Women's Basketball Set for Senior-Night Matchup Against Ohio Wednesday Night

Women's Basketball vs. Ohio
Dates/Times	Wednesday \| March 4 \| 6:30 p.m.
Venue	George Gervin GameAbove Center \| Ypsilanti, Mich.
Tickets	Purchase Here
Preview Info	EMU Notes \| Record Book
Watch Live	ESPN+
Listen Live	WEMU (89.1 FM) \| The Varsity Network
Live Stats	Statbroadcast
Twitter	@EMUWBB \| @EMUAthletics
Instagram	@emuwbb \| @emuathletics

YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) -- In its final home game of the 2025-26 season, the Eastern Michigan University women's basketball team is set to honor its senior class of Sisi Eleko, Brooklyn Thrash, Ainhoa Cea, and Artemis Kouki as it takes on Ohio University Wednesday, March 4, at 6:30 p.m., at the George Gervin GameAbove Center.

Fans can purchase tickets here. The game can be streamed live on ESPN+ with Ryan Wooley, Claire Dau, and Elena Davis on the call while Tom Helmer will call the action on WEMU (89.1 FM) and the Varsity Network. Live stats are available on EMUEagles.com, where a postgame 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 with a 64-54 victory over Robert Morris, Nov. 26. EMU posted a 2-27 (1-17 MAC) record in 2024-25 and is currently 12-15 (5-11 MAC).
» Eastern is tied for the fourth largest win improvement in the nation from the 2024-25 season to the 2025-26 campaign, as it has improved by 10 wins from its 2-27 (1-17 MAC) record last season.
» Eastern is celebrating its 2025-26 senior class of Sisi Eleko, Brooklyn Thrash, Ainhoa Cea, and Artemis Kouki.
» Eastern had as much as an 18-point lead at Ohio, Jan. 7, but fell to the Bobcats, 96-87.
» Eastern and Ohio are meeting for the 71st time. Eastern holds a 28-42 record against the Bobcats and a 15-16 mark when facing them in Ypsilanti.
» Eastern most recently lost at Northern Illinois, 70-61, Feb. 28, eliminating the Eagles from the MAC Tournament.
» Sisi Eleko is one double-double away from tying the EMU all-time record and 33 points from reaching 1,000 in Eastern Green and White.
» EMU returns just Sisi Eleko and Brooklyn Thrash from the 2024-25 squad. It totals 13 newcomers, including six transfers.
» EMU has nine international players, tying for the fourth most nationally and the most in the MAC.

CELEBRATING SENIORS
Eastern is celebrating its 2025-26 senior class of Sisi Eleko, Brooklyn Thrash, Ainhoa Cea, and Artemis Kouki. Their career highlights are listed below.

Sisi Eleko
One of four active Division I players nationally to total 50+ double-doubles in her career...Ranks first in EMU program history in rebounds per game (10.0) and fourth in points per game (17.9)...Has over 1,000 career rebounds and 1,500 points...Is currently one double-double away from tying the program record (31)...Earned four all-conference team selections, and 13 player of the week honors...Graduating in the spring of 2026 with a bachelor's in psychology with a minor in criminology and criminal justice.

Brooklyn Thrash
Averaged 7.2 points and 4.3 rebounds per game as an Eagle...Has three career double-doubles, 29 double-digit scoring games, and 12 games with three or more steals...Scored over 650 points and grabbed more than 350 rebounds...Named to the MAAC All-Academic Team in 2023-24...Graduating in the spring of 2026 with a bachelor's in exercise science.

Ainhoa Cea
Played in over 115 career games...Has recorded over 500 points and assists, and is four rebounds away from 500...Has recorded one career triple-double and 97 games with at least three assists...Currently totals 164 assists, the sixth most in one season in EMU history...Graduating with a bachelor's degree in elementary comprehensive early childhood teaching and learning.

Artemis Kouki
Played in over 75 career games...Has shot 35.5% from three-point range in her career, including consecutive seasons above 38.0% in 2023-24 and 2024-25...A two-time Academic All-MAC and CSC Academic All-District honors...Working through a master's program in human resources and organizational development.

