Central Michigan Hangs Tough With Michigan, Falls 72-65.

The Central Michigan Chippewas hung tough with their in state rival the Michigan Wolverines by playing good defense and rebounding.

The Chippewas started out with the lead which they held for most of the first half. At the first official timeout, they were up 8-3. Matt Beachler hit a three to put CMU up 11-3 and even I started to believe. Michigan answered with a layup and the teams went a little cold.

The Wolverines’ Charles Mathews set up Mortiz Wagner for a three and then after several misses by both teams hit a layup to bring Michigan within 1.

Shawn Roundtree knocked down a couple of threes to put the Chippewas up 19-13. The Wolverines used free throws to chip away at the lead (no pun intended) before a Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman three gave the Wolverines their first lead, 32-31 at the half.

The Wolverines took a 42-34 with 16:10 left thanks to some nice passing. The Chippewas hung around down under 10 for the rest of the game, but never could close the gap. The game ended with the Wolverines winning 72-65.

The Chippewas out rebounded the Wolverines, 34-27 but did themselves in with 14 turnovers compared to just 6 for Michigan. CMU shot 43% from the floor and 41.7% from beyond the arch.

Shawn Roundtree led the Chippewas with 21 points and David DiLeo led the team with 9 rebounds.

All 5 Michigan starters hit double figures scoring, with Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman leading the way with 17.

Michigan moves to 2-0 while the Chippewas fall to 1-1. Central Michigan hosts the Eureka Red Devils on 11/18.

Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports