The Central Michigan Chippewas delivered a resounding 88-46 victory over the Northern Illinois Huskies, with Jaxson Whitaker's 19 points pacing the team to their largest margin of victory this season, 42 points. Central Michigan's high-powered offense was on full display, shooting 47.5% from the field and 40% from beyond the arc, while holding Northern Illinois to just 32.7% shooting from the field. The Chippewas' dominance was evident from the start, outscoring the Huskies 51-22 in the first half, including a 14-0 run midway through the period.
Central Michigan's 42-Point Margin of Victory Marks Their Largest Since 2018
The game unfolded with Central Michigan taking control from the opening tip, racing out to a 25-10 lead just 10 minutes into the contest. The Chippewas' stifling defense held Northern Illinois to just 22 points in the first half, while their offense continued to click, scoring 51 points on 55.6% shooting from the field. In the second half, Central Michigan continued to pour it on, outscoring the Huskies 37-24, including a 10-2 run to start the period. The Chippewas' 88 points marked their highest total of the season, while Northern Illinois' 46 points were their lowest output in 12 games. Central Michigan's 42-point margin of victory was also their largest of the season, surpassing their previous high of 25 points.
Jaxson Whitaker led the way for Central Michigan, scoring 19 points on 7-12 shooting from the field, including 3-5 from beyond the arc. Nathan Claerbaut added 16 points, while Keenan Garner chipped in with 14 points and 11 rebounds, marking his third double-double of the season. For Northern Illinois, Makhai Valentine was the lone bright spot, scoring 13 points and grabbing 6 rebounds, while Gianni Cobb and Taj Walters each added 10 points. Valentine's 13 points marked his 10th consecutive game in double figures, while Cobb's 10 points were his highest total in five games.
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Central Michigan's 47.5% shooting from the field marked their highest percentage of the season, while their 40% shooting from beyond the arc was their best in 10 games. The Chippewas also dominated the glass, outrebounding Northern Illinois 43-29, including 15-8 on the offensive boards. Northern Illinois, on the other hand, struggled to find their rhythm, committing 17 turnovers and shooting just 32.7% from the field. The Huskies' 46 points were their lowest output since scoring 44 points against Eastern Michigan on January 17.
The CHD Scout model predicted a Central Michigan victory by 9.8 points, with a final score of 77-67. While the model correctly picked the winner, it underestimated the margin of victory, as Central Michigan ultimately won by 42 points. The model's prediction was based on Central Michigan's strong offense, which has averaged 74.5 points per game over their last 10 contests. The Chippewas' dominant performance was a reflection of their improving play, which has seen them win 4 of their last 6 games.
The victory marked a Quad 4 win for Central Michigan, who improved to 8-17 on the season. The Chippewas' NET ranking of 304 remains unchanged, while Northern Illinois' NET ranking of 306 also remains unchanged. The loss was a Quad 4 defeat for the Huskies, who fell to 8-16 on the season. While the game had limited implications for the tournament picture, it was an important win for Central Michigan, who are looking to build momentum heading into the final stretch of the season. The Chippewas' 42-point margin of victory was their largest of the season, and marked their first win by 40 or more points since defeating Chicago State by 43 points on December 11, 2020.
Central Michigan want to build on their dominant performance when they host Western Michigan on February 18, while Northern Illinois will aim to bounce back when they travel to Toledo on February 19. The Chippewas will be seeking their fifth win in seven games, while the Huskies want to snap a two-game losing streak.