EASTERN MICHIGAN

1 for a reason,” Howard said on Wednesday after rattling off various Purdue players and team stats. “They’re very good.”Last season, an inconsistent Michigan team played its best game of the year to knock off then-No. Michigan beat top-ranked Duke at Crisler on Dec. 13, 1997, the same day Charles Woodson won the Heisman Trophy. Howard was asked if he was pleased with how Michigan (11-8, 5-3) was performing at this point in the season. Then again, unranked Michigan stunned Purdue 82-58 at Crisler last season.

Eastern Michigan fell to Tulane on Tuesday, but it wasn't due to a lack of offensive effort from star forward Emoni Bates.

TOLEDO – It didn’t take long for Emoni Bates to rebound offensively in an historic way on Tuesday. After scoring just seven points in a loss to Northern Illinois on Saturday, the Ypsilanti native bounced back with an emphatic performance for Eastern Michigan’s basketball team against Toledo. Despite missing the game-tying 3-point shot with 15 seconds left in regulation, Bates still came up big when EMU needed him to in the second half. Bates got some help in the second half as Noah Farrakhan scored all of his 14 points in the second half, though Farrakhan fouled out late in the contest. Still, Eastern Michigan suffered its fifth straight loss on the year and fell to 4-16 overall and 1-6 in the MAC.

Smith’s record will be scrubbed clean if he stays out of trouble during probation.

The former Michigan State wide receiver announced his transfer commitment to Eastern Michigan via Twitter on Thursday. Lockett will be one of three former Spartans on the Eastern Michigan roster, along with linebacker Chase Kline and offensive lineman Dimitri Douglas. Eastern Michigan finished the season 9-4 with a Potato Bowl win against San Jose State. Related Michigan State football stories:Former Michigan State DE Chase Carter announces transfer destinationHow ex-Spartans fared in the NFL this seasonMichigan State starting LG J.D. Duplain returning for final seasonFormer Michigan State safety Tate Hallock transferring to Western MichiganFormer Michigan State DE Jeff Pietrowski transferring to Wisconsin

YPSILANTI – Emoni Bates wasted little time bouncing back on Saturday with one of his best performances of the season. The Eastern Michigan sophomore basketball standout recorded his second double-double of the year to help the Eagles knock off rival Central Michigan. CMU was led by Markus Harding, who finished with 15 points, while Brian Taylor added 13 points and 10 rebounds and Reggie Bass chipped in with 11 points. After trailing 30-18 at halftime, EMU outscored the Chippewas 44-26 in the second half to secure the win. Central Michigan (6-9, 1-1 MAC) will next face Northern Illinois on Tuesday.

Just days after having his best performance as a collegiate player, Emoni Bates’ showing on Tuesday wasn’t enough to help Eastern Michigan’s men’s basketball team secure a win. The Ypsilanti native scored a career-high 36 points in a loss to South Carolina on Friday but shot just 2-for-14 and finished with 15 points in EMU’s 91-65 to Bowling Green in its Mid-American Conference opener. While Bates led EMU, Tyson Acuff added 14 points and Colin Golson chipped in with nine points for the Eagles, who fell to 3-11 overall. Five Bowling Green players scored in double figures, led by Leon Ayers III, who finished with a game-high 24 points. EMU will try to snap a 2-game losing streak when it takes on Central Michigan on Saturday.

FLINT, MI - The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) will continue to provide nutritious food by the truckload to Flint residents throughout January. MDHHS has provided the Flint mobile food pantries since February 2016 in partnership with the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan in Flint. December’s mobile food pantry distribution will have plenty of delicious, vitamin-rich produce, including apples, oranges, carrots, hard squash, potatoes and onions. January’s schedule is as follows:Asbury United Methodist Church, 1653 Davison RoadTuesday, Jan. 3, at 10 a.m.Tuesday, Jan. 10, at 10 a.m.Tuesday, Jan. 17, at 10 a.m.Tuesday, Jan. 24, at 10 a.m.Tuesday, Jan. 31, at 10 a.m. To check food distribution schedules, visit the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan website at FBEM.org and find the updated schedule on the Mobile Pantry Distribution page, or call 810-239-4441.

Central Michigan University emerged from Wednesday’s early-signing day with the No. 1 football recruiting class in the Mid-American Conference, a class that CMU head coach Jim McElwain called the best in the history of Chippewas football. CMU signed 16 3-star recruits to earn the No. “This is the best recruiting class in the history of our school,” McElwain stated in a press release. Ten of the athletes who signed NCAA Letters of Intent to play for CMU will enroll for the spring semester.

