By Larry Arreguin| LPL News Wire| December 30, 2025

YPSILANTI, MI — December 30, 2025 — The Eastern Michigan Eagles erased a halftime deficit and closed strong to defeat the Massachusetts Minutemen 80–74 in a Mid-American Conference contest at the George Gervin GameAbove Center.

UMass carried a 41–38 advantage into the locker room, controlling the tempo early and limiting EMU’s transition opportunities. The Eagles responded after the break with increased defensive pressure and improved execution in the half court.

Eastern Michigan seized control for good with 11:49 remaining when Carlos Hart (#2) knocked down a short jumper to give EMU a 53–51 lead—one the Eagles would not relinquish. Hart delivered a standout performance, leading all players with a game-high 23 points while also pulling down a game-high 12 rebounds.

UMass stayed within striking distance behind a strong effort from Daniel Hankins-Sanford (#1), who paced the Minutemen with a team-high 18 points and added 11 rebounds. Despite several late pushes, the Minutemen were unable to overcome EMU’s poise down the stretch.

The win keeps both programs competitive early in Mid-American Conference play.

EMU (7–7, 1–1 MAC) returns to action Saturday at 2 p.m. against the Ohio Bobcats, with both teams entering the matchup tied at 7–7 overall and 1–1 in league play.

For UMass, head coach Frank Martin, an Advisory Board Member of the Latino Association of Basketball Coaches and the son of Cuban political exiles, was seeking his team’s 10th win of the season. The Minutemen will have another opportunity at home when they host the Bowling Green Falcons on Saturday, January 3, 2026, in Amherst.

— LPL News Wire Sports