NATIONALLY RANKED WIN IMPROVEMENT
Eastern's 12-15 (5-11 MAC) record currently represents a 10-win improvement from its 2-27 record last season, tying for the fourth-largest improvement nationally by number of wins. McNeese State (26-4, 20-1 Southland) leads the nation with a 16-win jump. The Eagles' 10-win improvement is the largest in one season since the 2009-10 squad improved by 14 wins (22-9, 11-5 MAC) from the 2008-09 team's 8-21 (4-12 MAC) record.

ALL-TIME VS. OHIO
The Eagles trail, 28-42, in their all-time series with the Bobcats, and hold a 15-16 mark when the game is played in Ypsilanti, as the two teams are meeting for the 71st time overall and for the first time at EMU since the 2022-23 season. Ohio has won seven of the previous 10 games and five of the last ten that have taken place in Ypsilanti. 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 TIME AGAINST OHIO, JAN. 7, L, 96-87
Eastern dropped a high-scoring Mid-American Conference affair at Ohio, Jan. 7. Eastern held an 18-point advantage in the second quarter, before Ohio outscored it 30-17 in the second quarter to take a 50-46 lead at halftime, eventually winning, 96-87. Eastern had three players score 15+ points in the high-scoring contest, led by Fernanda Ovalle's 24 points, as she was aided by Brooklyn Thrash's career-high 22 points. Sisi Eleko scored 16 points. Ainhoa Cea facilitated the offense efficiently, dishing a career high and MAC single-game high 12 assists, while scoring seven points, grabbing five rebounds, and adding four steals on the defensive end.

NOTABLES LAST TIME AGAINST OHIO
» After scoring 87 points against the Bobcats and 86 points against Bowling Green, on Dec. 30, Eastern scored 86+ points in consecutive games for the first time since the 2013-14 season.
» After scoring 87 points against the Bobcats and 86 points against Bowling Green, on Dec. 30, Eastern scored 86+ points in consecutive conference games for the first time since the 2003-04 season.
» Eastern's 87 points at Ohio, on Jan. 7, are its most in a MAC contest since it scored 92 in an overtime loss to Buffalo, on Jan. 27, 2018. It's the most points in regulation in a MAC contest since EMU bested Central Michigan, 93-86, on March 7 2015. The performance marked EMU's first time scoring 80+ points in a conference contest since it recorded 83 in a victory at Central Michigan, Feb. 19, 2022.
» Brooklyn Thrash scored a career-high 22 points, shooting 50% from the field (8-for-18), and 4-for-9 from three-point range. The game was her first over 20 points in her career as her eight field-goals made, four three-point field goals, and nine triple attempts all serve as career highs for the senior.
» Ainhoa Cea dished a career-best 12 assists, the most by an individual in a single game in the MAC this season, and fifth-most in the country by value.
» Peyton Hill had a career-best seven assists.

BEATING OHIO AT HOME
Eastern is looking for its first win over Ohio in Ypsilanti since Jan. 27, 2021, a 69-66 decision. EMU's top-ranked defense (61.1 ppg) prevailed over Ohio's top-ranked offense (81.1 ppg).

LAST TIME AGAINST OHIO AT HOME
Eastern Michigan fell to visiting Ohio, 65-55, Feb. 1, 2023. The Eagles had two players score in double figures, led by Ce'Nara Skanes, who had 18 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and six steals. Kyndal Lewis tacked on a career-high 12 points with her first double-digit scoring game and Irekpitan Ozzy-Momodu added seven points, eight rebounds, and three blocks.

LAST TIME OUT: AT NIU, L, 70-61, FEB. 28
Sisi Eleko recorded her MAC-best 16th double-double of the season with 20 points and 10 rebounds, marking the 50th double-double of her NCAA career as Eastern fell on the road to Northern Illinois, 70-61, at the Convocation Center Saturday, Feb. 28. The game eliminated EMU from contention for the MAC Tournament. Fernanda Ovalle finished the day one-point shy of her seventh 20-point outing of the season with 19 points. Ainhoa Cea stuffed the stat sheet with 10 points, five rebounds, six assists, and a career-best five steals.

