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

Shawn Roundtree Jr. scored 27 points, grabbed seven rebounds and dished out five assists, as Central Michigan defeated Western Michigan, 84-71 at Northwood University on Saturday morning. Central Michigan moves to 18-13 (7-11 MAC) with the win, and Western Michigan falls to 17-14 (9-9 MAC) with the loss.

Four Chippewas scored in double digits, including Roundtree Jr. Luke Meyer added 18 points and grabbed six rebounds for CMU. Cecil Williams scored 18 points of his own, adding four rebounds and dished out four assists. David DiLeo scored 17 points and nabbed seven rebounds for the Chippewa cause. Kevin McKay did a little of everything for CMU, as he scored four points, grabbed four rebounds and dished out three assists.

Central Michigan was able to make 25 of their 51 (49%) shots on the day. The Chippewas once again showed off their ability at the free throw line, as the nation’s leading team in free throw percentage made 22 of their 23 (96%) attempts at the charity stripe. 3MU came alive in this game, as the Chippewas made 12 of their 26 (46%) shots from beyond the arc. The Chippewas were also able to out rebound the Broncos, 37-29.

Three different Broncos scored in double figures. Thomas Wilder led the charge for Western Michigan, as he scored 22 points, grabbed nine rebounds and dished out three assists. Seth Dugan added 16 points and grabbed eight rebounds, and Reggie Jones scored 14 points and nabbed three rebounds.

Western Michigan was able to knock down 27 of their 63 (43%) shots on the afternoon. The Broncos also cased in on their free throws, as they made 12 of their 15 (80%) attempts at the free throw line. Western struggled from beyond the arc, as they made just five of their 19 (26%) attempts from three-point range.

With the score 25-23 WMU, after two free throws from Reggie Jones gave the Broncos the lead, the Chippewas went on a 15-2 run to end the first half with the lead. CMU lead by 11, 38-27, at halftime.

Central Michigan had the lead out to 17 at one point in the game, as Western Michigan tried to rally back. Whenever Western would try to get it close, Central would have an answer to the Bronco rally. The Chippewas would keep the Broncos at a safe distance throughout the rest of the game to earn the victory.

Central Michigan, with the win, has earned another home game as the 8 seed, and they will host the 9th seeded Bowling Green Falcons in the first round in the MAC Tournament on Monday, March 5th. Tip is set for 7 p.m. and will be aired on ESPN3.

Western Michigan, with the loss, won’t get the bye to Cleveland. Instead, they will return home as the 6 seed to host the 11th seeded Akron Zips in the first round of the MAC Tournament on Monday, March 5th. Tip is set for 7 p.m. and will be aired on ESPN3.