2018 MAC Basketball Preview: Central Michigan Chippewas at Eastern Michigan Eagles

The Central Michigan Chippewas, whose 12-3 (1-1 MAC) record tops the MAC, will take the two-hour trip south to take on the Eastern Michigan Eagles (9-6, 0-2) tonight.

Game Details

• When: Tuesday, Jan. 9th, 2018
• Where: Convocation Center - Ypsilanti, Michigan
• Watch: ESPN3 and the WatchESPN app

Players to Watch

James Thompson IV, F, EMU - Thompson might not be the Eagles leading scorer but he’s done a lot this season for Eastern. He’s is averaging a double-double on the season (15.7 points and 11.7 rebounds per game) and is shooting a blazing 65.7% from the field this season.

Elijah Minnie, F, EMU - Minnie, the Eagles leading scorer, has dropped 10+ points in 12 games this year and has SEVEN games with 20+ points. Look for him to lead the team on offense and on defense, as he’s posted a team high 23 blocks as well.

David DiLeo and Cecil Williams, F, CMU - DiLeo and Williams lead the Chips in both points per game (14.2 and 14.4 respectively) and boards per game (7.3 and 6.7 per game). The duo is a big reason for CMU’s success.

Prediction

This will be a close, hard fought battle but the Chips should be able to outlast the Eagles, especially if they can get to the free throw line where CMU is lights outs - hitting on 80.7% of their free throws.

CMU Chippewas - 73
EMU Eagles - 68