CMU men's basketball earns second conference win
The Central Michigan University men's basketball team blows Eastern Michigan out of the water with an 82-63 win on Tuesday, Jan. 14 in McGuirk Arena. (CM Life | Jasmine Brookins)
Central Michigan men’s basketball continues onto a two-game winning streak by clutching a 71-66 victory over Northern Illinois on Saturday. The Chippewas improved to 8-9 overall and 2-3 in the MAC.
Guard Jakobi Heady powered the Chippewas with 16 points and nine rebounds, including a pair of crucial second-chance baskets that staved off a late Huskies surge. Guard Cayden Vasko added 15 points, going a perfect 3-for-3 from beyond the arc, while guard Anthony Pritchard delivered 13 points, nine assists, and six rebounds.
CMU set the tone early, with Heady scoring the first four points of the game, including a fast-break dunk following a steal. The Chippewas built a six-point halftime lead, 35-29, with Vasko and Pritchard connecting on critical 3-pointers to counter NIU’s hot shooting from deep.
In the second half, Central Michigan stretched its lead to eight after points from Heady and Vasko. However, Northern Illinois responded with a 9-2 run to close the gap to three points midway through the half.
The Huskies had chances late, but turnovers and missed free throws derailed their comeback. Heady’s defensive rebound in the final minute and two free throws from Pritchard with eight seconds remaining sealed the victory for the Chippewas.
Central Michigan dominated the glass, pulling down 16 offensive rebounds that led to 16 second-chance points.
The Chippewas will return home to take on Ball State at 7 p.m. on Tuesday.