Tristen Hines has always been accustomed to making big plays. And the former Milan football star made the biggest play of his collegiate career in the biggest game for Eastern Michigan on Tuesday in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. Hines made similar plays for the Big Reds during his high school career as an all-around athlete. He finished his senior year with 1,246 passing yards and 15 touchdowns to go along with 1,609 yards and 27 rushing touchdowns. He finished his prep career with 5,700 total yards of offense and 78 total touchdowns as a passer, rusher and receiver with 334 career tackles and 15 interceptions.

Despite falling behind 13-0 midway through the first quarter, the Eagles capped the best season since 1987 with a 41-27 win over San Jose State in Boise, Idaho. Not only was Tuesday’s bowl win EMU’s first since that historic 1987 season but it was also just the second time in program history that the team won nine games. Ironically enough, EMU’s last bowl win came against, you guessed it, San Jose State. Eastern Michigan running back Samson Evans (22) stiff arms San Jose State linebacker Alii Matau (8) on a run in the first half of the Idaho Potato Bowl NCAA college football game, Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2022, in Boise, Idaho. The Eagles’ win on Tuesday was not the only special moment for this year’s team.

Watch NCAA Football on FuboTV (Free Trial)FAMOUS IDAHO POTATO BOWLEastern Michigan Eagles vs. San Jose State SpartansWhen : Tuesday, December 20Time : 3:30 p.m. EMU has made plenty of recent trips to the bowl season, but they have not been victorious since the 1987 California Bowl. Coincidentally enough, that win came over San Jose State. San Jose State fell to Ball State in the Arizona Bowl in 2020, and is 7-4 all-time in bowl games dating back to 1946. Their meeting during the 1987 bowl season remains the only time the two schools have met.

Here's everything you need to know about Eastern Michigan-San Jose State, from the point spread, moneyline, total Over/Under and expert pick from RJ Young.

YPSILANTI – Eastern Michigan’s men’s basketball team desperately needed a win on Sunday and Emoni Bates and Tyson Acuff came through. The tandem combined for 38 points to help the Eagles hold off Detroit Mercy, 79-77, at home to snap a 3-game losing streak. Bates, an Ypsilanti native and former No. 1 overall high school prep recruit, scored 19 points to go along with six rebounds and two steals in the win. Yusuf Jihad added 17 points for EMU and five rebounds and Noah Farrakhan recorded 11 points and four rebounds.

San Jose State and Eastern Michigan will face off in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl at Boise State University this Tuesday, December 20. Our experts broke down the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl and made San Jose State vs. Eastern Michigan predictions, so let’s dive into their analysis with odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook. SAN JOSE STATE VS. EASTERN MICHIGAN PREDICTION: Eastern Michigan +3.5 (-110 at DraftKings Sportsbook)Register for a new DraftKings account, and you can turn $5 into $150 in free bets from our experts’ San Jose State vs. Eastern Michigan predictions. San Jose State vs. Eastern Michigan predictions for the Famous Idaho Potato BowlThe Famous Idaho Potato Bowl is set for Tuesday, December 20 at 3:30 p.m. EST, and it features San Jose State taking on Eastern Michigan. Famous Idaho Potato Bowl odds featuring San Jose State vs. Eastern Michigan available at DraftKings SportsbookEastern Michigan is a +3.5 underdog with -110 odds against San Jose State, who are -3.5 favorites with an identical -110 price at DraftKings Sportsbook.

ANN ARBOR, MI - Michigan defensive tackle Mazi Smith won’t be sentenced for his misdemeanor weapons charge until after the end of football season, according to Washtenaw County court records. Smith’s sentencing hearing is now scheduled for 1:30 p.m., Jan. 12, in Washtenaw County 15th District Court before Judge Karen Valvo, according to court records. Smith and his attorney John Shea requested the rescheduling and the Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office agreed, according to the Dec. 14 court order authorizing the new sentencing date. He was charged in Washtenaw County 14A-1 District Court on Dec. 1 with one felony weapons charge. Read more from MLive:Michigan DT Mazi Smith pleads guilty to misdemeanor weapons chargeProsecutor explains why it took seven weeks to issue charges against Michigan DT Mazi SmithEmoni Bates suspended by Eastern Michigan basketball following arrest on gun charges

A Ypsilanti family is going a decade without justice in the brutal murder of an Eastern Michigan University student, and they want answers.

The second-ever meeting between Eastern Michigan and San Jose State will take place in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl in Boise, Idaho. While the game will be nearly 2,000 miles away from Ypsilanti and nearly 700 from San Jose, EMU and SJSU fans can still get tickets to watch the teams compete for a bowl win at 3:30 p.m. That was the last time EMU won a bowl game as the Eagles are 0-4 since. Coincidentally, the two teams last played in a bowl game with EMU winning, 30-27, in the California Bowl. The two squads are scheduled for a home-and-away series beginning with SJSU visiting EMU in 2026 and EMU traveling to San Jose in 2029.

