Back with a vengeance
The CMU men’s basketball team ended a three-game span of frustration with a 78-40 win against Chicago State on Tuesday in Rose Arena.
CMU’s three previous losses came on the road.
“I’m really proud of the fact that we came out and played with the level of confidence throughout our lineup,” said coach Ernie Zeigler. “We did a lot of positive things on both ends of the floor.”
Leading the way for the Chippewas was senior forward Chris Kellermann, who had 16 points and eight rebounds.
Kellermann had struggled throughout the season coming into the game. Perennially a good 3-point shooter, he entered just 3-for-16 on the season. In the win against Chicago State, Kellermann was 2-for-6 from long range and played a more physical role in the paint.
“It definitely gave me a big boost of confidence in my game, as well as our team,” he said.
Five players for CMU scored in double figures. Junior forward Jalin Thomas finished with 13 points, junior forward Marco Spica finished with 10 and, like Kellermann, found his game after struggling for most of the season early on.
“It was good to see that balance, and that is the balance we have to have, because I think it makes it difficult for people to key in on one or two guys,” Zeigler said.
The Chippewas held the Cougars to 34.1 percent shooting from the field and outrebounded them 35-23.
“I think we had a great deal focus on our game plan,” Zeigler said.
Quick Start
Central started the game playing arguably its best of the season. After a slow 2-2 start, the Chippewas took over the game.
Two 9-0 runs during the first half separated the two teams, with CMU leading by as many as 23 points. Kellermann had eight points — including his two 3-pointers — in the team’s first-half run that led to the 23-point lead.
CMU led the Cougars 36-16 at the half. Chicago State committed 16 turnovers, leading to an 18-0 edge for CMU in points off turnovers. Spica also finished the half with eight points.
In the second half, CMU started where it left off. After a quick two point basket by Chicago State, the Chippewas went on a 12-0 run, giving them a 31-point lead. Senior guard Jordan Bitzer, who did not score in the first half, sparked the run with eight points. CMU led by as many as 42 points in the half.
Junior guard Amir Rashid, who played his first game of the season against Purdue last Saturday after missing five games to injury, got his first career start. Rashid finished with five points.
Center Marquis Young led Chicago State with 12 points and six rebounds.
CMU (3-4) plays at 8 p.m. Saturday at Illinois State (6-0). CMU lost to the Redbirds 72-69 last season in Rose Arena.
The team plays its next six games on the road. The Chippewas’ next home game is a conference game on Jan. 13 against Ball State.
Notes
Sophomore guard Antonio Weary, out with a wrist injury, got his cast off Monday, and Zeigler said he is about a week away from returning.
Also, freshman guard Joey Estrada has left the program for personal reasons. Freshman Sean Day also left earlier this season.
