The Eastern Michigan University men’s basketball team lost 86-82 on the road to Central Michigan University for the first time since 2015 after a foul-troubled second half during Tuesday night’s game.
EMU came out rolling in the first half. The Eagles held the advantage in 3-point shooting in the first half at 45 percent. Meanwhile, the Chippewas 3-point percentage in the first half reached 37 percent.
The Eagles didn’t only put up an impressive 3-point show to begin the game, the team’s overall field goal percentage was also dominant. EMU’s field goal percentage reached 67 percent to close the half. The Chippewas trailed in that percentage, shooting only 31 percent from the floor. However, the Eagles had seven turnovers in the first half, which kept the Chippewas in close, as the team scored seven points off those turnovers.
Sophomore Kevin McAdoo and redshirt junior Boubacar Toure both scored in double digits to close the half with a tie ballgame at 39-39.
The second half remained tight throughout. The Eagles offense held the advantage in field goal percentage yet again. The team’s percentage reached 51 percent with CMU behind at 42 percent. However, CMU went on a run late in the second half and hit a stride from deep. The Chippewas held the advantage over EMU from deep with a 44 percent clip in the half.
EMU’s foul trouble was one of the deciding factors. The Eagles had a total of 16 personal fouls which allowed CMU to capitalize.
Junior David Dileo led the way in scoring for CMU with 20 points. Senior Shawn Roundtree Jr. put up 15 points, while shooting 50 percent from deep for CMU.
Redshirt senior Paul Jackson led the Eagles by scoring 21 points. McAdoo had 20 points, combining the two for a total of 41 points. Redshirt senior Elijah Minnie ended the game with 18 points, and Toure notched a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds.
The Eagles will face Miami University at home in the Convocation Center on Saturday, Feb. 2.
