KALAMAZOO, Mich.- Despite a late surge by the Broncos, Mid-American Conference rival Central Michigan weathered the storm, beating Western Michigan, 64-60, Wednesday night.
It was the Broncos' first loss to the Chippewas on their home floor in 11 years, last falling to CMU at University Arena during the 1997-98 season. With Central Michigan taking the meeting in Mount Pleasant earlier this year, it was also the first time in as many seasons that the Chippewas swept the season series.
The Broncos (7-19, 3-10 MAC) jumped out of the gates with a 10-2 run, but thanks to a nearly five minute scoring drought, the Chippewas were able to come back and take a 30-26 halftime lead. Western Michigan never regained the advantage and fell behind by as many 16 in the second half.
Both teams were plagued by weak shooting early as the Broncos shot 31.4 percent (11-for-35) from the field through the first half and CMU shot 36.7 percent (11-for-30).
Trailing by 16 with 5:04 remaining, Western Michigan felt the heat late in the game. The Broncos managed to whittle the deficit down to four, but couldn't come any closer.
Ebony Cleary totaled 17 points and eight rebounds for WMU, leading the Broncos in both columns. After being contained in the first half, freshman Miame Giden and senior Tiera DeLaHoussaye were finally able to hit their stride in the second half, and finished with 17 and 10 points respectively. Both grabbed seven rebounds, and DeLaHoussaye added six steals and four assists.
DeLaHoussaye, attempting to become the first player in MAC history to total 1,000 points, 600 assists, 500 rebounds and 300 steals is 10 rebounds shy of the mark after tonight's game, with at least four games guaranteed left in the season.
A mix of Central Michigan's big three, Britni Houghton, Kaihla Szunko and Angel Chan were too much for the Broncos to handle, as the trio combined for 46 points of the Chips' 64 points. Szunko also hauled in 17 rebounds to go with her 13 points, a major factor in CMU's ability to outrebound WMU, 49-45. It was just the second time this season the Brown & Gold has been outrebounded by a conference foe.
Houghton finished with 17 points and Chan 16, on her way to reaching 1,000 career points. Central Michigan improved to 15-12, 7-6 in MAC play.
WMU takes to the road next, traveling to West Division leader Ball State Saturday, Feb. 28, for a 1 p.m. tip-off. The Broncos gave the Cardinals a run for their money in the first meeting, but BSU edged the Broncos, 70-67, on Jan. 10
