Men’s Basketball Faces Eastern Michigan in Nonconference Finale
The App State men’s basketball team is set to face the Eastern Michigan Eagles in their final nonconference challenge of the season. This matchup takes place at the Holmes Center in Boone, North Carolina, on Saturday, February 7, at 1 p.m. The game marks the second part of the 2025-26 MAC-SBC Challenge.
App State’s Recent Form
Entering this game, App State boasts a five-game win streak, the longest active stretch in the Sun Belt Conference. With a record of 16-9 overall and 9-4 in conference play, they currently sit in second place in the Sun Belt standings.
The Mountaineers achieved a 7-5 record during the nonconference segment, with significant victories against in-state rivals like Charlotte, ECU, and High Point. Currently, they have won their last four nonconference games.
The MAC-SBC Challenge
This game will conclude the 2025-26 MAC-SBC Challenge. App State holds a 2-3 record since the challenge began in the 2023-24 season, winning against Toledo in 2024 and Ohio in 2025. A victory on Saturday would also mean hosting five consecutive 10-win seasons at the Holmes Center—an unprecedented achievement in the school’s Division I history.
Recent Performance
- App State’s last game was a 65-57 win over South Alabama.
- The team has held opponents below 60 points in four of the last five games.
- In the last game, Jalen Tot made a game-changing three-pointer, contributing significantly to the victory.
Key Players
The performance of App State’s players is pivotal to their success. They are led by:
- Kasen Jennings: 15.2 points per game
- Alonzo Dodd: 12.9 points per game
- Luke Wilson: 10.2 points per game
Notably, Jennings was awarded Sun Belt Player of the Week after a standout game with 33 points against Troy.
Opposition Overview: Eastern Michigan
The Eagles arrive in Boone with a record of 9-14, including 3-8 in MAC play. Currently, they are on a five-game losing streak, with their most recent loss coming against Akron by a narrow two-point margin.
Eastern Michigan is led by:
- Mohammad Habhab: 14.2 points per game
- Carlos Hart: 13.1 points per game
- Addison Patterson: 13.0 points per game
Defensively, the Eagles rank third in the MAC for scoring defense, allowing 72.7 points per game, and they are also effective in blocking shots.
Series History and Implications
Saturday’s matchup will be the first meeting between App State and Eastern Michigan. The Mountaineers have faced various teams from the MAC but hold a record of 5-12 against current MAC teams. The MAC currently leads the challenge series 9-4.
Looking Ahead
Following this game, App State will travel to face the Georgia Southern Eagles in another conference matchup. That game is scheduled for Wednesday at 7 p.m. and will also be broadcast on ESPN+.