NOTABLES AT NIU, L, 70-61, FEB. 28
» Eastern and NIU met for the final time as MAC opponents.
» Sisi Eleko now has 50 career double-doubles, ranking fourth among active NCAA Division I players. She is the fourth active player to total 50 or more.
» Fernanda Ovalle scored in double-digits for the 16th time this season and 24th of her career with 19 points. She has scored at least 10 points in three consecutive games for the first time since Jan. 17-24.
» Sisi Eleko scored 20 points for her 26th double-digit outing of the season. She has scored at least 10 points in all 26 games she has played this season. Eleko went on to reach the 20-point mark for the 10th time this season, the second most in the MAC.
» Sisi Eleko recorded her MAC-best 16th double-double of the season with 20 points and 10 rebounds, marking her 16th time with 10 or more boards this season.
» Ainhoa Cea recorded five steals for the first time this season, tying her career high originally set against Central Arkansas, March 11, 2025. She's the first Eagle with five steals in a game since Kennedi Myles also swiped five against Saginaw Valley State, Dec. 29, 2023.
» Ainhoa Cea recorded her 15th game with at least five points, three assists, and three rebounds this season as she posted 10 points, five rebounds, and six assists. Cea's double-digit scoring performance marked her fifth of the year.

ELKO EYEING 1,000 POINTS AT EMU
After scoring 20 points at NIU, Feb. 28, Sisi Eleko needs 33 points to reach 1,000 in Eastern Green and White. Should she meet the standards, Eleko would be the 25th player to score 1,000 points in their EMU career.

ELEKO PROGRAM DOUBLE-DOUBLES
Sisi Eleko's 30 double-doubles rank second on the program's all-time list (since 1997). She needs one more to tie Ce'Nara Skanes (2020-23) for the most in program history (31). Eleko most recently posted a double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds, at NIU, Feb. 28.

ELEKO IN THE STANDINGS
Sisi Eleko has 16 double-doubles on the season, ranking first in the MAC and sixth nationally by value. The senior ranks second in the MAC in points (18.0) and first in the MAC in rebounds per game (9.9). Her 9.9 boards per game stand 30th nationally, while she also leads the MAC in defensive rebounds per game (7.7), checking in at No. 16 in America. Altogether, she ranks inside the MAC top-three in seven categories.

ELEKO CAREER SCORING/REBOUNDING AVERAGE
Sisi Eleko currently leads the program in all-time rebounding average with 10.0 per game as an Eagle. She is the only Eagle to average double figures in rebounds in her career. She currently stands fourth in career scoring in program history averaging 17.9 points per game.

ELEKO NCAA ACTIVE DBL-DBLS RANKING
Sisi Eleko's 50 career double-doubles rank fourth among active NCAA Division I players, she is just the fourth active player to total 50 or more, joining Maine's Adrianna Smith (55), Loyola Maryland's Lex Therien (57), and Reagan Beers from Oklahoma (64).

SISI STILL GOT IT
Sisi Eleko has picked up where she left off from the 2024-25 season. Named Preseason First Team All-MAC, Eleko has scored at least 10 points in all 26 games she has played in this season and 28-consecutive games dating back to the 2024-25 season. She has scored 20+ in 10 games, the second most in the conference. 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 leads the MAC with 9.9 rebounds per game and ranks second with 17.9 points.

ELEKO DOUBLE-DOUBLE RATE
Sisi Eleko has secured her 30 EMU double-doubles at an astonishing rate, doing so in 54 games. It took program double-doubles leader, Ce'Nara Skanes (2020-23), 69 games to total 30 double-doubles, finishing her tenure with 31. Eleko has posted a double-double in 54.7% (30-of-54) of her games at EMU. Skanes did so in 41.3% (31-of-75) of her career games.

ELEKO ELITE COMPANY
Leading the MAC in rebounds per game (9.9) and ranking second in points (18.0), Sisi Eleko is one of just nine players nationally to rank top two in their respective conference in both points and rebounds per game.

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

TOP-10 FRESHMAN SCORER: PEYTON HILL
After scoring three points at NIU, Feb. 28, Peyton Hill totals 374 points this season, the seventh most by an EMU freshman in program history. With two regular-season games remaining and factoring in her 14.4 points per game average, Hill is expected to end the season with roughly 402 points, which would be the fifth-highest total from an EMU freshman all time. She needs 19 points to eclipse Holly Mitchell (393, 1997-98) for the No. 6 spot.

PEYTON HILL: SIX 20-POINT GAMES
Peyton Hill's six 20-point games are the most by a MAC freshman this season and the most by an EMU freshman since Cha Sweeny reached the mark 11 times in the 2013-14 campaign. Hill most recently accomplished the feat with 20 points versus Ball State, Feb. 10.

