Preview: Women’s basketball looks to build on .500 standing against Eastern Michigan

The Miami University RedHawks women’s basketball team (12-8, 5-5 in conference play) anticipate its second-straight home game against the Eastern Michigan University Eagles (1-19, 0-10 in conference play) tonight at 7 p.m.

Following their last victory against the Ohio University Bobcats on One Miami Day, the RedHawks returned to .500 in Mid-American Conference (MAC) play. Miami jumped to No. 5 in the MAC ahead of the Bowling Green State University Falcons.

While the RedHawks enjoy their best start to conference play under head coach Glenn Box, the Eagles have struggled immensely, with their only win on the season coming against the Xavier University Musketeers.

The Eagles remain winless in MAC play, their worst start to the conference slate since the 2016-17 season when they started 1-9. Eastern Michigan ranks tenth in the conference for average points per game at 60.

Despite their standing, the Eagles boast one of the conference’s best-scorers in junior forward Sisi Eleko, whose 382 points ranks her second in the MAC.

Eleko also leads the Eagles with 204 rebounds, good for second in the conference, as well as 77 turnovers. In Eastern Michigan’s last matchup against the University of Toledo Rockets, Eleko recorded her 11th double-double of the season, the most by any player in the conference.

Eastern Michigan will also rely on redshirt junior wing Olivia Westphal, the Eagles’ second-highest scorer (179 points) and best shooter from a distance. Westphal’s 49 3-pointers on 131 attempts (.374) puts her as the ninth-most accurate player in the conference from behind the arc.

Miami’s defense, which averages 18.1 turnovers and 2.8 blocks a game, will need to hold Eleko under her 19.1 points per game average while monitoring Westphal. The RedHawks have held opponents to a .382 field goal percentage this season, the third-lowest in the MAC.

The RedHawks broke a six-game losing streak against the Eagles in their 2023-24 matchup. Miami’s dominance in the first half allowed the RedHawks to lead 48-37 when the clock expired, giving them their first win against Eastern Michigan since 2019.

The Red and White look to continue their winning streak against the Eagles and solidify a positive standing in the MAC tonight at Millett Hall.

Tipoff is at 7 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.

@thekethan04