Eastern Let's one Slip Away, Shocked at Home

     VS.

        This was the final year of the "Bracketbuster" event. Eastern Michigan was set to play Missouri State out of the Missouri Valley Conference. The Eagles came into this game confident they could win. EMU had a 12-14 overall record coming into this game, and usually played very solid at home.

     Eastern Michigan started this game very strong. One of the best starts EMU has had all season with a couple of 3's, and a dunk by Riley. Eastern was able to keep a decent lead most of the game. EMU also had a lead by as much as 13 in the 2nd half.

      Thompson led the team with 19 points, and was hot from behind the arc. Thompson had 4 of the 8, 3 pointers in this game for EMU. He also had 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and a steal. JR Sims ended up with 11 points, Harper close behind with 9.

       As a team Eastern Michigan out rebounded the undersized Bears  31-26. EMU had 16 turnovers all game. As a team the Eagles had 5 steals, and 4 blocked shots. The Eagles shot 45% overall, as they shot the ball very well early in the game. Also shot 50% from 3 point range.

      Eastern Michigan choked big time in this loss. The Eagles had a 9 point lead with about 6 minutes to go, and let Missouri State get back into the game. EMU couldn't pull through late to hang onto a lead, and struggled from the free throw line shooting 54%.

       This team pretty much had this game wrapped up with the leads they had. Eastern Michigan played well all game long, getting rebounds, shooting the 3 better then they have most of the season. Playing good defense, forcing Missouri State to take bad shots, and forced a shot clock violation.

        EMU's season is coming to a close, EMU is 3 games back from first place in the MAC West. EMU has 3 games left on there schedule @NIU, vs. WMU, and @ CMU to end the season. EMU pretty much need's to win out in order to get any attention for post-season play. That would get EMU to a .500 record overall and at least a chance to go to some sort of tournament. Also you can't count out the MAC tournament. Winner of the MAC tourney will go to the NCAA tournament. If EMU can have a decent showing there, the Eagles could have a chance at a tournament.

       With this loss EMU goes to 12-15 overall, and it doesn't affect the conference record at all, which stays at 5-7. Final score in this one was 54-47.