2017 MAC Men’s Basketball Recap: Western Michigan Broncos vs. Central Michigan Chippewas

The nation’s leading scorer Marcus Keene led all scorers with 35 points as Central Michigan came back from a 13 point deficit at the half to defeat rival Western Michigan 86-82 on Friday night in Mount Pleasant. Central Michigan moves to 15-8 (5-5 MAC) and Western Michigan falls to 7-15 (3-7 MAC) on the season.

Marcus Keene went off for 35 points, while dishing out six assists and grabbing five rebounds, as he led CMU to victory. Braylon Rayson scored 20 points and dished out five assists, and DaRohn Scott added 11 points and seven rebounds to help Keene.

Thomas Wilder scored 21 points, while grabbing nine rebounds and dishing out seven assists to lead the Broncos. Tucker Haymond scored 16 points, Brandon Johnson added 15 points and eight rebounds, and Reggie Jones scored 13 points for Western Michigan, but it wasn’t enough.

With the score tied at 81 with about 34 seconds to go, Marcus Keene took the ball and stepped back for a 3 pointer and nailed it over Thomas Wilder with just 4 seconds remaining. Rayson would foul, and Wilder made 1 of 2 free throws. Rayson would then get fouled himself and then convert on both of his free throws to end the game at 86-82.

Central Michigan shot 45.2% from the field, and shot 40.6% from beyond the arc. The Chippewas also converted on 17 of 19 free throws to help them to this comeback victory. The Chippewas were able to out rebound the Broncos, 35-31, something the Chippewas aren’t able to do that often.

Western Michigan shot 51.6% from the field, and shot 39% from beyond the arc in the game. Western attempted just 10 free throws but was able to convert on 7 of them.

Central Michigan will now travel to Ohio to take on the Bobcats on Tuesday, February 7th. Tip is set for 7 p.m. and will be aired on ESPN3.

Western Michigan will try to bounce back as they travel to Miami (OH) to take on the RedHawks on Tuesday, February 7th. Tip is set for 7 p.m. and will be aired on ESPN3.