<![CDATA[MAC Reporter Online

<![CDATA[MAC Reporter Online - Blog]]>Sun, 08 Mar 2026 22:39:11 -0400Weebly<![CDATA[MAC BASKETBALL]]>Mon, 09 Mar 2026 00:52:48 GMThttps://www.macreporteronline.com/blog/mac-basketball3061057Lewis out; Ball State searches for new coach

MUNCIE, Ind. – Ball State University has announced a change in men's basketball leadership, with Michael Lewis ending his four-year stint as the Cardinals' head coach, following an 12-19 record this past season.

A national search for the next Ball State men's basketball coach begins immediately, according to Ball State Director of Athletics Jeff Mitchell.

"We are grateful to . . .

. . . Coach Lewis for the passion and commitment he brought to our program the past four years," said Mitchell. "We appreciate the time and effort he invested in our student-athletes."

Lewis guided Ball State to a 20-12 record in his first campaign (2022-23) while leading the Cardinals to their first 20-win season in six years. The program has since endured consecutive seasons with 15, 14 and 12 wins. He finished with a 61-64 mark as head coach of the Cardinals.

]]><![CDATA[mac basketball]]>Mon, 09 Mar 2026 00:40:50 GMThttps://www.macreporteronline.com/blog/mac-basketball8108590Eastern Michigan and Stan Heath agree to part ways

YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) -- The Eastern Michigan University Athletic Department and Head Men's Basketball Coach Stan Heath have mutually agreed to part ways, the two parties announced Sunday, March 8. Eastern Michigan will conduct a national search for the program's 31st head coach.

"We are grateful for Coach Heath's commitment to this program, which spans five years as head coach and more than four decades as a student-athlete and proud alumnus of this University," said EMU Vice President/Director of Athletics Scott Wetherbee. "He cares deeply about Eastern Michigan, and I wish him and his family the very best."

The team . . .

. . . finished with a 10-21 overall record in 2025-26, and a 4-14 mark in Mid-American Conference play.

"I appreciate the opportunity to coach at my alma mater," added Heath. "I am disappointed for our fans and the Eastern community that we were not able to reach the level of success that is possible at EMU. I wish Eastern Michigan University the best going forward."

Heath was in his fifth year leading the men's basketball program and his 18th year as a collegiate head coach. Heath has previously served as the head coach at Kent State (2001-02), Arkansas (2002-07), South Florida (2007-14), and the Lakeland Magic (NBA G-League)(2017-21). The Detroit, Mich. native finishes his EMU career with a 57-99 overall mark.

"Our expectation is to compete for championships and to contend at the highest-level each season," added Wetherbee. "While we have not met that standard, our commitment to reaching it remains firm. This is one of the most attractive positions in our conference and region. We offer a first-class student-athlete experience, strong institutional support, and premier facilities. We will begin a search immediately to identify a leader who will build on our foundation and guide our men's basketball program toward sustained success on and off the court."

]]><![CDATA[MAC BASKETBALL]]>Sun, 08 Mar 2026 23:27:27 GMThttps://www.macreporteronline.com/blog/mac-basketball7110747Western Michigan moves on from Stephens

KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Western Michigan University Vice President/Director of Athletics Dan Bartholomae has announced that head men’s basketball coach Dwayne Stephens will not return for the 2026-27 season. Stephens recently completed his fourth season as head coach of the Broncos.

“Coach Stephens has elevated our . . .

. . . men’s basketball program in many ways during his tenure as our Head Coach,” Bartholomae said. “He has represented our Broncos with integrity and class, and we are grateful for his contributions. As the world of intercollegiate athletics continues to evolve, and as we anticipate the opening of the finest basketball training and competition venue in the Country, we believe it is in our best interests to seek new leadership and direction for our program. These decisions are challenging, and we will move forward with a focus on championship level success in an exciting new home environment.”

Stephens became the 15th head coach in program history when he was hired in April 2022. During his tenure, his teams qualified for the Mid-American Conference Tournament in back-to-back seasons (2023–24 and 2024–25), marking the program’s first consecutive appearances in Cleveland since 2013–14 and 2014–15. Stephens concludes his time at Western Michigan with an overall record of 42-84.