ANN ARBOR -- What to make of this Michigan men’s basketball team entering its Big Ten opener? Through eight games, Michigan is 5-3. Michigan visits Minnesota, 4-4 after losing its Big Ten opener at Purdue on Sunday, 89-70. (Because rivals must be monitored, Michigan State is 6-4, having split its early Big Ten games with Wednesday’s win at Penn State.) Michigan assistant coach Saddi Washington met with reporters via video conference call on Wednesday and spoke of the Big Ten’s parity.

Speaking to reporters during a Fiesta Bowl teleconference Sunday night, Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh defended his and the university’s decision not to suspend Smith following his arrest in October. According to Lt. Bonnie Theil of the Ann Arbor Police Department, Smith was stopped for speeding on Oct. 7. He was arrested on scene, processed at the police station and later released pending review by the Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office. Bates was lodged overnight in Washtenaw County Jail and arraigned less than 48 hours later. Meanwhile, charges also were filed against seven Michigan State football players following an Oct. 29 incident inside the tunnel at Michigan Stadium.

Eastern Michigan’s football team had one of its best seasons in decades and now the Eagles will be headed west for their bowl game. EMU’s bowl game appearance was announced Sunday. It will be EMU’s fifth bowl game appearance since 2016 and the eight wins are the most for the program since 1987. San Jose State enters the matchup with a 7-4 record and will represent the Mountain West Conference. The Spartans are making their 12th bowl game appearance and are 7-4 in bowl games.

FLINT, MI -- Flint mobile food pantries will fill the city’s cupboards on 11 of the remaining 29 days of December. In partnership with the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, food distribution began in February 2016 and continued every month since. Thursday, Dec. 8, at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 15, at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 22, at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 29, at 10 a.m.Bethel United Methodist Church, 1309 N. Ballenger Hwy. Monday, Dec. 5, at 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 12, at 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 19, at 10 a.m.Asbury United Methodist Church, 1653 Davison Road. Future distribution schedules can be found on the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan website or by calling 810-239-4441.

Another Big Ten championship trophy is headed for Ann Arbor and now the Wolverines wait to find out who they will meet in the College Football Playoff semifinals on Dec. 31. That mystery will be answered today with the college football bowl selection show. This year, the Arizona-based Vrbo Fiesta Bowl and the Atlanta-based Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl will host the two College Football Playoff semifinal games, while the Goodyear Cotton Bowl, Capitol One Orange Bowl, Rose Bowl and Allstate Sugar Bowl comprise the rest of the New Year’s Six postseason contests. 2 behind Georgia (13-0) in the latest College Football Playoff poll, with TCU (12-1) and Southern California (11-2) rounding out the top four. Wolverine recruiting report: Michigan regains its footing in Ohio10 reasons why Michigan State went from 11-2 to a losing record

ANN ARBOR, MI - It took about seven weeks for Michigan defensive tackle Mazi Smith to be charged with a felony weapons charge based on an Oct. 7 incident. Eastern Michigan basketball star Emoni Bates saw a felony weapons charge authorized the day after a Sept. 18 arrest by Ann Arbor police. Read more: Michigan DT Mazi Smith charged with carrying a concealed weaponBates was arrested at the scene of the Sept. 18 incident, Savit said. His office received the report on the Smith incident from the Ann Arbor Police Department on Oct. 14, he said. Multiple messages have been left with the Ann Arbor Police Department requesting details on the Smith incident.

Emoni Bates picked up where he left off from his first double-double performance in the previous game and Noah Farrakhan had his best showing to help Eastern Michigan’s men’s basketball team end its losing woes on Wednesday. 1 overall high school basketball recruit, scored a game-high 26 points and Farrakhan scored a season-high 25 in EMU’s 80-68 win over Florida International, which snapped a 6-game losing streak. Bates extended his streak of double-digit scoring performances, while Farrakhan scored 20 or more points for the first time this season. Dashon Gittens and Artuo Dean led FIU with 14 points apiece and John Williams Jr. finished with 13 points. EMU improved to 2-6 overall and will next host Florida Atlantic on Sunday.

Jose Ramirez made history Wednesday when he was named Mid-American Conference Defensive Most Valuable Player. The standout Eastern Michigan defensive end became the first player in the program’s history to earn MVP honors after a stellar senior season. Ramirez has set the EMU single-season record for sacks with 12 and has recorded 19.5 tackles for loss on his way to the historic honor. Ramirez was one of four EMU players who earned first-team recognition along with junior running back Jaylon Johnson, senior offensive lineman Sidy Sow and sophomore punter Mitchell Tomasek. Senior offensive lineman Brian Dooley, senior running back Samson Evans were named second-team and senior receiver Hassan Beydoun, sophomore kicker Jesus Gomez and junior receiver Tanner Knue claimed third-team honors.

