East Michigan News

Following a 10-day break, the Eastern Michigan University (EMU) women's basketball team is set to face Purdue University Fort Wayne on Thursday, November 21. The game will take place at the George Gervin GameAbove Center in Ypsilanti, with a tip-off scheduled for 6:30 p.m. It will be broadcast live on ESPN+ with commentary from Ryan Wooley and Reggie Butler. Live stats will be available on EMUEagles.com.

The Eagles are preparing for their second consecutive game against a team receiving votes in national polls. Purdue Fort Wayne is currently among the 'Receiving Votes' teams in the College Insider Mid-Major Top 25. Earlier this month, Michigan State was also receiving votes in major polls when they faced EMU.

Sisi Eleko has been a standout player for EMU this season, averaging a double-double with 23.3 points and 12.3 rebounds per game through three contests. She leads the Mid-American Conference (MAC) in rebounds and ranks second in scoring.

Olivia Westphal has also made significant contributions, leading the MAC with an average of four three-pointers per game. Her academic achievements have not gone unnoticed as she was named the MAC Female Scholar-Athlete of the Week on November 14 while pursuing her Master's degree in Cybersecurity.

Head coach Sahar Nusseibeh, now in her first year at EMU after leading Canisius for three seasons, signed four high school seniors during last week's NCAA Early Signing Period. The recruits include Adrena Gordon from Akron, Ohio; Peyton Hill from St. Louis, Missouri; Believe Tshibangu from Courtice, Ontario; and Alli Zajac from Tecumseh, Michigan.

Purdue Fort Wayne enters Thursday's game with a record of two wins and two losses following a recent defeat to Kentucky. Lauren Ross leads their team with an average of 16.3 points per game.

Historically, EMU holds a perfect record against Purdue Fort Wayne with three wins out of three encounters.

After facing Purdue Fort Wayne, EMU will play another Horizon League opponent when they travel to Detroit Mercy on November 26.

Fans can stay updated by following @EMUWBB and @EMUAthletics on X throughout the season.