Game 23, 2025-26: Eastern Michigan (1/31)

[MikeUMA]

After being on the road for 4 of our last 5, we're home for the next two, starting with EMU on Saturday. This is the first of our home-and-home rematches.

EMU beat us on 12/30, 80-74, at their place.
https://umasshoops.com/wiki/doku.php?id ... n_michigan
We were pretty bad in that one, sending the Eagles to the line 39 times (one more than Miami the other day.) Bettiol was a non-factor, putting up just 2 points and 1 rebound, his lowest output of the season.

Frank's postgame comments from that one:
Didn't comment on the physicality in the game that led to the chippiness.
"Our centers are a zero in the middle of the zone."
Good minutes for Clerc but his D needs improvement.
Bad habits in cheap fouls. Can't send the opponent to the line 39 times.
We struggle against big physical teams.
Some lack of desire from our players.
Got nothing out of Jayden & Leo. Starters need to earn it.

Since then, Bettiol has been really good. He's been averaging 20.6 and 8.8. If he's anywhere near that, that alone might push us to a win.

EMU is 3-6 in conference play. Their win over us has been their best conference win by NET. Their two other MAC wins: at Ball State (310) and home over NIU (305).

In their last three:
Lost at Bowling Green (126) 85-79
Lost a close one at home to Kent State (139) 76-75
Got smoked on the road to a bad CMU team (315), 100-65. EMU allowed their highest points and FG% of the season, and that was CMU's best performance over a D-I team this season.

We're currently in the 8th and final seed position for the MAC Tourney. With EMU being just a half game behind us, we MUST get this one.

Weird hat giveaway that day: https://x.com/UMassAthletics/status/2016629411965976618

[DoctorJ]

Yes, what is the logic of upside down UMass hat???

[69MG]

^ A reflection of the season?

[69MG]

Eastern Michigan did almost all of their scoring close to the basket in the first game. They only took 12 threes (3/12) and Habhab went for 20 and 9. He went to the line 13 times. If Leo plays with the fire he had on Tuesday he will reverse the situation with Habhab.

The next 2 are absolutely must wins.

[MikeUMA]

Yes, what is the logic of upside down UMass hat???

I didn't get it at first either. Gemini told me this...
"Hats with reverse or upside-down lettering, pioneered by brands like True Brvnd in 2020, are a trend symbolizing a "topsy-turvy" world during the COVID-19 pandemic. Popularized by athletes and celebrities, this streetwear fashion defies traditional branding norms, creates hype through exclusive releases, and serves as a conversation starter."

So be it. I'm too old now to get on that trend.

[Uminuteman]

Yes, what is the logic of upside down UMass hat???

I didn't get it at first either. Gemini told me this...
"Hats with reverse or upside-down lettering, pioneered by brands like True Brvnd in 2020, are a trend symbolizing a "topsy-turvy" world during the COVID-19 pandemic. Popularized by athletes and celebrities, this streetwear fashion defies traditional branding norms, creates hype through exclusive releases, and serves as a conversation starter."

So be it. I'm too old now to get on that trend.

Just stupid.

[bobolink]

EMU's leading scorer and rebounder in their win over UMass was Carlos Hart, who is off the team due to being indicted for point shaving. Hart also led them in steals that game and sealed the win with the last 3 points. EMU played the last 3 games without Hart and lost all 3.

[Sheck]

Hopefully the team comes out as fired up as they were the other night and wins by 30. Every MAC game has been close, would be nice to see a blowout win.

[Floyd]

Hats look more like someone fucked up the print production. Hope they got em cheap

[69MG]

EMU's leading scorer and rebounder in their win over UMass was Carlos Hart, who is off the team due to being indicted for point shaving. Hart also led them in steals that game and sealed the win with the last 3 points. EMU played the last 3 games without Hart and lost all 3.

From their message board, Green (6'3 Jr. Guard) dislocated his shoulder and may be out for the season. With Hart gone, Green is their 6th leading scorer, but only at 4.3 points. Ellison, another guard, is also hurt and may not play. He is their 7th leading scorer at 4.2. They aren't stars, but it poses a depth problem for them if those 2 can't play and Hart is gone. Neither played against Central Mich. on Tuesday and they lost by 35.

[MikeUMA]

EMU's leading scorer and rebounder in their win over UMass was Carlos Hart, who is off the team due to being indicted for point shaving. Hart also led them in steals that game and sealed the win with the last 3 points. EMU played the last 3 games without Hart and lost all 3.

From their message board, Green (6'3 Jr. Guard) dislocated his shoulder and may be out for the season. With Hart gone, Green is their 6th leading scorer, but only at 4.3 points. Ellison, another guard, is also hurt and may not play. He is their 7th leading scorer at 4.2. They aren't stars, but it poses a depth problem for them if those 2 can't play and Hart is gone. Neither played against Central Mich. on Tuesday and they lost by 35.

All good intel. Thanks guys.

[MikeUMA]

From their message board...

Is this the board you were looking at? https://csnbbs.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=478

Not sure how many other EMU boards there would be though

[69MG]

^ Yes, that's the one. There are 2 threads. One just for this game and another for all EMU games this week.

[PreecherJenkins]

looked into SteveMAZ' crystal ball this morning.

It said UMass 213 EMU 58

Reality it will be closer than it should be, this team has no killer instict.

[Berkman]

We are up at the half by 6 I think. Their best player is off the team because of the gambling scandal.

I measured 3 " of snow around 1 and my daughter that lives south of us texted my wife that she just measured 6.5 ". Most snow we have had since we moved here 12 years ago.