FRESHMAN 10+ POINTS: PEYTON HILL
Peyton Hill has the most games with double-digit points of an EMU freshman (20) since Courtnie Lewis recorded 22 10+ point games in the 2017-18 season. Hill most recently scored three points at NIU, Feb. 28.

LEADING FRESHMAN: PEYTON HILL
Peyton Hill's 14.4 points per game and 81.4% clip from the free throw line lead MAC freshmen. Her 36.6% rate from beyond the arc ranks second among the league's rookies and her 46.2% mark from the field ranks fourth.

AT THE LINE FOR EASTERN: PEYTON HILL
Freshman Peyton Hill is shooting 81.4% from the line, the seventh-best mark in the conference and best from a freshman. Overall, Hill's 81.4% clip would stand 10th in the program's single-season records if it is maintained. The record is currently held by Kelly Helbler, who shot 91.1% in the 1989-90 season.

ZAJAC'S INCREASED PRODUCTION
Freshman Alli Zajac has stepped up her play in four of her last five games, improving upon her previous 16 games played.

Zajac's First 16 Games
4.8 MPG, 1.4 PPG, 29.2 FG%, 35.7 3P%, 0.9 RPG

Zajac 4-of-5 Last Games (Excludes Game at NIU, Feb. 28)
11.6 MPG, 7.0 PPG, 45.8 FG%, 42.9 3P%, 3.0 RPG

The stretch has seen her record her first two games with 10+ points, scoring a career-best 13 vs. Ball State, Feb. 10, and most recently nothing 10 versus Miami, Feb. 25.

ANOTHER PAIR OF 20s
Peyton Hill (22 points) and Sisi Eleko (20) each posted 20+ points at UMass, Feb. 4, marking the fifth time this season EMU has seen multiple players with 20+ points, producing a 2-3 record in such games.

PAY DAY IN THE PAINT
Eastern scored 42 paint points in the win over Buffalo, Feb. 21, marking its ninth time this season eclipsing 40 points in the paint, producing an 8-1 record when doing so.

SEXTUPLING 2024-25 MAC WIN TOTAL
The win against Buffalo, Feb. 21, marked the Eagles' fifth MAC win of the season, quintupling the one MAC victory they had last season. Eastern's only MAC win last year came on the road at Northern Illinois, 76-72, Feb. 22. Eastern can sextuple its MAC win total with a victory over the Bobcats Wednesday.

HOME FLOOR SETS THE TONE
Eastern Michigan has turned home games into a clear advantage this season. The Eagles are 8-4 at home while outscoring opponents by 4.3 points per game. EMU averages 72.0 points inside the George Gervin GameAbove Center and holds opponents to 67.8. The Eagles outshoot opponents, 45.2%-40.6%. Sisi Eleko averages 10.0 rebounds per home contest and scores 18.6 points per game on 48.1% shooting. Peyton Hill averages 17.0 points at home with 5.3 rebounds, while shooting 52.2% from the field and 43.6% from three-point range.

HOT AT HOME
Eastern is 8-4 or better at home for the first time since the 2022-23 season, when it also started 8-4 at home. Eastern notably beat the No. 6 ranked mid-major team in the country, Arkansas State, Feb. 7, after it topped Robert Morris in its home opener, Nov. 26, who is receiving votes in the College Insider Mid Major poll, and was predicted to finish second in the Horizon League. EMU also ended Bowling Green's seven-game win streak after topping the Falcons, 86-76, Dec. 30. EMU is looking for a 9-4 home start or better for the first time since 2018-19.

STRONG STARTS IN YPSILANTI
EMU has controlled games early at home. It outscores opponents 214 to 200 in first quarters, 403 to 389 across first halves, and 228 to 205 in the fourth quarter.

FOURTH QUARTER CONTROL IN VICTORIES
EMU finishes games with authority when leading. In wins, the Eagles outscore opponents 237 to 196 in fourth quarters. Most recently, Eastern was outscored by Buffalo, 18-12 in the fourth quarter for the 73-63 win, Feb. 21.