DETROIT – A class-action lawsuit against the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency involving pandemic benefits should be dismissed, state attorneys argued in a recent court filing. Related: Michigan man owed $25K in pandemic unemployment, class-action lawsuit saysThe September lawsuit filed by David Blanchard of Ann Arbor-based Blanchard & Walker claims the state violated a “well-established right” by halting unemployment benefits or reversing eligibility without an appeals process. State attorneys disagreed, claiming “state-created benefits,” or unemployment, are not “fundamental rights” protected by due process. This is the second class-action lawsuit brought against the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency for its handling of pandemic benefits. More on MLive:Michigan will replace unemployment tech known for false fraud issuesMichigan to pay $20M to workers falsely accused of unemployment fraudMichigan clears another $70M in pandemic unemployment overpayments

NEW YORK -- Michigan will face ex-Wolverine Frankie Collins and Arizona State on Thursday night for a chance at a championship. The Wolverines and Sun Devils will meet in the title game of the Legends Classic at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center. Watch Michigan basketball on FuboTVVisit MLive’s Betting Home for latest odds & sportsbook promosMichigan got there with a 91-60 dismantling of Pittsburgh on Wednesday night. 20 Michigan Wolverines (3-0) vs. Arizona State Sun Devils (3-1)Where: Barclays Center (New York); capacity: 17,732When: Thursday, November 16, 9:30 p.m. ET (approximate)Point spread: Michigan -7.5Tickets: TicketMaster ($33)Follow: Andrew KahnHow to WatchTV: ESPN2 (Kevin Brown, Jon Crispin)Stream: Watch & DVR College Basketball Live | fuboTV: Stream live TV with ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN & top channels without cable.

Jett Howard scored 17 points as No. 20 Michigan pulled away in the second half for a 91-60 rout of Pittsburgh on Wednesday night in the Legends Classic semifinals.

Michigan will play Pittsburgh on Wednesday night as part of the four-team Legends Classic tournament. Watch Michigan basketball on FuboTVVisit MLive’s Betting Home for latest odds & sportsbook promosArizona State and VCU are on the other side of the bracket. Michigan is 2-0 and rose a couple of spots in Monday’s AP poll, to 20. 20 Michigan Wolverines (2-0) vs. Pittsburgh Panthers (1-1)Where: Barclays Center (New York); capacity: 17,732When: Wednesday, November 15, 6 p.m. ETPoint spread: Michigan -9.5Tickets: TicketMaster ($32)Follow: Andrew KahnHow to WatchTV: ESPNU (Kevin Brown, Jon Crispin)Stream: Watch & DVR College Basketball Live | fuboTV: Stream live TV with ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN & top channels without cable.

It took some time, but Emoni Bates found his rhythm on Tuesday night, though it wasn’t enough to keep Eastern Michigan’s men’s basketball team from suffering its second straight loss. Fresh off a 30-point performance against Michigan on Friday, the 6-foot-9 wing scored a game-high 20 points in EMU’s 89-61 loss to Bradley in the team’s first true road game of the season. 1 overall recruit did find some consistency in the second half as he shot 6-for-6 and finished the game with a team-high six rebounds. In addition to Bates’ performance, Colin Golson Jr. finished with 11 points for the Eagles, who fell to 1-2 on the season. Malevy Leons led Bradley with 16 points and six rebounds.

Michigan basketball grabbed their second straight victory to start the season last Friday night against Eastern Michigan and Emoni Bates. Our experts broke down the matchup with Michigan vs. Pittsburgh predictions, so let’s dive into their best bet with the odds provided by FanDuel Sportsbook. MICHIGAN VS. PITTSBURGH PREDICTION: Pittsburgh +9.5 (-105 at FanDuel Sportsbook)Click here to sign up at FanDuel Sportsbook to receive $125 in free bets if you risk $5 on any of our experts’ Michigan vs. Pittsburgh predictions. Therefore, our experts’ best bet from their Michigan vs. Pittsburgh basketball predictions is for the Panthers to cover the +9.5 spread available at FanDuel Sportsbook. Michigan basketball vs. Pittsburgh basketball odds provided by FanDuel for Wednesday, 11/16Pittsburgh is a +9.5 underdog with -105 odds against Michigan basketball, who are -9.5 favorites with a -115 price at FanDuel Sportsbook.

The Michigan Wolverines men’s basketball team is off to a hot start as they’re 2-0 on the season, and the Associated Press took notice as the men in maize jumped up two spots to No. 20 in the in-season 2022-23 AP Top 25.

Michigan won two games last week and moved up two spots in the AP poll as a result. 20 in Monday’s Associated Press men’s basketball poll, the first in-season rankings for 2022-23. Michigan is 2-0 after beating Purdue Fort Wayne at home, 75-56, last Monday and outlasting Eastern Michigan, 88-83, on Friday night in Detroit. While the latter game was not played at Crisler Center, it was still considered a home game for Michigan. The Wolverines return to action on Wednesday night in the Legends Classic at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

Emoni Bates showed flashes of his promise, but his career-high 30 points wasn't enough for Eastern Michigan to take down No. 22 Michigan.

