Eastern Michigan has proven all season that it's a pesky team that sticks around, which was evidenced by their wins against Mid-American Conference leaders Toledo and Western Michigan.
Wednesday night's second round Mid-American Conference Tournament game was no different, as the Eagles used a strong second half to hold on for a 53-48 victory. The Eagles will advance to the quarterfinals of the MAC Tournament to take on No. 3 Buffalo Thursday.
Although poor shooting hurt both squads—particularly in the second half—Eastern Michigan was able to make shots when they mattered most to come away with the victory. The Eagles shot 32 percent from the field in the second half, despite making just 10 percent of attempts from behind the arc.
The Eagles capitalized on a poor shooting effort from the Huskies, which shot 14.3 percent from the field and 0 for 6 from 3-point range in the second half, compared to their more than 40 percent effort in the first half.
The Huskies dominated the first half, as they took an 11-point lead into halftime.
But to the Eagles’ benefit, the Huskies came out the intermission flat and missed their first six attempts. During the first ten minutes of the second half, it seemed as if the Huskies were still in control, though, after senior guard Aksel Bolin increased the Huskies lead to 42-37 after a three-point play.
However, the Eagles roared right back in the waning minutes, as Eastern Michigan’s redshirt senior forward Glenn Bryant tied the game at 42 apiece with 8:27 left after by scoring four straight points, which culminated a 16-6 Eagles scoring run.
The Eagles proceeded to take their first lead of the second half after a steal and layup from redshirt senior guard J.R. Sims. After both team’s traded baskets, three straight free throws by gave the Eagles a 47-46 lead with 3:54 remaining.
The Huskies had several prime opportunities to tie the game or take the lead, though.
Northern Illinois had a chance to tie the game at 49 points apiece, but redshirt junior center Jordan Threloff missed a one and one late in the contest. Then, a costly turnover by the Huskies on the Eagles side of the court with 27 seconds left forced the Huskies to foul.
On the Huskies final play of the game, sophomore guard Travon Baker forced up an inopportune 3-pointer and the Eagles regained possession to clinch the win.
@Brandon_Kors
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