EASTERN MICHIGAN EAGLES - 2012 MAC CHAMPIONS!!

The #2 Eastern Michigan Eagles needed just one field goal in the final 8:14 of play to defeat the #5 Central Michigan Chippewas, 72-71, in the 2012 women's MAC Championship at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. Paige Redditt scored the game-winning layup with 1.8 seconds left to earn the Eagles their first MAC title since 2004 and an automatic berth to the NCAA Women's Tournament.

Eastern Michigan claimed its second MAC crown in school history and is now 2-1 in MAC Tournament championship games. The game also marked the first meeting between the Eagles and Chippewas in EMU's 19 trips to the annual tournament.



Three Eagles finished the game in double-figure scoring, led by Natachia Watkins with 25 points (11-of-16) to go along with seven rebounds. Tavelyn James poured in 23 points on 6-of-19 shooting and was a stellar 10-of-12 from the free throw line. The Detroit native leaped past former Ohio Bobcat Caroline Mast (1982-86) for second place on the MAC all-time scoring list.

Redditt finished with 7-of-11 shots, including the game winner, for a total of 18 points and Desyree Thomas dished out 10 assists & recorded four steals while playing the entire game at point guard.

The Eagles will now await to see who they will face in the NCAA Women's Tournament this Monday night at 7 p.m.