ROAD RESILIENCE IN WINS
In road victories, EMU has leaned on defense and discipline. Opponents score only 46.5 points per game in those four wins, including a 70-39 decision at Canisius, Nov. 7, a 52-41 win at St. Thomas, Nov. 14, and a 71-51 victory at Buffalo, Jan. 28. EMU has forced 18.8 turnovers per game in road wins while holding opponents to 30.5% shooting from the floor and 10.7% from three-point range.

YOUR DO-IT-ALL PG
Senior Ainhoa Cea is averaging 6.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per contest, making her one of four players nationally averaging at least 6.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game. Of players on that list, she has the best three-point shooting percentage (37.2%). Cea joins an elite list that includes three-time All-American Olivia Miles (TCU).

THREE POTW AWARDS IN ONE SEASON
After Sisi Eleko's MAC Player of the Week awards (Dec. 2 and Dec. 16), and Fernanda Ovalle's, Jan. 6, EMU has earned three or more MAC Player of the Week awards for the first time since the 2011-12 season, when program all-time points leader Tavelyn James earned MAC West Player of the Week six times (Nov. 14, Dec. 12, Jan. 16, Jan. 30, Feb. 13, Feb. 20).

HILL/OVALLE 3 CONSECUTIVE 20-POINT GAMES
Both Peyton Hill and Fernanda Ovalle have notched three-consecutive games with 20+ points this season, as they are two of four MAC players to accomplish the feat. Hill scored 22 points at UMass, Feb. 4, a career-best 27 against Arkansas State, Feb. 7, and 20 versus Ball State, Feb. 10. She is the only MAC freshman to score 20-plus in three straight games this season. Ovalle started her run with a then-career-high 22 points at Ball State, Dec. 20, before recording a career-best 26 points in the win against Bowling Green, Dec. 30, and 24 points at Ohio, Jan. 7.

CONSECUTIVE GAMES WITH 86+ POINTS
» After scoring 87 points against the Bobcats, Jan. 7, and 86 points against Bowling Green, Dec. 30, Eastern scored 86+ points in consecutive games for the first time since the 2013-14 season. That season, EMU scored 95 points in a 95-62 win over Lawrence Tech, Dec. 31, before putting up 88 in an 88-70 victory over Kent State, Jan. 4.
» After scoring 87 points against the Bobcats, Jan. 7, and 86 points against Bowling Green, Dec. 30, Eastern scored 86+ points in consecutive conference games for the first time since the 2003-04 season, when the Eagles beat the Akron Zips, 93-37, Jan. 7, prior to besting rivals Central Michigan, 87-50, Jan. 10.
» Eastern is one of four MAC teams to score 86+ points in multiple conference games this season.

THRASH SCORING/REBOUNDING CONSISTENCY
With Brooklyn Thrash's nine points and five rebounds at Central Michigan, Jan. 17, she posted at least nine points and five boards in 3-of-4 games for the first time in her career. She was also 2-for-4 from three-point range, marking her sixth game with multiple made triples this season and fourth time shooting 40% or better from beyond the arc. She recently hit the mark for the seventh time this season with 14 points and eight rebounds in the win over Arkansas State, Feb. 7.

3-STRAIGHT GAMES, MULTIPLE 20-POINT PERFORMANCES
With Fernanda Ovalle (24 points) and Brooklyn Thrash's (22) 20-point outings at Ohio, Jan. 7, Eastern had three consecutive games with multiple 20-point scorers for the first time since the 2019-20 campaign. The streak started with Ovalle (22) and Sisi Eleko (20) each recording 20+ points at Ball State, Dec. 20, prior to Ovalle (26 points), Peyton Hill (22), and Eleko (20) doing so against Bowling Green, Dec. 30. The stretch is the Eagles' first since Areanna Combs and Courtnie Lewis did so in the three straight games to end the 2019-20 season against Central Michigan, March 7, Northern Illinois, March 9, and Ball State, March 11.

TRIO OF 20-POINT PERFORMANCES
Fernanda Ovalle (26 points), Peyton Hill (22 points), and Sisi Eleko (20 points) each recorded 20+ points in the 86-76 win against Bowling Green, Dec. 30. This marked the first time the Eagles had three players score 20+ points 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
After Fernanda Ovalle (26 points), Peyton Hill (22 points), and Sisi Eleko's (20 points) 20-point performances against Bowling Green, Dec. 30, EMU is one of two MAC schools to have three players score 20+ points in a single game this season. The other is Ball State, who accomplished the feat against Kent State, Feb. 1.

