The first week of December features several significant nonconference challenges and multi-day competitions for Eastern Michigan University Athletics, highlighting both basketball teams, women's swimming and diving, and track and field. The schedule is anchored by a basketball double-header event at the George Gervin GameAbove Center in Ypsilanti on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025.
Men's basketball | Post-upset Eagles renew brief history against Butler before hosting Cleary
The Eastern Michigan men's basketball team begins the week with an away contest, traveling to Indianapolis, Indiana, on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025, to face Butler University at 7 p.m. Fans can watch the game on truTV or to listen to on WEMU/Varsity Network.
This matchup marks only the second time EMU has played Butler in program history, and the Eagles currently hold a 0-1 record following a 55-94 loss Nov. 6, 2023.
Eastern Michigan enters the new month with momentum after securing a 73-55 victory over the New Jersey Institute of Technology on Nov. 28. Strong performances from Godslove Nwabude and center Mo Habhab spearheaded this successful outing. Habhab previously collected three double-doubles across the first four games of the season. This recent win streak also includes a significant 64-56 upset victory over “Power 4” opponent University of Cincinnati.
The Eagles return to their home court at the George Gervin GameAbove Center on Friday, Dec. 5, at 7:30 p.m. to host the Cleary University Cougars. This nonconference game against Cleary is broadcast on ESPN+ and is the second half of a basketball doubleheader.
Women's basketball | EMU hoops returns home Friday to host Defiance College Saints
The Eastern Michigan women's basketball team hosts a non-conference game on Friday, Dec. 5, welcoming the Defiance College Saints to the George Gervin GameAbove Center for a 5 p.m. tip-off. The game precedes the men's matchup and can be streamed on ESPN+.
Historically, EMU holds an undefeated 4-0 record against Defiance College, spanning 1978 to 1980. Their last meeting ended in an 83-63 EMU victory Dec. 11, 1980.
The EMU women's team recently won its home opener against Robert Morris, a game in which key player Sisi Eleko was instrumental, recording a double-double. Eleko has been a consistent force, posting three double-doubles across the first five games, a performance level that ranked second nationally.
Women's swimming and diving kicks off four-day Oakland Invitational
The women's swimming and diving team will be engaged in the Golden Grizzly Classic across four days this week, hosted by Oakland University in Rochester. The competition begins Wednesday, Dec. 3, with the first session listed at 5 p.m. Subsequent sessions are scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 4, at 9 a.m.; Friday, Dec. 5, at 9 a.m.; and Saturday, Dec. 6, at 9 a.m.
EMU recently competed against Oakland on Nov. 19, 2025, resulting in a loss (111-189) despite Nina LaRosa and Shayne Patrick achieving program top 10 times. Eastern Michigan's record against Oakland in swimming & diving is 22 wins, 19 losses and a single tie.
Track and field | Dual meet at GVSU Holiday Open
Eastern Michigan University's track and field squads, comprising both the men's and women's teams, are scheduled for an early-season test as they head to Allendale for the Grand Valley State University Holiday Open on Friday, Dec. 5. The meet gives the Eagles a prime opportunity to utilize this highly competitive indoor opener to establish a strong early pace for the winter season.
