On Feb. 21, 2026, the Eastern Michigan women’s basketball team successfully defended the George Gervin GameAbove Center from the University at Buffalo women’s basketball team. The Eagles beat the Bulls with a score of 73-63.
Hot first quarter
The Eagles started the game off strong, connecting on all of their first six shots before the first timeout was called with 4:53 remaining in the quarter. Eastern Michigan finished the first quarter having made 11 of 15 field goals, shooting at 73.3%. They were three for three on both free throws and three-point shots. This efficiency allowed the Eagles to go into the second quarter with a 28-22 lead.
The second quarter was more tame for both teams. Only twenty points were scored in the second quarter; eleven for Eastern Michigan and nine for Buffalo. The Eagles remained on top as the first half came to a close with a score of 39-31.
Maintaining the lead
The Eagles maintained control over Buffalo as the third quarter played out. Eagle Sisi Eleko, one of the best players in the Mid-American Conference, scored 10 points in the third quarter. Eastern Michigan also played great on defense, with three Eagles, Fernanda Ovalle, Peyton Hill, and Ainhoa Cea, all recording steals during the third quarter. Eastern Michigan was up 61-45 as the quarter came to a close.
Eastern Michigan cooled off in the fourth quarter, as Buffalo outscored the Eagles 18-12. However, the Bulls were unable to erase the deficit, and Eastern Michigan secured the 73-63 victory to improve to 12-13 on the season.
Successes
Senior Sisi Eleko had yet another great showing in the win against Buffalo. Eleko had 23 points, five rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Eleko has continually proven herself to be one of the most valuable players in the Mid-American Conference.
Peyton Hill and Fernanda Ovalle were two other Eagles that scored in the double digits. Senior guard Ainhoa Cea helped create opportunities for the Eagles by having the highest number of assists in the game with seven, as well as securing four steals.
Looking ahead
The next game for the Eastern Michigan women's basketball team will be against Miami University (Ohio). The Eagles will be facing off against the 22-5 RedHawks in a home game at the George Gervin GameAbove Center in Ypsilanti, 6:30 p.m., Feb. 25, 2026. Fans can tune into the game on ESPN+.
