Men’s basketball wins MAC opener

TOLEDO, Ohio – The CMU men’s basketball team opened up its Mid-American Conference schedule with a victory Saturday.

The Chippewas defeated Toledo 59-48 in Savage Arena.

The win snapped a seven game losing streak in Toledo. The Rockets had won 12 of the last 13 meetings coming into Saturday’s game.

“We knew that if we had aspirations to compete in the top of our division you’ve got to win out on the road,” said CMU coach Ernie Zeigler.

CMU held Toledo to just 36.1 percent shooting and outrebounded the Rockets 34-24.

“We were really focused to take away their driving gaps, really be physical among their cutters, (and) contesting every shot,” Zeigler said.

CMU led by as many as 20 and were led by senior guards Robbie Harman and Jordan Bitzer, who finished with 17 and 15 points respectively.

Senior forward Chris Kellermann finished with nine points and nine rebounds.

Toledo (3-12, 0-1 MAC) was led by freshman guard Jake Barnett, who finished with 19 points.

CMU (6-7, 1-0 MAC) plays next against Ball State at 7 p.m. Wednesday in Rose Arena.

Check Monday’s edition for expanded coverage on CMU’s victory.