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The #8 seed Central Michigan and #9 seed Bowling Green will face off in the first round of the MAC Tournament in Mount Pleasant, Michigan on Monday, March 5th at 7 p.m. Central Michigan won the lone match up between these two teams back on January 20th, 84-75.
Starting with Bowling Green, the Falcons are on a five game losing streak. After defeating Western Michigan back on February 13th, 83-81, the Falcons have struggled, losing close games to Akron, Kent State. Bowling Green also faced top seed Buffalo twice in the last five games and lost them both. BG comes into this game averaging just about 76 points per game, and allow just about 78 points per game.
Bowling Green is led by Justin Turner, who averages just under 16 points per game. The Falcons have two other players who average double figures, as Demajeo Wiggins averages 14 points per game, and Dylan Frye averages just under 12 points per game. Wiggins also averages 10 rebounds per game.
For Central Michigan, they come into this game with a two game winning streak, shaking off their three game losing streak. The Chippewas were able to knock off Ball State and Western Michigan their last two games to get their home game on Monday night. Coming into the game, CMU averages 78 points per game, and allows just about 72 points per game.
CMU has four different players that average double digit points. Shawn Roundtree Jr. and Cecil Williams both average 15 points per game, while David DiLeo and Kevin McKay both average 11 points per game. The Chippewas have a more balanced attack on offense, and have played much better defense then last years team. The Chippewas also lead the nation in free throw percentage, and have been near the top all year.
These two teams went back and forth during their last game. Look for this game to be just like the last time these two teams faced off, which is close. Both teams are 7-11 in the MAC, but have taken different roads to get there.