Preview: Eastern Michigan Eagles at Miami (Ohio) RedHawks

OXFORD, Ohio (Interstat) — A surging Miami (Ohio) team will look to continue its climb in the Mid-American Conference standings when it hosts the struggling Eastern Michigan Eagles in a women’s basketball matchup Wednesday night at Millett Hall.

The RedHawks (12-4 overall) have won five straight games, most recently a 79-56 road victory at Akron on Saturday. They have been anchored by the consistent interior presence of junior forward Ilse de Vries, who is averaging 13.6 points and 3.0 blocks over her last five contests. In the win over Akron, de Vries scored 14 points with three rebounds and two blocks in 24 minutes.

Miami’s defense has been a hallmark of its streak, holding opponents to an average of 58.8 points during the five-game run.

Eastern Michigan (7-7) arrives seeking to halt a two-game skid after a 78-65 home loss to Kent State on Saturday. The Eagles have shown volatility, mixing wins over Bowling Green with double-digit losses to Ohio and Kent State in conference play.

A key for the Eagles will be the production of forward Believe Tshibangu. She posted a double-double with 12 rebounds and seven points against Kent State but was limited to just six points in 11 minutes in the prior loss at Ohio. Support from guards Brooklyn Thrash and Ainhoa Cea, who combined for 20 points against Kent State, will be crucial.

The matchup pits Miami’s formidable defense against an Eastern Michigan team that has scored 86 and 87 points in two of its last four games but has also struggled with consistency. The RedHawks won both meetings last season.

Wednesday’s contest tips off a critical stretch for both teams in the MAC schedule. Miami will visit Bowling Green on Saturday, while Eastern Michigan travels to face Central Michigan.