Men extend home wining streak to 14
The men’s basketball team took 13 shots in the second half but still avenged last year’s loss to Loyola-Chicago winning 79-72 Sunday.
The Chippewas attempted only 13 shots but had 42 opportunities from the charity stripe.
The Ramblers committed 26 personal fouls in the second half, including having David Bailey, Corey Minnifield and Silvije Turkovic foul out.
“I pray that I get these calls at home,” said Ramblers Head Coach Larry Farmer.
Bailey, who came in as the nation’s leading scorer averaging 28.5 points per game, was held to 24 points on 10-of-23 shooting. He fouled out with three second remaining in the game.
“We try to play to the level the game is being officiated at,” Farmer said.
The calls went both ways as Chad Pleiness fouled out with 4:05 to go in the second half.
“The calls were consistent. Once they kept blowing it,” said CMU Head Coach Jay Smith. “We had some calls go against us. I thought it was equal.”
The first half was clean as the Ramblers committed seven fouls to the Chippewas six.
Neither team was able to establish more than a five-point lead in the first half. Loyola-Chicago took a 37-34 lead into the half.
Loyola-Chicago shot 45.7 percent from the field while CMU shot 14-of-26 in the first half.
The Ramblers came out in the second half and built a seven-point lead before they went cold. CMU went on a 12-0 run to build a four-point lead. Loyola-Chicago cut the lead down to one before CMU slowly pulled away for the 79-72 victory.
Loyola-Chicago attempted 30 three-pointers for the game making six. The Ramblers did out rebound CMU 36-32, including a 21-7 edge on the offensive boards.
“They had a lot of penetration so every time we boxed out they would sneak in behind our backs and grab the board,” Smith said.
David Webber led the Chippewas with 22 points, on 6-of-11 shooting. He was 7-of-14 from the free throw line.
“I may not be able to shoot free throws but I can play defense,” he said.
Chris Kaman had 12 rebounds and 11 points, two assists, four turnovers and three blocks.
“We just need him to be consistent every game,” Smith said. “They banged him early at Oklahoma and he took a step back.”
Whitney Robinson and Chad Pleiness each had 13 points. Mike Manciel added 12 points and six rebounds. He didn’t commit a turnover in 28 minutes of action.
“It is a good thing when you have offense,” Manciel said. “We just have to get more rebounds on the defensive end.”
Tony Bowne came off the bench adding 15 minutes while scoring six points, including four free throws.
“Now we need to get back to playing and winning on the road,” Smith said.
Sophomore Gerrit Brigitha didn’t play because of a strained back sustained during the Oklahoma game.
“We need him; we need bodies, especially on the road,” Smith said.
The Chippewas travel to George Mason on Wednesday for a 7 p.m. game.
