Central Michigan Chippewas vs Eastern Michigan Eagles Picks and Prediction for Tuesday February 17 2026
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On Tuesday, the Central Michigan Chippewas (8-17) face off against the Eastern Michigan Eagles (9-17) at the Gervin GameAbove Center in Ypsilanti, Michigan. This game will air on ESPN+. Keep up to date with all the NCAAB action, with our College Basketball predictions.
Central Michigan vs. Eastern Michigan Game Information
- February 17, 2026
- 6:30pm EST
- Gervin GameAbove Center
- ESPN+
Eastern Michigan Form & Recent Results
Eastern Michigan heads into this matchup trying to snap an eight-game losing streak that has really stalled their season. Their most recent game was a 76–62 loss at home to Western Michigan on Saturday, and even though the Eagles came up short, Addison Patterson did what he could to keep them in it, finishing with 22 points. That kind of scoring punch has been important for a team that’s been searching for consistency, especially during this rough stretch where wins have been hard to come by.
Mohammad Habhab has been Eastern Michigan’s most reliable all-around player this season, leading the team in scoring at 14.2 points per game. Patterson isn’t far behind, sitting second on the team at 14.1 points per game, giving the Eagles two primary options they can lean on offensively. Habhab also tops the team on the glass at 8.2 rebounds per game, and he’s their leading playmaker as well, averaging 3.1 assists. Defensively, though, Eastern Michigan hasn’t been able to get enough stops lately, giving up 74.4 points per game across their last five games. Now they’ll try to put an end to this slump and avoid picking up an eleventh conference loss when they take on Central Michigan.
Central Michigan Form & Recent Results
Central Michigan comes into this game with a bit of momentum, riding a one-game winning streak and taking three wins in their last five games. Their most recent game was especially impressive, as they cruised to an 88–46 blowout at home against Northern Illinois on Saturday. In that win, Jaxson Whitaker helped set the tone offensively, leading the Chippewas with 19 points as they controlled the game from start to finish.
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Nathan Claerbaut has been Central Michigan’s most consistent scoring option, pacing the team at 12.4 points per game, while Tamario Adley isn’t far behind at 11.8 points a night. Claerbaut also does a lot of work on the glass, leading the team with 5.8 rebounds per game so far this season. When it comes to creating shots for others, Phat Phat Brooks and Adley have been the primary facilitators, sharing the team lead at 3.7 assists per game each. Overall, the Chippewas have been putting points on the board lately, averaging 83.8 points over their last five games. Even though the season as a whole hasn’t gone the way they’d hoped, their offense has been one of the few clear positives, and they’ll try to keep that rhythm going against Eastern Michigan.
Key Players
- Central Michigan’s Nathan Claerbaut this season: 12.4 points, 5.8 rebounds per game
- Eastern Michigan’s Mohhamad Habhab this season: 14.2 points, 8.2 rebounds per game
Betting Odds & Market Overview:
- EMU -4.5; O/U 143.5
Central Michigan vs. Eastern Michigan Picks and Prediction
Central Michigan and Eastern Michigan have both struggled to find consistent success in the MAC this season, with both of them currently near the bottom of the standings. Still, Central Michigan has had a real bright spot in its offense, which has been able to generate momentum and keep the Chippewas competitive even when other parts of their game haven’t clicked. That’s exactly what Eastern Michigan’s defense will have to slow down if the Eagles want to control the pace. Eastern Michigan does get the benefit of playing this game at home, but that alone won’t be enough. They’ll need a sharper, more disciplined defensive effort, especially against Central Michigan’s playmakers, and they’ll also be counting on the energy from the home crowd to help push them over the line late. Final Score Prediction, Eastern Michigan Eagles win and cover the spread, 73-66.
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