Throughout Friday night’s game between Eastern Michigan and Michigan, Bates looked like the players who normally take the floor at Little Caesars Arena, home of the NBA’s Detroit Pistons. In his Eastern Michigan debut, Bates dazzled the crowd and impressed players and coaches on both sides, recapturing the magic that made him the No. It wasn’t quite enough to pull off the upset, as Michigan won 88-83 in an early-season game that felt much bigger. Michigan head coach Juwan Howard knew what Bates was capable of but was still captivated by the performance. Eastern Michigan has another dynamic shot maker in sophomore point guard Noah Farrakhan, who scored 19 points.

Michigan outlasted Eastern Michigan 88-83, overcoming an eight-point second-half deficit to move to 2-0. The high-scoring affair was a stark contrast to the last times the teams met, a 45-42 Eastern Michigan victory in Ann Arbor on Dec. 9, 2014. Michigan was not good from the foul line (25-for-40), but hit some clutch free throws down the stretch to seal the victory. With 29 seconds left, Williams was whistled for a foul, much to Juwan Howard’s disbelief. “He told me I was right but they still got two free throws,” Howard said to nobody in particular.

With Michigan a huge favorite over Nebraska this weekend, we decided to start this episode of the Wolverine Confidential podcast by talking playoffs. We do discuss this Saturday’s game. Basketball season is officially underway, and we touch on the openers for the Michigan men and women, both comfortable victories. Next up for the men: A game against Emoni Bates and Eastern Michigan in Detroit. Listen to the entire episode below, by clicking here, or anywhere you find podcasts.

The first of five is Friday night against Eastern Michigan at Detroit’s Little Caesars Arena. Michigan beat Purdue Fort Wayne 75-56; Eastern Michigan topped Wayne State 75-66, though Emoni Bates did not play (more about that below). Watch Michigan basketball on FuboTVThe Wolverines are 21-3 all-time against Eastern Michigan, but did lose the most recent matchup, 45-42 in Ann Arbor, during the 2014-15 season. 22 Michigan Wolverines (1-0) vs. Eastern Michigan Eagles (1-0)Where: Little Caesars Arena (Detroit); capacity: 20,491When: Friday, November 11, 9:05 p.m. ET (possible delay to 9:10)Point spread: Michigan -18.5Tickets: TicketMaster ($15)Follow: Andrew KahnHow to WatchTV: ESPNU (Jordan Bernfield, Robbie Hummel)Stream: Watch & DVR College Basketball Live | fuboTV: Stream live TV with ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN & top channels without cable.

They will now welcome Eastern Michigan and former Michigan State Spartan, Emoni Bates, to Ann Arbor Friday night, and our experts have Eastern Michigan vs. Michigan predictions. EASTERN MICHIGAN VS. MICHIGAN PREDICTION: Eastern Michigan +18.5 (-118 at FanDuel)Click here to sign up at FanDuel Sportsbook in time to fade or follow any of our experts’ Eastern Michigan vs. Michigan predictions. Eastern Michigan vs. Michigan basketball predictionsThe Eastern Michigan Eagles will visit the Michigan Wolverines Friday night, and we predict that the visitors can cover the +18.5 spread currently available at FanDuel Sportsbook. Enter your email here:Eastern Michigan vs. Michigan basketball pick featuring Eastern Michigan +18.5Michigan’s defense played extremely well in their season opener, and Hunter Dickinson had his way against smaller opponents. MORE SPORTS BETTING STORIESLions vs. Bears prediction, spread pick and NFL odds for Sunday 11/13UFC 281 predictions Adesanya vs. Pereira best bets & main card picksNebraska vs. Michigan football predictions, odds & lines for SaturdayFanDuel promo code, picks and prediction for Rutgers vs. Michigan StateFREE TO PLAY CONTESTSThink you know Detroit Lions football?

ANN ARBOR -- Michigan will play Eastern Michigan on Friday night in a showcase game for local superstar Emoni Bates. Instead, he will make his Eastern Michigan debut in an intriguing early-season matchup with No. Eastern Michigan suspended him, then reinstated him after a plea deal led to the charges getting dropped. An Eastern Michigan spokesperson called it a “coach’s decision” and added that Bates would play against the Wolverines. After getting the Michigan job in the spring of 2019, Howard briefly recruited Bates before the star committed to Michigan State.

Another year under Chris Creighton and another year Eastern Michigan’s football team will be going bowling. For the fifth time during Creighton’s nine-year tenure and the sixth time in program history, EMU qualified for a bowl game after defeating Akron, 34-28, on Tuesday. The Eagles clinched a bowl berth for the fourth consecutive year – excluding the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic season – which set a program record. The Eagles led 24-14 at halftime and held on for the win despite being outscored 14-3 in the fourth quarter. EMU improved to 6-3 overall and 3-3 in the Mid-American Conference with the victory and claimed its third straight win over Akron.

