In a game that defined the word "competitive," the Eastern Michigan University men's basketball team fell just short in a 70-64 non-conference loss to Wright State University on Monday night, Dec. 22. Inside the Nutter Center, the Eagles and Raiders engaged in a back-and-forth battle that featured 14 lead changes and 14 ties, staying within a four-point margin for all but 36 seconds of the first 34:37 of play.
The Eagles (6-7, 0-1 MAC) relied heavily on the duo of Carlos Hart and Addison Patterson, who each finished with 18 points. The two stars took turns carrying the offensive load; Patterson dominated the first half with 14 points, while Hart surged in the second half, scoring 16 of his 18 points after the break.
Mohammad Habhab continued his consistent season, contributing 13 points and seven rebounds, marking his 11th game in double digits this year. Meanwhile, Mak Manciel provided a spark from the perimeter, draining three triples on his way to nine points in a season-high 27 minutes.
A Seesaw Battle in Dayton
The opening frame was a defensive struggle where neither team could build a significant cushion. The Eagles managed to push their lead to 27-23 late in the half following a Habhab layup, but the Raiders responded with an 11-6 run to take a slim 34-33 lead into the locker room.
The second half was a mirror image of the first. With 4:58 remaining, Wright State managed to extend their lead to seven, but Eastern refused to go away. A 9-2 run by the Eagles knotted the game at 62-62 with just 1:55 left on the clock.
After the Raiders reclaimed a four-point lead, Hart knocked down two clutch free throws to bring EMU within two with 1:14 remaining. The Eagles had a chance to take the lead with 37 seconds left, but a potential go-ahead three-pointer clanked off the rim. Wright State secured the rebound and iced the game at the charity stripe.
Lineup Shifts and Milestone Minutes
Head coach Stan Heath utilized the team's fourth different starting lineup of the season on Monday. Gregory Lawson II made his first career start, while Braelon Green earned his first start of the season, playing a career-high 32 minutes and recording two steals and a block.
Statistically Speaking
- Shooting: Eastern finished 24-of-58 (41.4%) from the floor and 5-of-13 (38.5%) from deep. Wright State shot 46.0% overall.
- The Series: The all-time series between EMU and Wright State is now tied at 1-1.
- Conference Play: The loss moves Eastern to a 2-3 record against Horizon League opponents this season.
Up Next
The Eagles will look to bounce back as they return home to the George Gervin GameAbove Center to host UMass on Tuesday, Dec. 30. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. following the EMU women's game against Bowling Green.
