The Eastern Michigan University Mens’ basketball team (8-13, 3-7 Mid-American Conference) traveled to Athens, Ohio to face off against Ohio University (18-3, 9-1 Mid-American Conference) inside their Convocation Center on Thursday, Feb. 3.
The Eagles fell to the Bobcats, 81- 68, which marked their 13th loss in the season. The Bobcats on the other hand, improved to 12-1 at home, winning their fourth straight game against EMU. This marked the first matchup between the two in the current season; originally supposed to play on Dec. 28, but became postponed due to COVID-19.
The Eagles struggled right out of the gate, as Ohio University started off with a 12-4 lead going into the first media timeout. Down 19-6, EMU went on a 9-2 scoring run to cut the lead to 21-15. After trading some baskets, Ohio would keep their advantage at double-digits for the remainder of the half and took a 44-34 lead on the Eagles heading into halftime.
Ohio continued widening their lead after intermission, going on a 17-2 run to increase their advantage, 64-38. EMU answered back, going on a 13-2 run of their own, helping cut the lead to 66-51. The late scoring efforts by the Eagles weren’t enough, as Ohio would close it out, 81-68, and improve to 18-3 for the year.
Senior Nate Scott led the scoring efforts for the Eagles. This marked Scott’s third consecutive game scoring double-digits, as he put up 16 points shooting above 50-40-90, hitting 58% (21-of-36) from the field, 47.8% (11-of-23), and 100% (3-3) from the free throw line.
Junior Bryce McBride followed with 14 points, and freshman Mo Njie added 10, marking his second straight game scoring in double-digits.
Defensively, the Eagles forced 14 turnovers from the Bobcats, and McBride, along with freshman Noah Farrakhan, each recorded a pair of steals. EMU also out-rebound the Bobcats, 32-29, as Njie and Scott each grabbed six rebounds. Njie, and seniors Darion Spotsville and Monty Scott all recorded a block.
Up next, EMU will stay on the road and head to Kent, Ohio to face-off against the Kent State Golden Flashes on Saturday, Feb. 5. Tipoff is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. and will be streamed live on ESPN+.
The Eagles will conclude their three-game road trip against the Buffalo Bulls on Tuesday, Feb 8., inside Alumni Arena. Tipoff for that game is scheduled for 7 p.m. and will be streamed live on ESPN3.
