2014 CIT Eastern Michigan vs Columbia Recap: Lions 69, Eagles 56

Eastern Michigan saw its 2013-14 season come to a close on Saturday night, when the Eagles (22-15) dropped their second round game in the CollegeInsider.com Tournament, 69-56, at Columbia University. Columbia (21-12) successfully limited the Eagles to one field goal in the final 10 minutes of the game.

Raven Lee produced a huge game for the Eagles leading the way with 26 points (10 of 22). Glenn Bryant finished his collegiate career with 12 points (5 of 7 shooting) 5 rebounds, 2 assists, a block, and a steal. Finally DaShonte Riley tied EMU's single season block record with 96 blocks when he swatted a shot late in the game.  EMU had eight steals in the game, but it wasn't enough against the red hot shooting Lions.

The Lions saw production across the board as four players hit double figures in the game. Alex Rosenberg, and Lo Maodo lead the way with 15 points a piece. Rosenberg also added 7 assists. Steve Frankoski chipped in with 11 off the bench, and starting center Cory Osetkowski had 10. The Lions shot 50%(22 of 44) from the field, and 48% from beyond the arc (10 of 21).

The Eagles lead by as many as 6 with 7 minutes remaining in the game, but could not knock down a shot in the end. The Eagles saw Columbia go on a 14-0 run through a five minute period, taking an eight point, 59-51, lead with 3:45 left. Lee ended the scoring drought with 3:40 to go and hit a pair of free throws. Columbia finished the game on a 10-3 run. They hit 6 consecutive field goals to close out the game.

For the Eagles the season comes to a close, but they have to chalk this season up as a successful one. Reaching the semi finals in the MAC tournament before losing to Toledo, and reaching the postseason for the first time in 16 years the Eagles have something to build off of heading into next season, but with the losses of Bryant, and Riley they will need the youth to step into their new roles quickly to continue their success.