MAC Men’s Basketball Tournament Recap: #8 Central Michigan Chippewas vs. #1 Buffalo Bulls

Jeremy Harris scored 27 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, as the Buffalo Bulls moves onto the semifinals, defeating the Central Michigan Chippewas, 89-74 in Cleveland.

Four Bulls players scored in double digits including Harris. CJ Massinburg scored 18 points, grabbed five rebounds, and dished out four assists to help out the Buffalo cause. Nick Perkins added 16 points and five rebounds, and Wes Clark scored 11 points, grabbed eight rebounds, and dished out six assists.

Buffalo was able to make 31 of their 69 (45%) shot attempts. The Bulls struggled from the free throw line, making just 15 of their 23 (65%) attempts at the charity stripe. They made up for the lost points beyond the arc, as the Bulls made 12 of their 30 (40%) three-point shots. Buffalo was able to out rebound the Chippewas, 51-36 on the afternoon.

Four Chippewas scored in double digits. Cecil Williams led the way for CMU, as he scored 21 points and grabbed 13 rebounds. Kevin McKay scored 16 points and grabbed four rebounds, Luke Meyer added 12 points, and Shawn Roundtree Jr. scored 10 points and grabbed eight rebounds.

Central Michigan knocked down 22 of their 61 (36%) shots in the game. CMU struggled from beyond the arc, as they made just six of their 28 (21%) three-point shots. The Chippewas showed once again their great free throw abilities, as they made 24 of their 29 (83%) from the charity stripe.

The Bulls held a nine point lead at halftime, and never relinquished the lead the rest of the game. The Chippewas were able to bring the game to within two twice, but never able to take the lead in the second half. Every time Central Michigan was able to bring the game close, Buffalo would answer with a run of their own and hold off the Chippewas.

With the win, Buffalo will face the winner of the Ball State/Kent State game on Friday at 6:30.