and 20.6 attempts per game (32.7%).
Eastern also put up impressive defensive numbers in the 2023-24 (31.6%), 2013-14 (31.3%), and 2012-13 (29.9%) seasons.
HOME SUCCESS
In 12 home games, EMU posted a 7-5 record while outscoring opponents by an average of 7.9 points per contest. The Eagles shoot 45.1% from the floor at home and average 75.1 points per game, a 7.4-point jump from their road production. EMU also dominated the glass at home, holding a +3.7 rebounding margin.
Eastern Michigan averages 14.6 assists per game in home contests while forcing opponents into 14.0 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 74 assists in home play.
SOME WINS/LOSSES TRENDS
In 10 wins this season, Eastern Michigan displayed balance on both ends of the floor. EMU averaged
76.0 points while holding opponents to 60.0. Field goal defense stood out, with opponents shooting
36.8% overall and 25.0% from three. The Eagles also controlled the glass with a +8.0 rebounding margin.
In EMU's 18 losses, opponents averaged 80.9 points and shot 48.7% from the field. Three-point defense slipped to 37.5% allowed. EMU also faced a -4.3 rebounding margin in losses, creating additional scoring chances for opponents.
THR33-POINT STR3AK, 675-STRAIGHT GAM3S
After converting six three-pointers against Toledo, Feb. 21, Eastern has hit at least one three-pointer in 675-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.
PREVIOUSLY IN THE 2025-26 SEASON NOTES
GREGORY LAWSON II FROM DEEP
Gregory Lawson II was 5-for-7 (71.4%) from three-point range against Akron, Feb. 3, setting a career-high for three-pointers made.
His five makes from deep are the most by an Eagle this season and the most by an EMU freshman since Arne Osojnik put home six triples against Western Michigan, Feb. 27, 2024.
GREGORY LAWSON II CAREER-HIGH 20 POINTS
Gregory Lawson II netted a career-high 20 points at UMass, Jan. 31, in a dynamic 9-for-14 showing from the floor. His 20 points bested the 14 he netted at Central Michigan, Jan. 27. Lawson II played a career-high 34:55, surpassing his career-high 31:57 set at Central Michigan University, Jan. 27.
Lawson II was 2-for-5 from three-point range, representing his fifth game with multiple made three-pointers this season. Four of those five have come in the last five games.
ADDISON PATTERSON'S EIGHT STEALS
Addison Patterson recorded his career high in steals with eight against Kent State, Jan. 24, the highest total in one game by an Eagle since Tim Bond had eight against Toledo, March 4, 2016.
The eight steals are one short of the school record of nine, set by Michael Ross against Concordia, Nov. 25, 2003. The total is also tied for the most steals this season in the MAC and the third-most in the NCAA for the 2025-26 season. In addition, Patterson ties the mark for the most steals against a Division I opponent in team history, joining Bond and Carlos Medlock (vs. Davidson, Nov. 10, 2006) as Eagles with eight steals in one game.
BRAELON GREEN'S CAREER-HIGH 22 POINTS
Braelon Green's career-high 22 points at BGSU, Jan. 17, topped his previous mark of 16 scored against Ohio, Jan. 3. Before that, Green had never scored more than 10 points against a Division I foe and topped his career high of 15 points scored against NAIA Taylor University while at Bowling Green, Nov. 11, 2024.
The former Bowling Green Falcon dropped numerous career highs against his previous school. In Green's career-high 34 minutes, he made a career-high nine field goals in just 11 attempts from the field.
His two made three-pointers represent the third time in his career that he has made multiple three-pointers in one game.
MEHKI ELLISON'S SEASON-HIGH 22 POINTS
Mehki Ellison's season-high 22 points at BGSU, Jan. 17, topped his previous mark of 13 scored against Oakland, Nov. 21. Ellison was three points short of his career-high 25-point showing against West Georgia, Jan. 4, 2025, while playing for Stetson.
Before his 22-point effort, Ellison scored nine points or more just once this season, his 13-point showing against Oakland, Nov. 21. Ellison had scored 23 total points in the last eight games prior to Saturday. His four assists matched his season high set against Oakland, Nov. 21.
37-18 REBOUNDING ADVANTAGE OVER BALL ST.
