The ESPN Bracket Buster concept allows for teams from different conferences and close geographic proximity to enhance their won-lost record for NCAA tournament consideration. This year, certain Mid-American Conference and Horizon League schools are matched up for a two year run.
Eastern Michigan (13-12) has momentum coming off a big home victory over Western Michigan, 66-52. EMU coach Charles Ramsey said, “It will be exciting getting U. of D. back on the schedule, as they are such a natural rival. We will host them next year as part of Bracket Busters.”
Junior Brandon Bowdry (Taylor Truman), led the Eagles with 18 points and 12 rebounds as he notched his 13th double-double of the season. Three other Eagles also scored in double figures as Carlos Medlock (Detroit Murray Wright) finished with 14, Justin Dobbins (Cleveland Glenville) had 17 points and eight rebounds and Jay Higgins (Hillsborough (Fla.) C.C.) added 12 points.
Eastern’s defense was the key for much of the first half, as it held WMU without a field goal, 0-of-11, for the first 10 minutes of the game.
Detroit-Mercy (15-12) is coming off a tough loss at home as they were scorched by 12 three’s, losing to Milwaukee 71-60, last Saturday..
Senior Woody Payne (Ypsilanti), handed out a career-high 11 assists and sophomore Eli Holman (Richmond, CA), posted his eighth double-double of the season for the Titans.
Holman had 13 points and a career-best 18 rebounds. Payne also collected four steals and scored nine points. Senior Thomas Kennedy (Detroit Southeastern), had 13 points while sophomore Chase Simon (Detroit Community), added 11.
“Eli was our warrior, but we need more guys going after the ball,” said Detroit-Mercy coach Ray McCallum.
KEYS TO THE GAME
Medlock has explosive scoring potential for EMU, as he had a 31 point game against Kent State recently. Detroit-Mercy will need to keep the ball from Bowdry who is extremely athletic and is potent on starting the fast break.
The Titans have a marked height advantage and Xavier Keeling will have to get his scoring average. Simon, Kennedy and Holman will need double figures.
Detroit-Mercy also beat WMU 86-80, early in the year and both teams beat Chicago State at home.
Other ESPN Bracket Buster games of note will have Illinois-Chicago playing at Evansville, Loyola-Chicago will travel to Creighton and Eastern Illinois will host Northern Illinois.
Two TV games of special interest will have Siena at #15-Butler and Akron playing at Virginia Commonwealth.