ELEKO MAC POTW X2
Sisi Eleko collected her second MAC Player of the Week award of the season, Dec. 16. Eleko is one of four MAC players to earn the award twice this season. She is also the first EMU student-athlete to earn the award twice in the same season since Danielle Minnot was named MAC West Player of the Week in consecutive weeks, in the 2017-18 campaign, Jan. 23 and Jan. 30.

BACKS AGAINST THE WALL
Eastern came back from a two-point deficit to start the fourth quarter (49-47) against Arkansas State, Feb. 7, marking the fourth, fourth-quarter comeback in the Head Coach Sahar Nusseibeh era (2024-present) and third of the 2025-26 season. Eastern notably came back from down six points to start the fourth quarter, beating Toledo, 76-71, Jan. 20. It was the largest fourth-quarter comeback since Eastern came back from a 10-point hole to win against NIU, 76-72, Feb. 22, 2025.

MULTIPLYING WINS
Eastern has multiplied its 2024-25 win total across a multitude of categories.

Win Type          24-25 Total       25-26 Total    Increase
Total     2             12          10
Non-Con           1             7             6
Home 1             8             7
Away    1             4             3
MAC     1             5             4
MAC Home      0             4             4
MAC Away        1             1             --

With a win over Ohio, Eastern can increase its overall win total by 11 from the 2024-25 season, while advancing its home-win total by eight, and both its MAC-win total and home-MAC win sum by five.

MONEY FROM THE LINE
Eastern is shooting 74.8% from the free-throw line this season, ranking third in the MAC. Twenty-seven games in, EMU's 74.8% free-throw percentage would serve as the team's single-season program record and is 2.2% 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 nine of 27 games this season, and 70% or better in 18 games, as their season-best 90.9% (20-for-22) rate vs. Robert Morris, Nov. 26, ranks fourth in program history in single-game standings. Peyton Hill (81.4%) leads EMU individually, as her clip ranks seventh in the MAC and is the best from a MAC freshman. Additionally, Eastern broke the program and George Gervin GameAbove Center records in free throws made and attempted, shooting 77.1% (37-for-48) against Bowling Green, Dec. 30.

SHOOTING FOR 90s
Eastern was 7-for-7 from the free-throw line at UMass, Feb. 4, marking the fifth time in the Sahar Nusseibeh era (2024-present), and fourth time this season that the Eagles have shot 90.0% or higher at the free-throw line, as they are 4-1 in such games. The Eagles have recorded four or more games with a mark of 90.0% or better at the line in one season for the first time since at least 2011-12.

STARTERS CARRY THE WORKLOAD
A large majority of Eastern's 1,823 points are scored by the starting five, as it has accounted for 85.7% of EMU's total points. The same applies to minutes as well, as Eastern starters have played 82.4% of the Eagles' total minutes. Eastern is one of three known schools nationally where the traditional starting five accounts for 85.0% or more of the team's total points.

CONSISTENT TRENDS
Eastern is 10-5 this season when holding opponents below 44.9% from the field, as it has held its foes to 41.5% or worse in nine of its 12 victories. In losses, opponents are shooting 47.1%. The same goes for three-point shooting as Eastern's opponents are shooting 26.3% or worse in nine of EMU's 12 wins and 31.3% or better in 10 of EMU's 15 losses. Eastern is also 10-6 when outrebounding its foe as it has done so in 16-of-27 games this season while holding a clean 9-0 mark when leading at halftime.

CRASHING THE GLASS
After getting outrebounded in the season-opener at Louisiana Monroe, 37-29, Nov. 3, Eastern has outrebounded its opponent in 16 of the last 26 games with its largest margin being +23 in the 96-44 win vs. Defiance, Dec. 5. Along with Sisi Eleko (9.9 rebounds per game, first in the MAC), Brooklyn Thrash also carries a sizeable workload when it comes rebounding, averaging 4.5 per game, while Ainhoa Cea averages 4.5 per game while standing 5-foot-6. Sisi Eleko highlighted the EMU rebounders against NIU, securing 10+ for the 16th time this season.

