2016 MAC Men’s Basketball Recap: Eastern Michigan Eagles vs. Madonna Crusaders

This game was over before it started. EMU started the game on an 11-0 run, and never looked back. They kept stretching the lead the entire game. 51-31 at the half. 80-50 with just under 10 minutes to play, and then the final margin.

The Eagles shot a whopping 60.3% from the floor, and had 16 steals. They held a 37-26 rebounding edge and had 6 blocks. The only facet of this game where Madonna was competitive, assists, EMU still won, 17-16.

James Thompson IV led all scorers with 24 points, going 11-15 from the floor. He also added 10 rebounds, another game high. Ray Lee chipped in 20 points, on 7-9 shooting. EMU’s starters combined for a 27-39 from the floor, for an unbelievable 78%. Willie Mangum IV continued to impress off the bench, adding 17.

Madonna got 15 points from Nick Owens. Andrew Meyers added 11 off the bench.

EMU moved to 3-3 on the season, while Madonna dropped to 1-5. Their website counts the game as an exhibition. This is something that is driving me nuts, and after the holiday, I am going to have to figure out why EMU counts it, and Madonna does not.

Sometimes a team needs a game like this to build their confidence, and help with their shooting. The Eagles had a brutal schedule early, and it’s possible their confidence was wavering. They get Omaha at home next, and then three other winnable games, before heading to Syracuse to face the currently undefeated Orange.