The Eastern Michigan University women’s basketball team endured a tough 94-49 loss to Purdue Fort Wayne on Thursday night at the George Gervin GameAbove Center.
“Really disappointed in our effort today,” Eagles head coach Sahar Nusseibeh said following the game. “From wire to wire, I don't think we came to play. I don’t think we were ready from the jump.”
The Eagles kept the game within reach during the first quarter, trailing by 10 points. However, the Mastodons took control in the second quarter with a dominant 30-9 run, heading into halftime with a commanding 51-20 lead. Purdue Fort Wayne maintained their momentum in the second half, never allowing Eastern Michigan a chance to close the gap.
Eastern Michigan struggled offensively, shooting just 26.5% from the floor (13-of-49) and 27.3% from beyond the arc (6-of-22). The Eagles also posted a -45 +/- team rating, while their opponents finished with a +45.
“I think we really struggled as a team,” Nusseibeh added.
Despite the team’s struggles, Sisi Eleko (Montreal, Quebec/New Hope Academy/Canisius) delivered another strong performance with her third consecutive double-double. She recorded 15 points and 11 rebounds while leading the team in shooting percentage at 35.7%. Olivia Smith (Fort Wayne, Indiana/South Side) also contributed 12 points, including two three-pointers and a perfect 6-of-6 from the free-throw line. Brooklyn Thrash (Wayne, Ohio/Elmwood/Canisius) added nine points.
“The biggest thing is we gotta get back to the basics—energy, talk, pride, passion, just all-out compete,” Nusseibeh emphasized. “I don’t think we brought any of those things tonight.”
The loss drops Eastern Michigan to 0-4 on the season. The Eagles will look to regroup as they head on the road to face the Detroit Mercy Titans on Nov. 26 at 7 p.m.
