Eastern Michigan University Athletics barrels toward the holiday break with the men's basketball team facing two major nonconference road tests, including a clash with a Mid-American Conference rival and a historic first-ever matchup. Here is what fans need to know for the week of Dec. 16–22, 2025.
Men's basketball | Eagles head east for road challenges
The Eastern Michigan men’s basketball team hits the road for two crucial contests this week, looking to build upon its current 6-4 overall record.
Road test against MAC rival Akron
The Eagles are set to open their MAC schedule this week, hitting the road for their first official conference matchup against the University of Akron Zips on Friday, Dec. 19, 2025, at 7 p.m.
This crucial road test pits the Eagles against a high-caliber MAC opponent. The Zips were notably selected to finish first in the MAC preseason coaches' poll published Oct. 21. EMU enters the week with a 6-4 overall record, looking to establish early momentum within league play.
The Eagles face a historical challenge in Akron, holding an all-time disadvantage against the Zips with a 24-38 record. Eastern Michigan will need to perform strongly on the road to secure a decisive conference win and gain confidence before the heart of the schedule begins.
This matchup marks a key opportunity for EMU to rebound from earlier losses and demonstrate its capabilities against top-tier conference competition. Following the challenging game in Akron, the Eagles will continue their road swing, traveling to Dayton, Ohio, to face Wright State University on Dec. 22.
Historic first matchup at Wright State
Eastern Michigan wraps up the week traveling to Dayton, Ohio, to face Wright State at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 22, 2025.
This matchup holds historical significance because the Wright State Raiders are the EMU men's basketball team's final scheduled first-time opponent this season. Despite the two campuses being separated by only 174 miles, Eastern Michigan and Wright State have never competed against each other in men's basketball.
The Eagles enter this contest with confidence in tight scenarios, currently holding a perfect 4-0 record in games decided by four points or fewer.
Women’s basketball | Eagles with momentum
When the Eastern Michigan University women's basketball team looks ahead to MAC play, it faces a historically competitive series against Ball State University.
The Eagles hold a record against Ball State of 45 wins and 47 losses. While the rivalry is historically nearly balanced, the Eagles have struggled against the Cardinals recently and are currently on an eight-game losing streak.
EMU's overall conference record against Ball State stands at 38 wins and 46 losses, according to data from the EMU Athletics website. Despite recent challenges, Eastern Michigan has achieved significant wins in the series, including its largest margin of victory, 74-43, on Feb. 25, 2012.
