KALAMAZOO, Mich.- Western Michigan dropped its final home game of 2012, falling to Central Michigan Saturday, 66-53.
Playing their final game at University Arena, seniors Maria Iaquaniello, Robin Giden and Miame Giden, who had her season cut short with a knee injury in November, were honored prior to the game.
Iaquaniello led WMU with a team-high 12 points and nine rebounds, playing 39 minutes. Robin Giden totaled seven points and nine rebounds.
Western Michigan (7-21, 4-11 MAC) dominated the rebounding margin, 54-43, and had four more offensive boards. Corie Buchanan and Michelle O'Brien each pulled down 10 rebounds, while scoring seven and six points, respectively. Buchanan also dished out five assists.
Western Michigan cut an 11-point second-half deficit down to four with seven straight points around the 13-minute mark, but had the Chippewas go on to a 20-4 run over the next six minutes.
Central Michigan led 33-22 at halftime and outscored the Broncos by two in the second half. WMU gave up 35 points off of turnovers, tossing the ball away 23 times.
Jessica Green's 16 points led four players in double figures for Central Michigan (15-14, 7-8 MAC). Taylor Johnson totaled 15 points, Jalisa Olive had 12 and Brandie Baker finished with 10 points and nine rebounds.
The loss eliminated Western Michigan from contention of hosting one of next Saturday's first round Mid-American Conference Tournament games. The Broncos conclude the regular season Tuesday at Northern Illinois.
