BOX SCORE
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich.- Western Michigan (4-13, 0-4 MAC) couldn't overcome an 11-point halftime deficit, falling to Central Michigan, 98-87, Saturday at Rose Arena.
It was the second most points allowed by Western Michigan this season. Central Michigan entered the game with the top ranked offense in the Mid-American Conference, averaging almost 80 points a game.
The Chippewas burned Western Michigan for 11 three-pointers, seven of those coming of the hand of Angel Chan. Chan went off for a career-high 33 points, making all but two attempts from long range. Kailha Szunko pulled in a personal-best 18 rebounds, as CMU edged Western Michigan on the boards 46-40.
It was the first win for Central Michigan (10-7, 2-2 MAC) over WMU in the last four tries.
Brenna Banktson had a career night for Western Michigan, scoring 23 points, shooting 10-for-14 from the floor. Ebony Cleary posted her second double-double of the season with 16 points and 13 rebounds.
Miscues again led to the Broncos' downfall, as they turned the ball over 23 times, resulting in 36 Chippewa points.
Trailing by 11 in the first half, the Brown & Gold cut the deficit down to one with 3:29 to go, but left the door open for a 12-2 run by the Chippewas. Central Michigan led 49-38 at halftime and didn't let the Broncos come closer than six points the rest of the game.
Tiera DeLaHoussaye ended with 16 points and Miame Giden had 15.
Western Michigan concludes the first go-around with MAC West opponents Wednesday, hosting Eastern Michigan at 7 p.m. The Broncos then travel to Kent State Saturday for a 7 p.m. tip off.
