Second half rally slingshots Eastern past CMU

YPSILANTI _” Things were looking good early in the second half Wednesday for the women’s basketball team against Eastern Michigan.

It was ahead 30-25, but the Eagles went on a 12-0 run to take the lead for good in a 59-51 win at the Convocation Center.

CMU couldn’t stop the double-threat of junior and senior guards Patrice McKinney and Ryan Coleman.

They had a combined 32 points and 12 rebounds.

“Coleman is such a big game-changer,” said EMU coach Suzy Merchant. “We didn’t play as well as we did earlier in the season against CMU but we still pulled out the win.”

Central (16-11, 7-9 Mid-American Conference) could’ve earned a home

game in the first round of the MAC Tournament, but instead will travel to Ohio Saturday.

The team beat the Bobcats earlier in the season 60-48, but Ohio is coming off a win against Akron, which earned it the home spot.

Coach Eileen Kleinfelter was pleased with the team’s play, despite the loss.

“I think playing this good against the best team in the West Division is a real confidence booster for the tournament,” she said. “If we can hold a team like EMU to 59 points, that’s a good sign.”

CMU played a balanced first half, ending it tied at 23.

It had 15 of its first half points off 10 Eastern turnovers and had a better shooting percentage than the Eagles (41.7 percent).

But Eastern kept the game close with its second-chance opportunities. It had 22 rebounds, 11 of them offensive.

The second half was different, though.

Coleman and McKinney’s inside points and free throws helped Eastern take a 10 point lead in just five minutes.

“We didn’t have a very balanced scoring game,” Kleinfelter said. “Our bench had a bunch of points, but our starters weren’t as productive. We’ve been successful in the past when both are getting points.”

The starters did make a run near the end of the game, but it was too late.

Fouls also didn’t help the Chippewas as they allowed 14 points on free-throws.

Senior Casey Manning was the only CMU player to shoot free-throws, going 2-for-2.

“We always try to find a way to win and keep it a great game, which is what we did tonight,” Merchant said. “I hope this team’s emotional spirit stays as high as it is for the tournament.”

Central was led by senior Chasidy Myers with 16 points, while Coleman led EMU with 18.

Senior forward Ann Skufca tied the single-season block record with three blocks, making it 47 on the season.