Eastern out-rebounded Ball State, 37-18, Jan. 6. The 18 Ball State rebounds are the fewest by an EMU opponent since the Eagles out-rebounded Detroit Mercy, 21-18, Nov. 21, 2023, in Eastern's 76-72 win.
Ball State was also the last MAC school with 18 or fewer boards against EMU as the Cardinals had just 16 in the Eagles' 60-58 win in Ypsilanti, Jan. 9, 2013.
Eastern's +19 rebounding margin is its highest since holding a 50-27 (+23) advantage against Adrian, Dec. 9, 2020, in EMU's 95-35 win. The Green and White last had a +19 rebounding margin against a Division I foe when the Eagles out-rebounded Northern Illinois 45-26 (+19) in a 75-69 road win.
TWICE AS MANY TURNOVERS IN WIN AT BALL ST.
Eastern Michigan had 14 turnovers compared to just seven for Ball State, Jan. 6. The Eagles last won when having twice as many or more turnovers than their opponent, Jan. 29, 2022, when EMU won, 85-75, over Miami, despite tallying 18 turnovers to the RedHawks' eight.
WON AT BALL STATE WITH JUST SIX FREE THROWS
In the win at Ball State, Jan. 6, Eastern was 5-of-6 (83.3%) from the free throw line, its fewest attempts since Feb. 25, 2025, against Bowling Green (2-of-4), a 65-60 loss.
EMU last won when shooting six free throws or fewer during the 2017-18 season as the Eagles topped Niagara, March 14, 2018, (83-65, 2-of-6) and won at Miami, Jan. 27, 2018 (58-48, 3-of-6).
10-STRAIGHT GAMES WITH BETTER 3PT%
Eastern rattled off 10 straight games with a better three-point shooting percentage than its opponent before being outshot from distance by Western Michigan, .438-.231, Jan. 10.
During that 10-game span, EMU was 67-of-179 (37.4%) and its opponents were 58-of-200 (29.0%).
EMU was 5-5 during the 10-game span.
Game EMU%Opp% W/L
Ball State 52.4 31.3 W
Ohio 43.8 25.9 L
UMass 25.0 24.0 W
Wright St. 38.5 26.7 L
Akron 26.3 16.7 L
PFW 36.4 35.7 L
Cleary 26.1 15.4 W
Butler 57.1 55.0 L
NJIT 38.9 34.8 W
Cincinnati 33.3 24.1 W
CAREER DAY FOR GODSLOVE
Godslove Nwabude produced his first career double-double in the best game of his career against NJIT, Nov. 28.
Nwabude notched top career marks in points (12), rebounds (14), blocks (4), steals (4), and minutes (28).
Nwabude is the only player in the nation this season to produce at least 12 points, 14 rebounds, four blocks, and four steals.
Only one player did so during the 2024-25 season as then-UAB Blazer and current Michigan Wolverine Yaxel Lendeborg had 30 points, 20 rebounds, eight assists, four blocks, and five steals against East Carolina on March 14, 2025.
Former Akron Zip and current Indiana Pacer Enrique Freeman was the most recent MAC player to record at least 12 points, 14 rebounds, four blocks, and four steals in one game, Dec. 7, 2023.
The 16 Players with 12+ Points, 14+ Rebounds, 4+ Blocks, and 4+ Steals in One Game Since 2002-03:
Godslove Nwabude EMU Nov. 28, 2025
Yaxel Lendeborg UAB March 14, 2025
Enrique Freeman Akron Dec. 7, 2023
Norchad Amier Arkansas St. Feb. 23, 2022
Paul Reed Jr. DePaul Dec. 8, 2019
Lamine Diane CSUN Jan. 5, 2019
Ben Lammers GA Tech Nov. 19, 2017
Pascal Siakam NMST Feb. 20, 2016
Trayvon Palmer Chicago St. Nov. 18, 2015
Ryan Bacon St. Peter's Jan. 21, 2011
Gregory Echenique Rutgers March 1, 2009
Marqus Blakely Vermont Feb. 20, 2008
Joseph Harris CCU Dec. 7, 2007
Aleks Maric Nebraska Nov. 17, 2007
Mark Zoller Penn March 2, 2007
Cuthbert Victor Murray State Jan. 29, 2004
Nwabude, who played 28:03, is the only player on the list to accomplish the feat in less than 30 minutes.
