MAC Men’s Basketball Recap: Central Michigan vs. Miami (OH) RedHawks

The nation’s leading scorer Marcus Keene was held to a season low of 12 points, and the Miami RedHawks defeated the Central Michigan Chippewas, 81-76 on Saturday afternoon in Millett Hall. Miami moves to 10-15 (3-9 MAC) and Central Michigan falls to 16-9 (6-6 MAC). The MAC standings are tightening up with just six games left for most teams the rest of the regular season.

Logan McLane led all scorers with 29 points, while grabbing eight rebounds and dishing out four assists for the RedHawks. Michael Weathers added 18 points, while dishing out seven assists and grabbing five rebounds, and Jake Wright scored 10 points for Miami.

Braylon Rayson led the way for the Chippewas, as he scored 24 points, but turned the ball over 10 times on his own. David DiLeo added 15 points and seven rebounds, Josh Kozinski scored 14 points, and Marcus Keene scored 12 points and dished out eight assists and grabbed seven rebounds.

With the score 70-69 in favor of CMU, after a DiLeo three pointer, the RedHawks came right back down the floor and Jake Wright put in a layup to give the RedHawks the lead at 71-70 with 2:48 to go. The RedHawks held the lead for the remainder of the game to beat the Chippewas.

The dynamic scoring tandem of Keene and Rayson combined for 16 turnovers on the game, putting the Chippewas in a tough spot. Keene struggled all night, converting on just 5 of 17 shot attempts, 2 of 10 from 3-point range, but was able to find his teammates for easy baskets. Rayson was able to knock down shots to keep the Chippewas in the game, but it wasn’t enough.

As a team, Central Michigan converted on 27 of 66 shot attempts, and went 14 of 40 from beyond the arc. The Chippewas were able to out rebound the RedHawks, 46-35, but turned the ball over 22 times.

The RedHawks shot 30 of 66 from the field, and just 5 of 23 from beyond the arc. The RedHawks converted at the free throw line, making 16 of their 22 attempts from the charity stripe.

Central Michigan will look to bounce back as they have three straight home games, starting with the Buffalo Bulls on Tuesday, February 14. Tip is set for 7 p.m. and will be aired on ESPN3.

Miami will look to build off this big victory, as they travel to Kent State on Tuesday, February 14. Tip is set for 7 p.m.