Off the court, the program made significant strides under his leadership. The Broncos steadily improved their academic performance, including earning a program-record 3.59 team GPA during this past fall semester. The team was also recognized nationally for its impact beyond the court, ranking No. 6 in the nation among Division I men’s basketball programs in community service last year.

His teams were deeply engaged in the Kalamazoo community, consistently ranking among the department’s leaders in community service hours and demonstrating a strong commitment to representing Western Michigan University.

]]><![CDATA[MAC BASKETBALL]]>Sat, 07 Mar 2026 17:56:09 GMThttps://www.macreporteronline.com/blog/mac-basketball6272840MAC Championship Tournament

SCHEDULE: TIMES/TELEVISION

]]><![CDATA[MAC BASKETBALL]]>Sat, 07 Mar 2026 05:11:31 GMThttps://www.macreporteronline.com/blog/mac-basketball6092949HOOPS SCOREBOARD: FRIDAY, MARCH 8 ACTION

### AKRON 94, NORTHERN ILLINOIS 55
### BOWLING GREEN 77, EASTERN MICHIGAN 69
### KENT STATE 86, WESTERN MICHIGAN 78
### BALL STATE 85, CENTRAL MICHIGAN 69
### TOLEDO 98, BUFFALO 78
### No. 19 MIAMI 110, OHIO 108 (OT)

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]]><![CDATA[MAC BASKETBALL]]>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 03:55:15 GMThttps://www.macreporteronline.com/blog/mac-basketball2183126HOOPS SCOREBOARD:TUESDAY, MARCH 3 ACTION

### No. 19 MIAMI 74, TOLEDO 72
### BUFFALO 72, EASTERN MICHIGAN 67
### MASSACHUSETTS 94, OHIO 82
### BALL STATE 74, WESTERN MICHIGAN 71 (OT)
### AKRON 77, CENTRAL MICHIGAN 64
### KENT STATE 102, NORTHERN ILLINOIS 76

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]]><![CDATA[MAC BASKETBALL]]>Sun, 01 Mar 2026 04:44:10 GMThttps://www.macreporteronline.com/blog/mac-basketball5559780HOOPS SCOREBOARD:SATURDAY, FEB. 28 ACTION

### BOWLING GREEN 81, MASSACHUSETTS 62
### CENTRAL MICHIGAN 75, BUFFALO 70
### TOLEDO 79, OHIO 67
### BALL STATE 79, NORTHERN ILLINOIS 43

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]]><![CDATA[MAC BASKETBALL]]>Sat, 28 Feb 2026 04:09:07 GMThttps://www.macreporteronline.com/blog/mac-basketball2737362HOOPS SCOREBOARD:FRIDAY, FEB. 27 ACTION

### MIAMI 69, WESTERN MICHIGAN 67
### AKRON 92, KENT STATE 70

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]]><![CDATA[MAC BASKETBALL]]>Wed, 25 Feb 2026 04:12:40 GMThttps://www.macreporteronline.com/blog/mac-basketball2915230HOOPS SCOREBOARD:TUESDAY, FEB. 24 ACTION

### MIAMI 74, EASTERN MICHIGAN 64
### WESTERN MICHIGAN 88, BOWLING GREEN 79
### TOLEDO 79, NORTHERN ILLINOIS 69
### BALL STATE 74, MASSACHUSETTS 73 (OT)
### KENT STATE 83, CENTRAL MICHIGAN 81
### AKRON 99, BUFFALO 85

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]]><![CDATA[MIAMI SOFTBALL]]>Sun, 22 Feb 2026 04:02:05 GMThttps://www.macreporteronline.com/blog/miami-softball4113682Chevrier, Hosick toss complete games in Saturday sweep

BUIES CREEK, NC. – The Miami University softball team took on Radford University and Campbell University on Saturday afternoon. The RedHawks swept both games, earning a 10–2 win against Radford and a 1–0 win against Campbell.

Click Read More for details . . .

