Women’s hoops loses final road game of regular season to Toledo
With the Mid-American Conference Tournament less than two weeks away, the Central Michigan University women’s basketball team continues to search for consistency.
The Chippewas lacked uniformity during a 62-53 loss to the Toledo Rockets Saturday. The loss dropped CMU to 12-15 overall and 7-9 in MAC play this season.
“The lack of consistency we have at this late juncture of the season is disappointing,” said Head Coach Sue Guevara. “This is it for our seniors. They are running out of time.”
Senior guard Crystal Bradford did not play during the Chippewas loss to Toledo due to a knee injury. Bradford has been in and out of CMU’s lineup in February.
In Bradford’s absence Saturday, the Chippewas’ offense worked to find rhythm.
A struggling post game was led by senior forward Jas’Mine Bracey and fellow senior Lorreal Jones. The two players combined for five points and 14 rebounds during the loss.
“It wasn’t a typical day from Bracey and Jones,” Guevara said. “We need them to get to the post and finish at the basket.”
CMU was outrebounded 44-40 by the Rockets, marking the fourth time the Chippewas have lost the rebounding battle since the beginning of February.
In order to reverse this trend, Guevara said the Chippewas will need a rejuvenated sense of urgency.
“The toughness of Toledo got to us on the glass,” she said. “We got out worked. They ripped the ball away from us a couple of times. We can’t have that.”
Indiana native and freshman Aleah Swary scored 14 points against the Rockets and her minutes on the floor have been progressively increasing.
“I’ve had a lot of confidence in her,” Guevara said. “She brings us continuity. Ever since she played against Ball State, she has been consentient.”
In the four games since CMU lost to Ball State, Swary has averaged 11 points per game and shot 39 percent from the floor.
While her offensive production has been strong, Guevara is more impressed with Swary’s defensive effort.
“She is good at rotating and has a good feel for the defense,” Guevara said. “I can play her anywhere in our zone.”
The Chippewas host Ball State at 7 p.m. Wednesday at McGuirk Arena.
