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Game story

Schedule and Results

YPSILANTI, Mich. — No. 25 Albion trailed Division I Eastern Michigan but just nine points in the second half before the Eagles went on a 12-0 run to squelch any hopes of an upset in an 81-60 win.

Junior guard Michael Thomas knocked down a jumper with 17:23 left in the game to cut the lead to 42-33. But Danny McElhinny ignited the ensuing rally with a 3-pointer and James Jackson scored the next three baskets for the Eagles (3-4).

Undeterred, Albion (5-2) cut the deficit to 68-54 when senior guard Sean Davis knocked down a 3-point field goal with 5:47 remaining. Junior forward Travis DePree made the first of two free throws to make the score 68-55 with 4:29 left.

"I thought we did a lot of things pretty well, but their size and athleticism wouldn't let us do anything tremendous," Albion head coach Mike Turner said. "In the end, Eastern Michigan's athleticism didn't let us do some things we wanted to do."

Eastern Michigan head coach Jim Boone added, "It's clear they work hard and fight hard. They play hard together and they are a really unified team. They put themselves in position to make baskets often. They didn't come in here intimidated. They're a good basketball team, and they have a great future this season."

Thomas and senior forward Joe Finland led Albion with 15 points apiece. Finland made 6 of 10 shots from the field. Thomas and DePree led Albion on the boards with seven rebounds each.

Five Eastern Michigan players scored in double figures. James Jackson posted a double-double of 19 points and 12 rebounds. JaQuan Hart contributed 17 points. John Bowler scored 14 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, while Markus Austin and McElhinny posted 10 points apiece.