The Eastern Michigan men’s basketball team closed the gap on a first-half lead by Miami University (Ohio), but couldn’t get over the hump, losing to its Mid-American Conference opponent 61-51.
The Eagles (10-10, 2-5) kept it close in the opening minutes, as the game was tied with 14:40 left in the half. Miami (8-13, 5-3) started to make its run soon after, scoring 31 first-half points compared to 14 for EMU.
Eastern tried to make ground in the second half, eventually closing the lead to 46-45 on a Carlos Medlock 3-pointer. He finished with 10 points.
That would be as close as EMU would get, as Miami would continue its scoring pace to end the game.
The Eagles dropped their second consecutive game and had a quick turnaround going into their next contest.
EMU will play Akron in Akron, Ohio, on Monday. Tipoff is at 7 p.m.
Men’s and women’s track and field solid at Chippewa Invitational
The EMU men’s and women’s track and field teams traveled to Mt. Pleasant over the weekend to compete in the annual Chippewa Invitational at Central Michigan University.
The Eagles competed against the hosting Chippewas, Kent State University and Oakland University.
The men walked away from the competition placing first overall with a score of 162, with Central coming in second (151.5), Kent State third (108.5) and Oakland fourth (61).
Gerald Gersham placed in two events Saturday, grabbing first in the shot put and second in the weight throw.
Other Eagles earning first-place finishes were Xavier Clais in the high jump and Jairus Saunders in the 200-meter dash.
The women placed second overall, squaring off against Kent State, Central, Oakland and Western Michigan University.
Courtney Calka won the mile for the Eagles in 5:04.22, and ReJeana Marigna took first in the 200 and second in the 60.
Men’s swimming and diving win, go undefeated in MAC season
The EMU men’s swimming and diving team traveled to Oxford, Ohio, on Saturday and came away with a victory over Miami (Ohio) 164-136.
With the win, the men end the MAC season undefeated and extend their conference dual meet win streak to 53.
Troy Esentan was a driving force for the Eagles, as he won the 1,000-yard freestyle with a time of 9:33.78, a best time in the MAC this season. He also placed first in the 500-freestyle.
The women’s team also competed Saturday, losing to Miami, 171-129.
Samantha Partridge took three first-place finishes in the 200- and 500-freestyle, as well as part of the 400-free relay team. EMU won eight events overall.