HOW IT HAPPENED (Game 1 vs Radford)
The Highlanders struck first in the third inning with a solo home run, taking a 1–0 lead.
Radford added another in the fourth off a sacrifice fly to extend the lead to 2–0.
The RedHawks responded in the fifth when Kari Krueger doubled to left center, bringing in Danitza Hernandez to cut the deficit to 2–1.
Miami tied it up in the sixth as Hernandez singled through the right side, allowing Evey Dieudonne to score.
Miami widened the gap in the seventh inning. Katy Olive drew a bases-loaded walk, allowing Kreuger to score, to give the RedHawks their first lead of the game. Shortly after, Ella Carter reached on a fielding error, allowing Bailey Manos to score. Dieudonne followed with an RBI single to bring in Mia Estrello. Hernandez delivered the biggest hit of the day with a three-RBI double to center, scoring Olive, Carter and Lindsay Miller. McKenna Campbell continued the momentum with an RBI double, and Manos capped off the inning with an RBI single to seal the 10–2 win.

NOTES:
The RedHawks plated 8 runs in the seventh inning.
Danitza Hernandez 2-for-3 at the plate, with four RBI, two runs and a double.
Evey Dieudonne went a perfect 2-for-2 at the plate with an RBI and a run scored.
Kari Krueger finished 2-for-3 at the plate with a double, RBI and a run.
McKenna Campbell added a double, RBI, two walks and a run scored.
Lea Chevrier pitched a complete game, allowing just two runs (one earned) on three hits.

HOW IT HAPPENED (Game 2 vs Campbell)
The RedHawks broke through in the fourth inning when Leila Mathis singled to center field, bringing home Evey Dieudonne from second for the game's only run.
Miami held onto the lead the rest of the way to secure the 1–0 win.

NOTES:
Leila Mathis recorded the game's only RBI.
Evey Dieudonne went 2-for-3 at the plate with the only run scored.
Presley Hosick pitched a complete game shutout, allowing no runs on five hits.

UP NEXT:
The RedHawks play again tomorrow, Feb. 22, against the University of Iowa at 10 a.m. in Buies Creek, NC.

]]><![CDATA[MAC BASKETBALL]]>Sun, 22 Feb 2026 03:16:52 GMThttps://www.macreporteronline.com/blog/mac-basketball8946055HOOPS SCOREBOARD: SATURDAY, FEB. 21 ACTION

### OHIO 74, NORTHERN iLLINOIS 66
### CENTRAL MICHIGAN 83, WESTERN MICHIGAN 70
### TOLEDO 94, EASTERN MICHIGAN 75
### BUFFALO 86, MASSACHUSETTS 82 (OT)

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]]><![CDATA[MAC BASKETBALL]]>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 04:55:01 GMThttps://www.macreporteronline.com/blog/mac-basketball1973164HOOPS SCOREBOARD: FRIDAY, FEB. 20 ACTION

### No. 22 MIAMI 91, BOWLING GREEN 77
### AKRON 78, BALL STATE 65

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]]><![CDATA[MAC BASKETBALL]]>Wed, 18 Feb 2026 02:41:57 GMThttps://www.macreporteronline.com/blog/mac-basketball8940532HOOPS SCOREBOARD: TUESDAY, FEB. 17 ACTION

### NORTHERN ILLINOIS 72, BUFFALO 70
### EASTERN MICHIGAN 66, CENTRAL MICHIGAN 54
### KENT STATE 78, BOWLING GREEN 71
### OHIO 69, BALL STATE 57
### AKRON 90, WESTERN MICHIGAN 73
### No. 22 MIAMI 86, MASSACHUSETTS 77

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]]><![CDATA[MAC FOOTBALL]]>Mon, 16 Feb 2026 22:44:10 GMThttps://www.macreporteronline.com/blog/mac-football3802449It's official; MAC welcomes Sacramento State football

CLEVELAND – The Mid-American Conference today announced the addition of Sacramento State as a football-only affiliate member beginning July 1, 2026, for a five-year term.

“Today’s exciting announcement is about strengthening our competitive profile and creating value for the membership,” said MAC Commissioner Jon Steinbrecher. “We were presented with an opportunity to add an institution with demonstrated success in football, a record of investment and commitment to the continued growth of the institution and community. Sacramento State is ready and poised for this next step. I welcome the Hornets to the Mid-American Conference and expect they will become a competitive and contributing member to the long history and legacy of one of the oldest Division I conferences.”

