Despite a hard fought fourth quarter, the Eastern Michigan University women’s basketball team suffered it's third straight loss to the Central Michigan Chippewas, 66-65, Wednesday night in Ypsilanti, Mich.
“Well I thought we played hard tonight – we put ourselves in position to win a basketball game, but didn’t knock down shots,” EMU coach Tory Verdi said.
Heading into the fourth quarter, trailing by three, CMU scored two unanswered baskets – increasing their lead by seven.
EMU would slowly chip away the deficit – tying the game at 61.
Leading by two, the Eagles gave up a three, as CMU would take a 66-65 with a minute to go.
In the final minute, the Eagles were unable to execute after countless possessions down the stretch.
Tinara Moore dominated the paint and was relentless on the glass scoring 28 points and 15 rebounds for CMU.
“We allowed her to turn left shoulder – she’s long and she’s not doing it just to us, but everyone in our league,” Verdi said.
The Eagles got off to a rough start, allowing a early 9-0 run for the Chippewas. After a timeout by Verdi, the Eagles scored five quick points to bring the score within four 9-5.
Trailing 15-10 entering the second quarter, both teams struggled shooting the ball in the early minutes. The Eagles used their pressure defense to score two fast break layups and eventually take a 21-18 lead midway in the first half. EMU went into the locker room with a small 25-22 lead.
To start the second half, the Eagles jumped out on a 13-2 run due to the defensive pressure - which resulted into fast break layups.
After a CMU timeout, trailing by eight under five minutes, EMU forward Sheyna Deans scored back-to-back jumpers, as EMU would take a 14-point lead. CMU would not shy away - attacking the basket and going on a 14-2 run to cut their deficit and take a 52-49 leading heading into the fourth.
EMU finished the game shooting 34 percent (27-79) from the field and only 24 percent from beyond the arc. The Eagles allowed 45 percent shooting (28-62) for the Chippewas.
Despite the loss, Cha Sweeney finished with 23 points and eight rebounds. 30 points came from the bench as Sheyna Deans finished with 16 points, seven boards, four blocks while Chanise added 14 points.
“We need everyone to help us out – it can’t be the Cha Sweeney show all the time,” Verdi said. “We continue to put a lot of pressure on her – she went 9-for-25 I’d like to see her make more shots than that, but again everyone needs to do their part.”
Looking Forward:
The Eagles look to end this losing streak as they take on the Broncos of Western Michigan University on Saturday at the Convocation Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 2 p.m. The Broncos are coming off of an 80-68 home loss versus the University of Toledo.