WINNING FORMULA SHOWS BALANCE
Across all 12 victories, EMU posts a +14.4-scoring margin and holds opponents to 58.4 points per game. The Eagles shoot 44.4% from the floor while limiting opponents to 36.4%. Rebounding stands out at +5.8 per game. EMU also shoots 78.9% from the free-throw line, compared to 68.2% for opponents. Peyton Hill averages 17.0 points per game in wins, shoots 49.6% from the field, pulls down 4.6 rebounds, and grabs 1.3 steals per game. Sisi Eleko averages a double-double with 18.8 points and 11.2 rebounds, while Fernanda Ovalle adds 13.5 points per game. Ainhoa Cea aids, scoring 5.8 points, with 6.8 assists, and 4.8 rebounds.

UNDERSIZED REBOUNDER
Standing 5-foot-6, Ainhoa Cea pulls down an average of 4.5 rebounds per game. She has grabbed at least four rebounds in six of her last 10 games with her highest single-game total being 10 at Indiana, Dec. 14, and most recently at Buffalo, Jan. 28. Cea's 10 rebounds against the Hoosiers and Bulls are the most by an EMU player 5-foot-6 or shorter since Juanita Agosto also grabbed 10 against Western Michigan, Jan. 19, 2022. Cea most recently grabbed five rebounds against NIU, Feb. 28.

AINHOA'S AID
Senior Ainhoa Cea has distributed the ball effectively in her first season as an Eagle. Cea has dished at least five dimes in 19 of her first 27 games, with her highest total being 12 at Ohio, Jan. 7, and at Buffalo, Jan. 28. Cea's 12 assists against the Bobcats/Bulls tie for the most in a single game in the MAC and are the fifth most nationally by value. Cea's 6.1 assists per game rank second in the conference and 13th nationally. The senior's 6.1 assists per game average, should it hold, would break the program's single-season record. The record is currently held by Cassie Schrock, who averaged 5.9 in the 2010-11 season. Schrock dished 220 assists that season. Cea most recently totaled six dimes at NIU, Feb. 28.

CEA SINGLE-SEASON TOTAL ASSISTS
Ainhoa Cea totals 164 assists this season, the sixth most in one season in program history. Her total is the most since Desyree Thomas posted 174 in the 2011-12 campaign. Cea needs seven assists to surpass Cassie Schrock for the No. 5 spot as she dished 170 assists in the 2009-10 campaign.

AINHOA CEA 10+ ASSIST GAMES
Ainhoa Cea dished double-digit assists for the third time this season with 11 at UMass, Feb. 4. Her trio of 10+ assist outings are the second-most in the conference and the most from an Eagle in a single season since Desyree Thomas also recorded three 10+ assist outings in 2011-12.

AINHOA'S MINUTES
Ainhoa Cea has handled significant minutes on the court as she slots first in the MAC and third in America, averaging 37.7 minutes per game. Cea's 37.7 minutes per game are a career high and 8.9 minutes more than her previous career high of 28.8 MPG. She most recently played 39 minutes against Miami, Feb. 25.

AINHOA CEA: STAT-SHEET STUFFER
Ainhoa Cea has excelled in multiple facets of the game as she has recorded 15 games with at least five points, three assists, and three rebounds this season, doing so in three of her last four games, most recently at NIU, Feb. 28 (10 points, five rebounds, six assists). Overall, the senior is averaging 6.7 points, 6.1 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.3 steals per game. She is shooting 48.6% from the field and 37.2% from three-point range.

UPCOMING MILESTONES
Sisi Eleko needs one double-double to tie for the most in program history, and two to be the sole record owner. She requires 33 points to reach 1,000 as an Eagle. Ainhoa Cea needs six rebounds to reach 500 in her career.

SHOOTING STREAK
The Eagles have recorded at least one three-pointer in 159 consecutive games, the second-longest stretch since the start of the 1999-00 season as they first did so, Dec. 9, 2014, to Nov. 29, 2020. 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.

ON THE HORIZON
Eastern will travel to Akron, Ohio, for the final regular season game of the 2025-26 campaign against the University of Akron Zips. Tipoff is scheduled for 12 p.m. 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 team on Instagram (@EMUWBB).

Women's Basketball Set for Senior-Night Matchup Against Ohio Wednesday Night

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Players Mentioned

Ainhoa Cea

Sisi Eleko

Peyton Hill

Artemis Kouki

Kyndal Lewis

Fernanda Ovalle

Brooklyn Thrash

Alli Zajac

Eastern Michigan Athletics