LAST POWER CONFERENCE WIN AND MORE
Before beating Cincinnati, Nov. 26, Eastern's last Power Conference (ACC, Big East, Big Ten, Big 12, SEC) win was Dec. 9, 2014, at Michigan (W, 45-42). EMU improved to 20-129 all-time against current Power Conference schools.
The 56 points allowed were Eastern's fewest against a Power Conference opponent since the 45-42 win at Michigan, Dec. 9, 2014.
The eight-point win was Eastern's largest against a Power Conference opponent since beating Texas Tech, 93-77, Dec. 27, 1995, at the Sierra Medical Center Sun Carnival in El Paso, Texas.
EASTERN'S 37-OF-59 (62.7%) SHOOTING VS. OU
Eastern shot 37-of-59 (62.7%) against Oakland on Nov. 21, its fifth-best conversion rate for a single game in program history. The 62.7% shooting percentage marked EMU's best since Nov. 21, 2023, when the Eagles shot 63.6% at Detroit Mercy. That game also marked the last time EMU won when securing four or fewer offensive rebounds, as the Eagles had four against the Titans and Golden Grizzlies, respectively.
EASTERN'S 25 ASSISTS AGAINST OAKLAND
Eastern had 25 assists against Oakland, Nov. 21, tying for the second-highest mark in program history and the team's most since Dec. 11, 2016, against Siena Heights (26).
MOHAMMAD HABHAB TRIPLE-DOUBLE
Mohammad Habhab recorded 24 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists, marking the program's first triple-double and the fourth by a MAC player since the start of the 2024-25 season.
The 10 assists are the most by an Eagle since Paul Jackson posted 10, Jan. 26, 2019, against Western Michigan.
BACK-TO-BACK GAMES 56 AND UNDER
EMU, which held Cincinnati to 56 points, Nov. 26, and NJIT to 55 points, Nov. 28, produced consecutive outings allowing 56 points or fewer for the first time since conceding 56 to Kent State, Jan. 18, 2022, and 46 in its next game to Akron, Jan. 22, 2022.
13-POINT SECOND HALF COMEBACK
Despite trailing 43-30, with 18:16 left, Eastern Michigan rallied to win at Detroit Mercy, Nov. 18, 72-62. The 13-point second-half comeback marked EMU's largest since overcoming a 17-point second-half deficit to beat Kent State in overtime, Jan. 6, 2024.
PRE-2025-26 SEASON NOTES
WHAT IS EASTERN RETURNING FROM LAST YEAR?
Eastern returned four players from its 2024-25 roster. The Eagles returned 7.8% of minutes played (502) and 2.9% of points scored (69).
» John Shanu II: 287 minutes, 38 points
» Godslove Nwabude: 207 minutes, 29 points
» Cooper Smith: 7 minutes, 2 points
» Mbaye N'Diaye: 1 minute, 0 points
POWER CONFERENCE ROAD CONTESTS
Eastern played a quartet of high-profile road games in the 2025-26 season:
» Nov. 10 at Pittsburgh; L, 66-78
» Nov. 24 at No. 6 Louisville; L, 46-87
» Nov. 26 at Cincinnati; W, 64-56
» Dec. 2 at Butler; L, 68-84
Eastern had not played four Power Conference foes in a single season since the 2018-19 season, when the Eagles faced Duke, Rutgers, TCU, and Kansas, all on the road.
DePAUL DUO --> NORTHWESTERN STATE DUO
Out with one transfer duo and in with another. After DePaul transfers Da'Sean Nelson and Jalen Terry teamed up to both earn Second-Team All-MAC honors in the 2024-25 season, Eastern acquired another transfer duo in the offseason as Northwestern State transfers Addison Patterson and Jon Sanders II decided to become Eagles.
MAC --> EASTERN MICHIGAN
Eastern added a trio of players who were at MAC schools at one point in their careers:
» 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 the University at Buffalo Tuesday game, March 3, at 6:30 p.m. The game is on ESPN+ and will be held in Buffalo, N.Y., inside Alumni 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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/ Men's BasketballAddison Patterson Dunk vs. Akron
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