Men’s basketball plays for share of division crown against Eastern Michigan

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It is a big game when Eastern Michigan coach Charles Ramsey and CMU’s Ernie Zeigler don’t speak during the week before it.

That is what has happened this week — the friends’ focus lies squarely on preparing their teams for their 6:30 p.m. Thursday matchup in Ypsilanti. Both teams’ final game of the regular season will be televised on Fox Sports Detroit.

It doesn’t get much bigger than this one, Zeigler said. With a win, CMU clinches at least a share of the Mid-American Conference West Division, while the Eagles (16-13, 8-7 MAC) will win the division outright with a victory.

“We really couldn’t ask for anything more,” Zeigler said. “To be in this position two consecutive years, to go on the road to play our arch-rival with an opportunity to at least get a share of the MAC West title, the stars have been aligned. We’re looking forward to the showdown in Ypsi.”

CMU needed some help to even have a chance to still win the West Division. After a 6-2 start in the MAC, the Chippewas (14-14, 8-7 MAC) lost five of their next six conference games before beating Western Michigan on Saturday.

“The rest of our division presented this opportunity for us,” said senior forward Chris Kellermann. “For awhile, we had chances to control our own destiny and then we lost it. Now, with one game left, we still have a chance to reach our goals and get to the top of the MAC West. Even with all that, we’re still in good shape.”

CMU needs WMU to beat Ball State (8-7 MAC) on Thursday to gain a bye in the first round. Otherwise, the Chippewas will host a first-round game Sunday at Rose Arena.

“Most of the time, you don’t get a third chance,” Zeigler said. “This is it. If we can understand that, then hopefully it’s meant to be to have this third opportunity.”

Big men battle

Zeigler emphasized the importance of rebounding against EMU to his forwards and centers to during Tuesday’s practice. CMU was outrebounded 38-30 by the Eagles in its 71-63 home win on Jan. 20.

“Eastern is such a physical team,” Zeigler said. “Brandon Bowdry is a double-double. They are so physical and relentless going to the glass and we have to win that battle or at the very least be even.”

Bowdry, the MAC’s leading rebounder and fourth-leading scorer, averages 16.4 points and 9.8 rebounds per game. He spent most of the teams’ last game in foul trouble, which limited his effectiveness. He finished with 11 points and six rebounds.

“We’re going to be looking to double team him a lot,” Kellermann said. “I think we did that same thing last game. I don’t think he’s going to get the same fouls at home that he got here. We’ve just got to find some way to get him in foul trouble and keep him off the floor as much we can.”

Much like CMU had the chance to do Saturday, EMU sends off two of its seniors —guard Carlos Medlock and forward Justin Dobbins against an in-state rival.
Medlock, who ranks third in career 3-pointers made at EMU, averages 15.9 points per game, which ranks fifth in the conference. The Eagles started 2-5 in the MAC before winning six of their past eight games.

“We’re going to get their very best effort,” Zeigler said.

Said Kellermann: “My goal ever since I started playing college basketball is to make it to the NCAA Tournament. That’s the only thing I’m shooting for right now.”

Thomas to play

Junior forward Jalin Thomas will help CMU’s rebounding effort as he expects to play against despite a sore back. Thomas was held out of contact drills during Tuesday’s practice, but Zeigler said he expects Thomas to start Thursday.

Thomas played 24 minutes Saturday, scoring six points and grabbing two rebounds.

sports@cm-life.com