The Eastern Michigan University women’s basketball team came up short against the University of Detroit Mercy, falling 72-61 on Sunday, Nov. 26, at Calihan Hall. Despite a career-high 31 points and 14 rebounds from junior forward Sisi Eleko (Montreal, Quebec/New Hope Academy/Canisius), the Eagles could not secure their first win, dropping to 0-5.
Eastern Michigan started strong, scoring a season-high 18 points in the first quarter and taking an 18-15 lead. The team sank four three-pointers during the period, with Eleko contributing nine points and Mackenzie Amalia (Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania/Blackhawk/Robert Morris/Canisius) adding two triples. However, Detroit Mercy took control in the second quarter, outscoring the Eagles 25-12 and building a 10-point halftime lead.
The Titans maintained their advantage in the second half, extending their lead to 71-49 in the fourth quarter before the Eagles mounted a 12-0 run to close the gap in the final moments. Despite their effort, the deficit proved too much to overcome. Eastern capitalized on turnovers, scoring eight points off seven Detroit Mercy giveaways in the final quarter.
Eleko’s 31 points marked the highest single-game total by an Eagle since 2022 and included a career-best four three-pointers. Amalia also posted a season-high 13 points, including three triples and six assists. Olivia Westphal (Bethel Park, Pennsylvania/Bethel Park/Duquesne) extended her streak of games with a made three-pointer to five, finishing with six points. Brooklyn Thrash recorded a career-high four steals, contributing defensively.
The Eagles hit a season-high nine three-pointers, surpassing their previous best of seven. However, they could not contain the Titans’ offensive surge, particularly in the decisive second quarter.
With the loss, Eastern Michigan trails 15-17 in its all-time series against Detroit Mercy and is 0-2 against Horizon League teams this season. The Eagles return to action on Sunday, Dec. 1, hosting Xavier University at the George Gervin GameAbove Center. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m. The game will be available on ESPN+ and WEMU 89.1 FM.
