MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich.- Western Michigan couldn't keep Central Michigan's pace, falling to the Chippewas, 91-75, Saturday at McGuirk Arena. CMU entered the game with the fourth ranked offense in the nation, averaging 81.6 ppg. WMU in particular had trouble slowing the long-range shooting of freshman Niki DiGuilio in the first half. DiGuilio torched WMU for six three's, scoring all 18 of her points in the first half. CMU led by 13 at the break, 51-38.

WMU did a better job hanging with the Chippewas in the second half, but couldn't make up any ground. After falling behind by as many as 16, the Broncos pulled within six, 70-64, with 8:50 remaining. Central Michigan called a timeout and proceeded to score seven straight points over the next minute to thwart the Bronco comeback.

Shonda Long picked up the scoring slack in the second half for CMU, netting 17 of her game-high 27 points in the final 20 minutes. Brandie Baker was the third Chippewa to reach double figures with 17 points.

Ebony Cleary carried the bulk of the load for Western Michigan, tying a career-high with 21 points and recording her sixth double-double of the season (16th career) with 12 rebounds. Miame Giden tied her season high with 17 points. Taylor Manley finished with 14 points and Kemmy Dominique had 12.

Central Michigan (17-8, 9-4 MAC) outscored Western Michigan 13-2 on the fast break and generated 14 more points in the paint as well as off of turnovers. WMU committed 23 turnovers for the game while CMU had 19.

Western Michigan shot a respectable 39.7 percent for the afternoon, but CMU again was a slightly better at 48.3 percent.

Western Michigan (7-19, 3-10 MAC) hosts Northern Illinois in its next matchup, Tuesday, Feb. 22 at 7 p.m.