The Sacramento State football program has . . .

. . . won seven conference titles, including three consecutive Big Sky championships from 2019-2022, and was just one of just 12 FCS programs to win at least seven games in five of the last six seasons. During that time, the Hornets made four NCAA FCS Playoff appearances and held a top-25 ranking for 50 weeks.

“This partnership will immediately strengthen the Mid-American Conference’s competitiveness, and it will provide flexibility for the future,” said Geoffrey S. Mearns, Council of Presidents Chair and President of Ball State University. “In this period of dynamic transformation, we believe we must be proactive and innovative. This relationship demonstrates the enduring viability of our conference, and it provides our member institutions with additional confidence.”

“I am pleased to welcome Sacramento State to the Mid-American Conference,” said Scott Wetherbee, Chair of the MAC Council of Directors of Athletics and Vice President/Director of Athletics at Eastern Michigan University. “I want to commend Commissioner Steinbrecher for his forward-thinking leadership and creative approach in identifying opportunities that enhance value for our membership. The addition of Sacramento State as a football-only member strengthens our conference and positions us well for continued collective success.”

Sacramento State is the only public university in the capital of California that has the world’s fourth-largest economy. Founded in 1947, Sac State has grown into one of the region’s leading centers of research, innovation and community engagement with an enrollment of nearly 31,000. It is an accessible and inclusive place of learning, located on a picturesque campus along the American River.

“This is a historic moment for Sacramento State — a bold leap into the future,” said Dr. Luke Wood, President of Sacramento State. “Our move to the FBS represents more than a change in classification; it is a declaration of who we are and where we’re going. We are elevating our university, our student-athletes, and the entire Greater Sacramento region onto the national stage — committed to competing, leading, and winning at the highest level.

“This is bigger than football. It’s about opportunity, visibility, and momentum. It’s about attracting the next generation of students, fueling enrollment and innovation, and building partnerships that will transform Sacramento State for decades to come. Together, we are proving that belief, vision, and hard work can redefine what’s possible.

“We extend our sincere gratitude to the MAC Commissioner and the MAC university presidents for their leadership, trust, and confidence in our program. The future is bright, the mission is clear, and the climb continues.”

“This is a special day for Sacramento State. I am ecstatic for our football student-athletes, coaches, and staff who work so hard to represent our University,” said Sacramento State Director of Athletics Mark Orr. “Our student athletes will now have the opportunity to showcase their talent on the highest level of college football in front of national audiences. I am grateful to Commissioner Steinbrecher, the University Presidents, and all the dedicated staff that played a pivotal role in making this possible. The support for our football program continues to expand, and we are so proud to bring FBS football to Sacramento."

About Sacramento State
With over 31,000 students, Sacramento State has grown into the sixth-largest campus in the California State University system. Sacramento State has been ranked as the ninth-most transformative college by Money.com and the second-most diverse campus in the Western United States by the Wall Street Journal.

Hornet athletics features 21 intercollegiate teams which have combined to win over 100 conference titles since moving to NCAA Div. I in the mid 1990s. Sacramento State student-athletes have also succeeded in the classroom, posting over a 3.0 gpa for the past 10 years.

For additional information on Sacramento State visit csus.edu as well as hornetsports.com for Hornet athletics.

]]><![CDATA[miami notes - BASKETBALL]]>Mon, 16 Feb 2026 22:26:58 GMThttps://www.macreporteronline.com/blog/miami-notes-basketball4392892Undefeated RedHawks rise to No. 22: UMass awaits

OXFORD, Ohio — The Miami University men's basketball team was selected No. 22 overall (highest ranking of the 2025-26 season) in the Associated Press Top 25 men's college basketball poll on Monday afternoon.

The Red and White currently have a 25-0 (12-0 MAC) record, as they most recently defeated Ohio at home (90-74).

Miami hits the road for a contest at UMass on Tuesday, Feb. 17 at 7 p.m.

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