YPSILANTI – Emoni Bates did not suit up for Eastern Michigan’s regular season opening win over Wayne State on Monday but is expected to be back in action Friday against No. Bates, who played in EMU’s exhibition game on Oct. 27, was in attendance but did not play against the Warriors due to a coach’s decision, Alex Jewell, EMU’s director of athletic media relations, confirmed to MLive Tuesday morning. “Emoni Bates will not play (Monday),” said EMU head coach Stan Heath in a statement released by EMU. 1 overall high school basketball prospect scored 27 points in his debut with EMU against Grand Valley State during the exhibition contest last month. Bates and the Eagles will travel to face the Wolverines at 9 p.m. on Friday at Little Caesars Arena.

YPSILANTI – Emoni Bates was in attendance but did not play in Eastern Michigan’s men’s basketball’s regular season opening win over Wayne State, 75-66, on Monday night. The former 5-star recruit sat on the bench in his EMU jumpsuit but did not see game action. EMU led by 15 at halftime and were led by Orlando Overjoy, who finished with a game-high 18 points. 1 overall high school basketball prospect in the 2022 recruiting class before reclassifying to the 2021 class and committing to Memphis. MORE:Emoni Bates showcases potential in Eastern Michigan basketball debutEastern Michigan adds third former Mr. Basketball finalist in less than a week

Hunter Dickinson scored 22 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, and blocked three shots in Michigan’s 75-56 win over visiting Purdue Fort Wayne on opening night of the 2022-23 season. Fort Wayne hung around, but never got closer than 12 in the second half. Michigan led 59-35, and Fort Wayne took a timeout with 12:50 left. Fort Wayne committed 12 first-half turnovers. Michigan will play Eastern Michigan, led by Ypsilanti native Emoni Bates, at Detroit’s Little Caesars Arena on Friday (9 p.m.

FLINT, MI -- Multiple Michigan Department of Health and Human Services food pantries have been scheduled for the month of November. In partnership with the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan in Flint, there will be food pantries on 14 of the 30 days in November at four different locations. Thursday, Nov. 10, at 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 17, at 10 a.m.Bethel United Methodist Church, 1309 N. Ballenger Hwy. MDHHS has hosted mobile food pantries since February 2016. Future distribution schedules can be found on the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan website or by calling 810-239-4441.

With just one returning starter and nine new players, the Michigan men’s basketball team has plenty of questions entering the 2022-23 season. Michigan plays its first exhibition game on Friday at home against Ferris State before hosting Purdue Fort Wayne in the regular-season opener on Monday. If Jaelin Llewellyn can perform for Michigan like his former Ivy League competitor, Mike Smith, did, Michigan will be in good shape. That weekend, Michigan plays preseason No. With Llewellyn and junior Terrance Williams II and possibly even freshman Jett Howard, Michigan should be better defensively at a few key spots.

YPSILANTI – More than 2,000 people were on hand to watch Emoni Bates and the new-look Eastern Michigan men’s basketball team take on Grand Valley State in an exhibition game to start the season on Thursday. 1 overall high school recruit and Memphis transfer scored a game-high 27 points in his debut with the Eagles to help them roll to an 85-69 win. During his time at Memphis, Bates averaged 9.7 points on 38% shooting in 18 games played. Prior to joining Memphis, Bates was ranked as the No. He spent his final high school season at Ypsi Prep Academy, a school created by his father, Elgin.

Detroit Pistons assistant GM Rob Murphy was reportedly placed on administrative leave after a workplace misconduct allegation by a former female employee ignited a probe.

Juwan Howard is entering his fourth season as coach, and his first with two sons on the roster.

YPSILANTI – Eastern Michigan basketball star Emoni Bates has been reinstated immediately as a student and athlete, EMU athletic director Scott Wetherbee said on Thursday. “In accordance with EMU policies, Mr. Bates is immediately reinstated to all athletic and campus activities.”Bates’ attorney Steve Haney told ESPN that Bates was expected to enter a plea deal in exchange for the dismissal of two felony gun charges. The Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office declined to comment on the case Thursday. Bates had been suspended by EMU since Sept. 19, the day after he was arrested and charged with the two felony gun charges. 1 overall high school basketball recruit in the 2022 class before reclassifying to the 2021 class and signing with Memphis.

Three key takeaways from the state’s football scene

Taylor Powell threw for three touchdowns, Samson Evans ran for three and Jose Ramirez set an Eastern Michigan record for sacks as the Eagles rolled to a 45-23 win over Western Michigan.

