Preview: Eastern Michigan Eagles at Massachusetts Minutemen

HADLEY, Mass. (Interstat) — A surging Massachusetts team hosts an inconsistent Eastern Michigan squad in a Mid-American Conference women’s basketball matchup Wednesday night at the Mullins Center.

The Minutemen (15-4) enter with confidence, having won six of their last seven games. Their most recent result was an 85-76 road victory at Ohio on Jan. 28, powered by a 25-point performance from guard Yahmani McKayle. McKayle has been a consistent force, averaging over 18 points and 7 assists in her last seven contests.

Eastern Michigan (10-10) looks to rebound from a narrow 59-54 home loss to Western Michigan last Saturday. The Eagles have alternated wins and losses over their past eight games, struggling to find a sustained rhythm in conference play.

The matchup features two of the MAC’s standout guards. For the Eagles, Peyton Hill is coming off a strong 18-point, 10-rebound double-double in the loss to Western Michigan and has scored in double figures in seven of her last eight games. Containing Massachusetts’ McKayle, who orchestrates one of the league’s top offenses, will be a primary challenge for Eastern Michigan’s defense.

Massachusetts holds a distinct advantage at home, boasting a 9-1 record at the Mullins Center this season. Eastern Michigan is 3-6 in true road games. The Minutemen’s balanced attack, which includes Megan Olbrys (24 points vs. Ohio) alongside McKayle, will test an Eastern Michigan defense allowing an average of 69.3 points per game.

The game is scheduled for a 7 p.m. tipoff on Wednesday, Feb. 4.