Rapid reaction: Central Michigan 79, Alma 64
Simons records double-double as Chippewas take down Scots
Playing in its second regular season game of 2015, Central Michigan men’s basketball took down the Division III Alma Scots 79-64 and improved to 2-0 Tuesday evening at McGuirk Arena.
It was the second time in as many seasons in which the two teams, separated by roughly 20 miles, played in an early season contest.
Senior forward John Simons turned in his first double-double of the season, scoring 16 points and grabbing 16 rebounds.
Spreading the ball around:
Along with Simons, three other Chippewas scored in double digits on Tuesday.
Sophomore forward Luke Meyer had 16 points and six rebounds while senior guard Rayshawn Simmons scored 15 points and dished out eight assists.
Coming off of an impressive season debut, junior guard Braylon Rayson put up 11 points in the winning effort.
Where’s Chris?
After missing the season opener against Jacksonville State due to an injury, senior guard Chris Fowler remained out of CMU’s starting lineup on Tuesday.
While he was amongst the Chippewa’s bench during last Friday’s 89-83 win, Fowler was not seen at all on the sidelines on Tuesday.
Starting in place of Fowler again was senior forward Austin Stewart.
Keeping it close:
Despite its smaller total enrollment and Division III status, Alma played motivated basketball from start to finish as they trailed by just 12 points at halftime.
Last season's game between the Chippewas and the Scots was CMU-dominated from the opening tip, as CMU put away Alma 106-64 but this time around was a different story.
Despite losing, Alma was able to cut the lead to six points early in the second half.
What's next:
CMU’s victory over the Scots is the Chippewa’s last game before the onset of Thanksgiving break.
After the break CMU will travel to Estero, Florida to compete in the Gulf Coast Showcase which will take place between Nov. 23 and Nov. 25 and include eight teams, including Drake, where Head Coach Keno Davis coached in 2007-08.
Murray State, who has won at least 21 games in each of the last five seasons.
The Chippewas will play Weber State in the first round of the tournament.