KALAMAZOO, MI-- Early start for Kalamazoo as Western Michigan University football team’s game played against Eastern Michigan Saturday at noon. Eastern Michigan started the game off strong with two touchdowns in first quarter, while the Broncos weren’t able to score until second quarter. Eastern Michigan defeated Western Michigan, 45-23 at Waldo Stadium on Oct. 7. Related: Eastern Michigan football makes history with big win over WMUDuring the game, Western Michigan athletes with outstanding achievements were given letterman jackets. During halftime, Western Michigan had a professor for the School of Music play on drums with marching band.

Two plays later, Samson Evans punched in the second of his three touchdown runs to make it 21-0. WMU’s defense didn’t get its first stop until EMU’s fourth drive, which ended with 11:51 left in the second quarter. EMU’s offense went three-and-out on its next drive, and while Eagles’ punter Mitchell Tomasek wasn’t needed often, he pinned WMU down at the 11-yard line. WMU hadn’t allowed 35 points in a half since its 2018 Potato Bowl loss to BYU and future No. Jack (Sherwin) played right (tackle), Matt (Muetterties) played right, (Adam) Vandervest played right tackle because that was a major issue.

KALAMAZOO, MI – The heart of Western Michigan’s 2022 football season begins Saturday, when the Broncos host Eastern Michigan to resume Mid-American Conference play after a three-week span of non-league foes. It was just the third time in the series’ 57-game history the Eagles had beaten the Broncos three years in a row. I think he had one or two get away from him, but it had nothing to do with his hand. He practiced in full (on Wednesday), so he’s going to be in the mix, either at right guard or right tackle. More WMU sports coverageEastern Michigan vs. Western Michigan football prediction, odds and spreadFast start propels Western Michigan football past New HampshireSee 71 game, tailgate, marching band photos from Western Michigan’s game against New HampshireInjured WMU football QB Jack Salopek ‘looks good’ for return vs. New HampshireCordeiro, Robinson lead San Jose State football past Western Michigan

Check out this PointsBet deposit bonus before Eastern Michigan and Western Michigan football face off this Saturday. PointsBet deposit bonus gives $800 worth of free betsIf you haven’t signed up at PointsBet Sportsbook, there is no better time to register for a new account because you’ll automatically claim a PointsBet deposit bonus. How to claim a PointsBet deposit bonus for Eastern Michigan vs. Western Michigan footballClaiming a PointsBet deposit bonus is extremely simple. Make sure you read our experts’ Eastern Michigan vs. Western Michigan preview after you claim a PointsBet deposit bonus. We also previewed #3 Ohio State vs. Michigan State and Michigan vs. Indiana, and you can use your PointsBet deposit bonus on any of these games.

Michigan football continued its undefeated start to the season after they took down Iowa 27-14 on the road last weekend. They have their sights set on the Wolverines’ Week 6 matchup against Indiana, so let’s dive into their Michigan vs. Indiana football prediction with odds provided by Caesars Sportsbook. Michigan football vs. Indiana football prediction includes Under 59 (-110 at Caesars)Michigan football plays its second road game in as many weeks this Saturday at Indiana, and we predict there will be under 59 points. Enter your email here:Michigan football vs. Indiana football odds provided by CaesarsMichigan is a -22.5 favorite with -110 odds against Indiana, who are +22.5 underdogs with an identical -110 twice at Caesars Sportsbook. Whether you want to bet on Michigan football or another local matchup like Eastern Michigan vs. Western Michigan, make sure you claim a No Sweat First Bet from FanDuel Sportsbook today.

Arizona State fired football coach Herm Edwards in his fifth season following an ugly home loss to Eastern Michigan and a lingering NCAA investigation into illegal recruiting practices.

Eastern Michigan University has announced a tentative deal to get hundreds of professors back in the classrooms.

Jalen Berger ran for 107 yards and three touchdowns and Michigan State’s defense forced four fumbles to help the 14th ranked Spartans to a 52-0 victory over Akron.

An Eastern Michigan University employee is accused of touching himself inappropriately while driving naked in Dearborn, police said.

Ypsilanti native and Memphis Tigers transfer Emoni Bates is coming home, as multiple sources have reported that he will be taking his talents to Eastern Michigan.

Former star Ypsilanti high schooler and current No. 1-ranked transfer player Emoni Bates recently entered the transfer portal, where he named the Michigan Wolverines one of his top six destinations ahead of the 2022 college basketball season.

The family of an Eastern Michigan student who was found murdered in an off-campus apartment bathtub nearly a decade ago is still waiting for her killer to be captured.

Michigan universities will have the opportunity to showcase their talents nationally as five colleges have qualified bowl games.

Trayce Jackson-Davis scored 21 points and grabbed 14 rebounds and Xavier Johnson added 14 points to lead Indiana past Eastern Michigan 68-62.

The Eastern Michigan Eagles are hosting the Ohio Bobcats on Tuesday night in Ypsilanti.

