Preview: Eastern Michigan Eagles at Central Michigan Chippewas

MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. (Interstat) — A pair of Mid-American Conference women’s basketball teams heading in opposite directions will meet Saturday when the Central Michigan Chippewas host the Eastern Michigan Eagles at McGuirk Arena.

Central Michigan (9-6) enters the contest looking to rebound from a narrow 74-72 road loss at Massachusetts on Jan. 10. The Chippewas have won three of their last five, with their offense often running through standout guard Madi Morson. She is averaging 23.2 points over her last five games, including a 27-point, 4-assist performance in the loss to UMass.

Eastern Michigan (7-8) seeks to end a three-game skid, most recently a 69-55 defeat at Miami (Ohio) on Wednesday. The Eagles have struggled defensively during the losing streak, allowing an average of 81 points per game. Guard Ainhoa Cea has been a steady presence, averaging 8.8 points and 6.4 assists over the last five contests. She dished 12 assists in a Jan. 7 loss at Ohio.

The matchup features a contrast in recent momentum. Central Michigan’s losses have been tight — by two points at UMass and in overtime to Ohio — while Eastern Michigan’s defeats in conference play have been by an average margin of 13 points.

For the Eagles, containing Morson will be a primary focus. She is complemented by forward Ayanna-Sarai Darrington, who posted a 21-point, 10-rebound double-double against UMass. Eastern Michigan will counter with its own interior presence in Sisi Eleko, who scored 19 points against Miami (Ohio), and perimeter scoring from Peyton Hill.

Central Michigan holds a 9-6 overall record and has been strong at home in MAC play this season. Eastern Michigan, at 7-8, is looking to climb back to .500 and secure a road victory to stabilize its conference standing.

Saturday’s game tips off at 1 p.m. EST. Following this contest, Eastern Michigan hosts Toledo on Jan. 20, while Central Michigan travels to face Akron on Jan. 21.