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The Eastern Echo Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026 | Print Archive
The Eastern Echo

#6 Fernanda Ovalle, in a green Eastern Michigan University jersey, dribbling the ball.

Eagle Sports Tips & Tales | Jan. 20-26

Here is a fan's guide to Eastern Michigan University sports for Jan. 20–26, 2026, followed by the legendary tales from Eastern Michigan University’s athletic history.

Men’s basketball

  • What’s on: A highlight of the week is Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, when the Eagles host Kent State University at the George Gervin GameAbove Center. Following a dominant 77-59 win over Northern Illinois University earlier in the month, the team is looking to protect its home court.
  • How to watch: Catch the game live on ESPN+ or listen to the call on WEMU (89.1 FM) or The Varsity Network.
  • The tales: The Eagles have 36 wins and 51 losses against Kent State, dating back to 1950. EMU has historically been much stronger at home, holding a 26-15 record in Ypsilanti. 

Women’s basketball

  • What’s on: The Eagles are in the heat of Mid-American Conference play, coming off a road swing that included matchups at Miami University and Central Michigan University. They will host the University of Toledo at the George Gervin GameAbove Center on Jan. 20, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. Keep an eye on Brooklyn Thrash, who recently set a career-high with 22 points.
  • How to watch: Stream live via ESPN+ or Eagle All-Access.
  • The tales: In the women’s basketball rivalry against Toledo, the Eagles hold an overall record of 35 wins and 59 losses and an away record of 12-32. Their last matchup on Feb. 1, 2025, ended in a 49-77 home loss, so tune in as the Eagles look to rewrite the narrative. 

Gymnastics

  • What’s on: The Eagles are traveling to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado for the Air Force Quad Meet on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, at 7 p.m. Mountain time. This competitive multi-team event features matchups against Air Force, Boise State University and Kent State. Keep an eye on Kyrie Lowe and Keeley Kohler, who were both recently named MAC Gymnasts to Watch as the team heads into the season.
  • How to watch: Stream live via ESPN+ or Eagle All-Access.
  • The tales: In their gymnastics history against host Air Force, the Eagles hold a strong overall record of 10 wins and four losses, carrying a current four-meet winning streak. Their last encounter on March 7, 2021, resulted in a 194.450-192.200 home victory. Against Kent State, the Eagles have an overall record of six wins and 19 losses and will look to avenge their most recent matchup on Jan. 26, 2025, which ended in a narrow home loss.

Track and field 

  • What’s on: The Eagles men's and women's track teams return to Ypsilanti to host their only home meet of the 2025-26 season, the third annual Bob Parks Memorial Meet, on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026. The competition will be held at Bowen Field House. The Eagles are expected to host a variety of collegiate teams, including regional and conference opponents such as Central Michigan, Bowling Green State University, Ball State University, the University of Detroit Mercy and Oakland University.
  • How to watch: Fans can follow the Eagles in action through streaming coverage on Eagle All-Access or ESPN+. Additionally, live results and a full list of competing teams are typically available on Athletic.net.
  • The tales: The Bob Parks Memorial serves as a rare home-field advantage for the Green and White during a grueling 28-meet schedule spanning 10 states. As the only home meet of the year, it offers a crucial environment for the Eagles to build momentum before heading back on the road for split-squad competitions at the University of Notre Dame and Saginaw Valley State University the following weekend. 

Swimming and diving

  • What’s on: The Eagles are returning home to host Ball State at the Jones Natatorium in Ypsilanti, Michigan, on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, at 1 p.m.
  • How to watch: Fans who cannot attend the meet in person can catch the action via Eagle All-Access or ESPN+.
  • The tales: Historically, the Eagles have found significant success against Ball State, holding a 23-15-1 overall record and a strong 14-5 home record. Despite this, the Eagles are looking to avenge a 140-160 loss from their most recent encounter on Nov. 4, 2023.

Women's tennis 

  • What’s on: The Eagles are heading on the road for a pair of nonconference matchups, starting with a trip to Youngstown, Ohio, to face Youngstown State University on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, at 11 a.m. They will then continue to Loretto, Pennsylvania, to take on Saint Francis University on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. 
  • How to watch: Fans can catch the Eagles in action by streaming live via Eagle All-Access or ESPN+.
  • The tales: Historically, the Eagles have found significant success against Youngstown State, holding a 5-2 overall record and a perfect 4-0 home record. Notably, the Eagles won their most recent encounter on Feb. 18, 2023, by the same score. Against Saint Francis University, the Eagles remain undefeated with a 1-0 record, having earned a 5-2 road win in their only meeting on Feb. 29, 2020.

Ruby Brannon

Ruby Brannon uses she/her pronouns, and has worked for The Eastern Echo since Fall 2025. She started as a sports reporter, then moved to Sports Editor in the 2026 winter semester. Brannon is a communications major with a double minor in psychology and marketing.

Her job entails covering EMU athletics by writing game recaps, features, and previews, focusing on telling accurate, engaging stories about our dedicated student-athletes and programs. For Brannon, the best part is capturing the energy behind EMU sports, spotlighting our incredible athletes, and sharpening my skills as a sports journalist for my future endeavors. Contact her with any questions at rbranno1@emich.edu. Brannon is on Instagram (@rubybrannon).