A 43-year-old man was shot early Thursday morning in Ypsilanti Township, and police took another man into custody, officials said.

The Eastern Michigan Eagles will travel to Bowling Green on Saturday to battle the Falcons.

The Eastern Michigan Eagles are hosting the Texas State Bobcats on Saturday afternoon in Ypsilanti.

The Eastern Michigan Eagles are battling the UMass Minutemen on Saturday in Amherst, Massachusetts.

After a home loss in its opening game, No. 18 Wisconsin will look for redemption when it welcomes Eastern Michigan into Madison on Saturday.

The Eastern Michigan Eagles are hosting the St. Francis (PA) Red Flash at Rynearson Stadium in Ypsilanti.

Former Macomb County Prosecutor Eric Smith has tested positive for COVID-19, according to the U.S. District Court for Eastern Michigan. Smith was scheduled for a plea hearing in federal court on Friday. Smith said he had told three people -- two assistant prosecutors and a friend -- to lie about the use of campaign funds. He is also facing charges of embezzlement and racketeering for his spending of $600,000 from an obscure Macomb County forfeiture fund. READ: Former Macomb County Prosecutor Eric Smith charged in state, federal investigationsREAD: Ex-Macomb County prosecutor Eric Smith faces up to 21 months in jail following guilty pleaREAD: Former Macomb County prosecutor Eric Smith pleads guilty to obstruction of justice

DETROIT – Holiday shopping season is kicking into high gear and because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, more people will be shopping online. Melanie Duquesnel is the president of the Better Business Bureau serving Eastern Michigan. “If a deal appears to be too good to be true, it probably is,” Duquesnel said. The scammers call and when you answer you get a recorded message claiming to be from Amazon stating there is a problem with your Amazon account. Scammers also send emails or texts, asking you to verify your personal information -- all so they can steal it.

The U.S. District Court for Eastern Michigan has launched an online help desk to offer the public and lawyers quick access to live assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Clerk’s Office and Jury staff can answer questions through the help desk’s chat icon. The icon is located in the lower right corner of the court’s website. Chat is available from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. on weekdays, except on holidays.

DETROIT – The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers about an online shopping scam involving “going out of business” advertisements. Melanie Duquesnel, president of the Better Business Bureau serving Eastern Michigan, said the difficulty they’re finding is that clients are not getting the product but yet they’re getting charged for it. READ: Scammers use multiple methods to target victims -- Here’s what to watch out for“Just because an advertisement is on Facebook doesn’t mean that it’s a 100% trustworthy business,” Duquesnel said. With more people buying cars, RVs and boats online, the BBB says vehicle shipper and escrow scams are going up. How do you know that you’re going to get your money back?” Duquesnel said.

YPSILANTI, Mich. – An Eastern Michigan University graduate is facing nine counts of of sexual assault dating back to when he was a student in 2015. The alleged victims were all EMU students. “There are no victims, only alleged victims,” said attorney David Goldstein. Anyone who has been a victim of sexual violence is urged to contact the Ypsilanti Police Department at 734-368-8784 or 734-368-8776. Durbin was arraigned on nine counts of criminal sexual conduct Friday.

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services will continue to provide nutritious food by the truckload to Flint residents throughout May. MDHHS has provided the Flint mobile food pantries since February 2016 in partnership with the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan in Flint. Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in Michigan, food pantry distributors are taking extra precautions to keep customers and volunteers protected. The three help center locations now have more proteins to distribute to Flint residents in addition to the produce that’s available at all locations. To check food distribution schedules, visit the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan website at FBEM.org and find the updated schedule on the Mobile Pantry Distribution page, or call 810-239-4441.

AJ Bush #1 of the Illinois Fighting Illini runs the ball during the game against the Kent State Golden Flashes at Memorial Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Oluwole Betiku Jr. will have Mike Glass III in his cross hairs Saturday when Illinois welcomes Eastern Michigan for a nonconference game. Glass will try to become the first quarterback to throw a touchdown pass this season against Illinois, which has allowed one rushing score. Eastern Michigan, which took down Rutgers in 2017 and Purdue last season, has the same number of wins over Big Ten teams in the last two seasons as Illinois. PREDICTION: Illinois 37, Eastern Michigan 23More college football scoresCopyright 2019 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.

LEXINGTON, Ky. - Kentucky will look to continue its mastery of the Mid-American Conference on Saturday when it meets visiting Eastern Michigan in a non-conference game. LINE: Kentucky -14.5Kentucky dispatched another MAC team - Toledo - in its season opener behind a strong second half from junior quarterback Terry Wilson. The Eagles last four-pick game occurred against Vanderbilt in September 2007. Glass' 90.9 completion percentage against Coastal Carolina is the best for the Eagles since 1999. PREDICTION: Kentucky 37, Eastern Michigan 21More college football scoresCopyright 2019 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.