East Michigan News

The Eastern Michigan University women's basketball team overcame a 10-point deficit in the final quarter to secure a 76-72 victory against Northern Illinois University. The win, which took place at the Convocation Center in DeKalb, Ill., marked EMU's first Mid-American Conference win of the season and ended an 18-game losing streak.

Eastern Michigan's Sisi Eleko was instrumental in the comeback, scoring 20 points and adding nine rebounds. "She has now scored 10+ points in 22-of-24 games played while reaching 20 points for the eighth time this season and the 16th time in her career," stated EMUEagles.com. Olivia Smith contributed with 14 points, joining EMU's all-time scoring list with her total reaching 673 points.

Kyndal Lewis added another significant performance with 13 points, achieving double-digit scores in back-to-back games for the first time in her career. Brooklyn Thrash also made a notable contribution by tallying ten points and six coming off offensive rebounds.

Dara Capaldi kept EMU competitive during crucial moments by scoring all nine of her game-totaled points in the third quarter. Her defensive efforts were highlighted by blocking an NIU three-point attempt near the end of regulation.

"The Eagles finished 7-of-22 from behind the arc to extend their current streak to 128 consecutive games with at least one made three-pointer," noted EMUEagles.com about their shooting consistency from long range.

This victory not only marked several firsts for EMU but also improved their record against Northern Illinois to an impressive all-time score of 41-24. It was also Sahar Nusseibeh's first road and conference victories as head coach of Eastern Michigan.

Looking ahead, Eastern will host Miami University on February 26 at George Gervin GameAbove Center before facing Bowling Green State University on March 8. Both matches are pivotal as they approach season-end games within MAC play.