Free throws prove pivotal in men's basketball's win over Youngstown State
Going into Tuesday’s 75-63 victory over Youngstown State University, the CMU basketball team was carrying shooting 62.2 percent from the free-throw line.
Against YSU, the Chippewas made 19 of their 25 chances from the line, good enough for a 76 percent conversion rate.
“Free throw shooting was concerning in the past in our exhibition game. Against Alma, we had not shot well,” Head Coach Keno Davis said. “Yet, I believe in our guys and I know they’re good free throw shooters.”
The Chippewas hung to a slim lead on the Penguins for most of the night. A few key made free throws proved the difference in CMU’s win.
“To be able to ice the game with free throws down the stretch and keep the game at least at arm’s length was nice to see,” Davis said. “I’m confident in all of my players free throw shooting abilities.”
Junior guard Chris Fowler converted eight of his nine free-throw opportunities in the win.
Fowler led the team with 16 points. Junior forward John Simons was not sent to the line, but he was able to explain how early season jitters can play a role in converting on CMU’s free-throw opportunities.
“Sometimes it’s hard to simulate shooting free-throws in a game,” Simons said.“Maybe having two games with fans in the seats, people are starting to settle in and feel less pressure from the free-throw line.”
Dallas native and sophomore guard, Braylon Rayson made all four of his chances from the bonus line and scored 12 points in the win.
Freshman forward Luke Meyer, who had 13 points and nine rebounds, sunk both of his free-throw chances in the game.
