Eastern Michigan University men's basketball team (8-11, 3-5 Mid-American Conference) hosted Miami University (9-10, 3-5 Mid-American Conference) inside the George Gervin GameAbove Center on Saturday, Jan. 29. The first meeting of the season between the Eagles and RedHawks resulted in a 85-75 victory for the Eagles, snapping EMU's four-game losing streak.
The Eagles entered the matchup electrified, tallying 55 points in the opening 20 minutes on 12 three-point field goal conversions within the first half. With 12 minutes remaining in the first half, the Eagles conducted an 18-0 run, extending the Eagles lead, 34-15. Headed into halftime, the scoreboard favored the Eagles over the RedHawks, 55-28.
Tempo slowed entering the second half, poor ball protection and shot selection from EMU allowed the Miami RedHawks to outscore the Eagles 47-30. However, the RedHawks scoring efforts were not enough to claim a road win in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Strong scoring performances from Noah Farrakhan and Nate Scott combined for 53 points, surging the Eagles ahead of the RedHawks, 85-75.
Freshman guard Noah Farrakhan led the Eagles scoring efforts recording 28 points on a 73% field goal percentage. Farrakhan dished out seven assists and snatched five rebounds on top of his career-high scoring performance.
Nathan Scott recorded his first career double-double as an Eagle, joining Monty Scott and Mo Njie as the only Eagles to record double-doubles this season. Scott recorded 25 points on a 53% field goal percentage, 10 rebounds, two steals, and two blocks.
The Eagles dominated the glass, out-rebounding the RedHawks 45-to-34. Freshman center, Mo Njie, garnered nine rebounds. Senior guard Darion Spottsville added seven boards to the Eagles team total.
During the EMU athletics post-game press conference, coach Stan Heath commented on the Eagles' strong first half performance.
"Our first-half was fantastic; it was like lightning in a bottle. We couldn't have played any better, the way we shot the ball, the way we moved it, and we were good defensively. We are a very connected team out there. The energy level was terrific," said Heath.
Eastern Michigan University conclude a two-game home stand, hosting the University of Toledo (17-4, 9-1 Mid-American Conference) on Feb. 1, inside the George Gervin GameAbove Center at 7 p.m. Fans can watch the game on ESPN3 or tune into WEMU (89.1 FM) live radio broadcast for the matchup.
Starting Feb. 3, the Eagles lead-off a three game road trip against the Ohio Bobcats, Kent State Golden Flashes (2/5), and Buffalo Bulls (2/8).
