The Eastern Michigan basketball team (1-1, 0-0 MAC) clawed back from a 16-point deficit to defeat the Illinois State Redbirds (1-1, 0-0 MVC) in double overtime, 103-98. The win over the visiting Redbirds marks the first official home win for the Eastern Michigan Eagles under 1987 alumnus and first-year Head Coach, Stan Heath.
A slow start against the Redbirds positioned the Eagles with a 12-point deficit headed into halftime.
Entering the second half, upperclassmen Monty Scott and Bryce McBride led the Eagles comeback efforts. The Eagles outscored the Redbirds 47-35, initiating the first overtime with a 79-79 standoff.
Seesaw scoring efforts in the final minutes of overtime between the Eagles and Redbirds concluded 90-90, extending the matchup into double overtime.
A 7-0 run for the Eagles in the early stages of double overtime asserted the lead for Eastern Michigan. The Eastern Michigan Eagles maintained the lead to claim a 103-98 victory over the Illinois State Redbirds.
Senior guard, Monty Scott led the team with 28 points and four steals. Scott provided his thoughts after the game.
“I’m just happy we get our first win at home," Scott said. "We got a win at home for coach, that was really big for him."
Junior guard, Bryce McBride followed with 23 points and eight rebounds. Freshman guard, Noah Farrakhan added 17 points, six rebounds, four assists, and two steals in the comeback effort.
Head Coach Stan Heath commended the teams display of unity in the postgame press conference.
“It was a collective effort. The bench was cheering for each other," Head Coach Stan Heath said. "The crowd was into it; I was really excited about the fans coming out. That to me is the most important thing, getting our whole community interested in Eastern Michigan Basketball."
Looking ahead, the Eastern Michigan Eagles depart on a two-game road trip. The Eagles face-off against the Northern Kentucky Norse (1-1, 0-0 HL) Thursday, Nov. 18, tipping-off at 7 p.m. in Highland Heights, KY. The Eagles return to Michigan as guests in a contest against the Michigan State Spartans (1-1, 0-0 B1G), Saturday, Nov. 20, for a 5 p.m. tip-off at the Breslin Center.
