East Michigan News

Eastern Michigan University's men's basketball team, seeded seventh, faced a narrow defeat against second-seeded Miami University in the Mid-American Conference Tournament Quarterfinals. The game concluded with an 81-75 score in favor of Miami at the Rocket Arena on March 13. This matchup was closely contested, marked by 12 ties and lead changes.

Jalen Terry led Eastern Michigan with 21 points, hitting five three-pointers in the first half. Christian Henry topped the team's scoring chart with 24 points. "Terry's 21 points marks his 10th game with at least 20 points this season," as noted in game records.

The match began with Miami scoring nine consecutive points, but Eastern responded with a run that tied the game at 16-16. A pair of three-pointers from Terry helped put Eastern ahead temporarily before halftime saw a tie at 29-29.

In the second half, neither team managed to establish a significant lead until Miami pulled ahead decisively after converting free throws six minutes before the end. Despite Eastern leading briefly at 59-57, a strong run by Miami secured their largest lead of the game at 74-61. Eastern attempted a late rally but fell short as Miami sealed victory with free throws.

The loss leaves Eastern Michigan with an overall record of 16-16 while advancing Miami to the MAC Tournament Semifinals. The Eagles recorded shooting percentages of approximately 41% both from the floor and beyond the arc. Notably, "EMU's nine turnovers are its fourth-lowest total of the season."

Historical context reveals that this was EMU's first MAC Tournament appearance since the pandemic-shortened season of 2019-20 and their first postseason outing in Cleveland since 2017-18.

For further updates on Eastern Michigan Eagles' basketball activities, fans are encouraged to visit EMUEagles.com or follow their social media channels.