In a stunning upset, Central Michigan pulled off a 13-point victory over Western Michigan, handing the Broncos their first loss of the season. The Chippewas, seeded significantly lower in the NET rankings, proved to be the more dominant force, outscoring their opponents by 7 points in the second half to seal the win. The final score, 83-70, was a decisive margin that left little doubt about the outcome.
The 13-point margin of victory was a significant difference, especially considering the relatively small gap in NET rankings between the two teams. Western Michigan, ranked 290th, was expected to be the favorite, but Central Michigan's 292nd ranking belied their actual performance. The Chippewas' 40-33 halftime lead and 43-37 second-half advantage set the tone for their eventual victory.
Tamario Adley's performance was a dominant force for Central Michigan, as he led the team in scoring with 25 points on 7-of-10 shooting from the field, including 1-of-2 from three-point range. His efficiency at the free-throw line was nearly flawless, converting 10-of-14 attempts. Adley's rebounding efforts were also notable, securing 6 boards to contribute to the Chippewas' overall attack.
Phat Phat Brooks provided a well-rounded performance, scoring 19 points while contributing 5 assists and 4 rebounds. His shooting percentages from the field were respectable, making 5-of-10 attempts. Brooks' free-throw shooting was particularly impressive, converting 9-of-10 attempts to help Central Michigan maintain a strong pace throughout the game. Nathan Claerbaut, meanwhile, made a significant impact on the defensive end, blocking 11 shots to anchor the Chippewas' defense.
Jayden Brewer's performance was a mixed bag, as he managed to contribute across the board with 16 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 assists. However, his 6-for-13 shooting from the field was a concern, and he failed to stretch the defense with a three-pointer, going 0-for-1 from beyond the arc. Brewer's efficiency was not enough to propel Western Michigan to victory, as he struggled to find his rhythm in the face of a tough Central Michigan defense.
EJ Ryans had a decent outing, scoring 15 points on 6-for-10 shooting from the field and 1-for-2 from three-point range. However, he failed to impact the game on the glass, managing just 1 rebound. Ryans' 3 assists were a bright spot, but it was not enough to compensate for his lack of production in other areas. Brady Swartz's 10 points and 10 rebounds were a bright spot for Western Michigan, but his 3-for-11 shooting from the field and 0 assists were a concern.
The rest of the Central Michigan roster and Western Michigan's supporting cast largely adhered to their established season averages.
CHD Scout Report Card
CORRECTPredicted
Final
While the final margin of 13 points was within the pre-game prediction of a 8.5-point Central Michigan victory, the actual outcome was largely in line with expectations. Central Michigan's ability to outperform its season averages on both ends of the floor played a significant role in the decisive nature of the game.
A key factor in the Chippewas' victory was their marked improvement on offense, with an in-game effective field goal percentage that was nearly 10 percentage points higher than their season average. This uptick in shooting efficiency was particularly pronounced from beyond the arc, where Central Michigan's in-game three-point percentage was nearly 7 percentage points higher than its season average. On the defensive end, Western Michigan's struggles to secure rebounds, particularly in comparison to their own season average, allowed Central Michigan to maintain possession and capitalize on their improved shooting.
The outcome of this game has significant implications for both teams' NCAA Tournament resumes. For Central Michigan, a Quad 4 win does little to boost its overall NET ranking, but it does add a third Quad 2 victory, potentially providing a slight boost to its NET rating. However, given its 0-4 record against Quad 1 opponents, Central Michigan's chances of securing a tournament bid remain slim, and it's unlikely to receive a seeding beyond the 16th line in the NCAA Tournament bracket. Western Michigan, on the other hand, sees its already bleak chances of making the tournament take a hit, as its loss drops it to 0-2 against Quad 2 opponents, further solidifying its status as a long shot. Its NET ranking and overall resume continue to resemble those of a mid-major bubble team, but the loss to a fellow Mid-American Conference opponent will likely leave it on the outside looking in.