On Feb. 25, 2026, the Eastern Michigan University women’s basketball team went against the Miami University RedHawks at the George Gervin GameAbove Center. The Eagles fell to the RedHawks with a final score of 78-60, and now have a record of 12-14.
Slow first start
The Eagles started the game off slow, with the quarter ending with a score of 24-12, with Miami leading. Of the 12 points made in the first quarter, eight were made by Fernanda Ovalle. The Eagles were also behind in the rebound category, securing only four compared to Miami’s nine. The rebounding of the RedHawks gave them the upper hand in second-chance scoring.
The second quarter was similar to the first, and the game went into halftime with a RedHawks lead of 48-25. The RedHawks focused on EMU star Sisi Eleko and managed to hold her to just five points in the first half. Eleko was the only Eagle to secure a point from the free throw line in the first half of action.
Better second half
The Eagles looked much better in the second half and outscored the RedHawks 35-30. Four Eagles, Eleko, Ovalle, Alli Zajac and Believe Tshibangu, each scored over 10 points throughout the game, with Ovalle’s 21 points leading the team.
Eastern Michigan matched the RedHawks in many categories, such as field goal percentage, turnovers and steals. The main differences between the teams were in the 3-point shooting and rebound categories. Eastern Michigan’s 3-point percentage was 22%, trailing Miami’s 38%. The RedHawks also outperformed the Eagles in rebounds, securing 40 compared to Eastern's 29. These key differences played a role in the Eagles’ 78-60 loss.
Ability to adapt
Despite the final score showing an 18-point differential, the Eagles were able to outscore the RedHawks in the second half, showing they have a good ability to adapt. Eastern secured an increase in field goal percentage and rebounds while also playing better defense, causing the RedHawks to miss 18 field goal attempts compared to their 12 misses in the first. Although it was a slower night for Eleko, a top scorer in the MAC, the Eagles were able to get other players involved, which is seen by the team having four 10+ point scorers. The Eagles were also able to draw more fouls in the second half, drawing 13 compared to only five in the first half. Overall, the Eagles showed that they have the stamina, heart and composure to play hard, even when trailing.
Looking ahead
The next game for the Eastern Michigan women's basketball team will be against Northern Illinois University at 2 p.m., Feb. 28, 2026, at the NIU Convocation Center in DeKalb, Illinois. The ESPN matchup predictor currently gives EMU a 77.4% chance of winning. Fans can tune into ESPN+ to watch the game live or listen in to radio broadcasting via WEMU and Varsity Network.
