Memory Lane: 1996 Eagles

                                                                       Memory Lane


                                                                    1996 EMU Eagles


                                                                       Memory Lane










      Duke University is considered to have one of the top men's basketball programs in the Country, but the Eastern Michigan University Eagles gave the Blue Devils all they could handle in the first round of the 1996 NCAA men's basketball tournament.
     The Eagles added to their successful season in 1995-1996 by claiming the MAC (Mid-American Conference) Regular Season Championship, and the MAC Tournament Championship.  The Eagles entered the NCAA tournament with a #9 seed, and an overall record of 24-5.
     The Duke Blue Devils drew the #8 seed with an at large bid, and an overall record of 18-12.  The Blue Devils were coached by Mike Krzyzewski, and lead by #5 Jeff Capel.  The Eastern Michigan University Eagles were lead by their talented trio of #11 Earl Boykins, #10 Brian Tolbert, and #3 Derrick Dial.
     I remember where I was, and who I was with during the Eagles convincing 75-60 win over the Blue Devils. The Eagles ran into a buzzsaw in the second round, and lost to the #1 seeded University of Connecticut Huskies 95-81.  The Huskies were lead by #34 Ray Allen, and #40 Travis Knight.  I was shocked that Earl Boykins was not selected in the 1998 NBA (National Basketball Association) Draft.  Boykins went on to play for several NBA teams including the Denver Nuggets, the Los Angeles Clippers, and the Milwaukee Bucks. Derek Dial was drafted by the San Antonio Spurs in the second round of the 1998 NBA draft.  Brian Tolbert was undrafted, but played professionally overseas.  Be sure to click on the link below for more information about the Eastern Michigan University athletic program.
     Leave a comment, or email the Mitten State Sports Report at mittenstatesportsreport@rocketmail.com Scroll down and vote in the monthly Poll Question.  Check out Game Notes.  Click on past months to check out all of the Mitten State Sports Report's archived material.











                                                                         Game Notes







-  The University of Kentucky Wildcats won the 1996 NCAA men's basketball Championship.



-  Syracuse University lost to the University of Kentucky 76-67 in the 1996 Championship Game.



-  Earl Boykins is listed at 5'5.



-  Derrick Dial played basketball at Cass Tech High School, in Detroit.



-  Bran Tolbert married former WNBA star Stacey Lovelace.  Lovelace is from Detroit.



-  Stacey Lovelace played basketball at St. Martin de Porres High School, in Detroit.



-  St. Martin de Porres High School closed in 2005.



-  Eastern Michigan University was placed in the Southeast Region in the 1996 bracket.  



-  Ben Braun was the Head Coach of the 1996 Eastern Michigan University men's basketball team.



-  Rob Murphy is currently the Head Coach of the Eastern Michigan University men's basketball team.



-  Eastern Michigan University reached the "Sweet 16" in 1991.



-  The Eastern Michigan University Eagles were known as the Hurons prior to the 1991 season.



-  "Memory Lane: 1991 Lions" was posted on 1/9/2017.



-  "Memory Lane: Whalers" was posted on 2/16/2017.











For more info about the Eastern Michigan University athletic program click on  www.emueagles.com



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