Rapid Reaction: Central Michigan 72, Ohio 49
The Central Michigan and Ohio men's basketball teams entered Saturday with 2-3 records in Mid-American Conference play. CMU, however, showed its play was not indicative of its record.
The Chippewas used a 15-8 run at the end of the first half to separate themselves from the Bobcats and held the lead in the second half to finish with a 72-49 win on Saturday at McGuirk Arena.
CMU improves to 10-9 (3-3 MAC) while the Bobcats fell to 11-7 (2-4 MAC).
Meyer limits Campbell down low
Ohio entered the contest with five players averaging double figures in scoring. At the end of the first half, Antonio Campbell was the only Bobcat with 10 or more points, finishing with 11 in the first 20 minutes.
By the the end of the game, Campbell was still the only Bobcat in double figures, finishing with 17 points to go along with 12 rebounds. CMU controlled Ohio with strong man-to-man defense and CMU sophomore forward Luke Meyer limited any additional damage from Campbell in the post.
Meyer finished with 14 points, including eight in the second half.
Rayson's Big Day
CMU counteracted Campbell and the Bobcats with their own offensive attack, led by senior guard Braylon Rayson.
The Dallas native came into the game averaging 17 points a game and finished with 14. Rayson used an arsenal of drives to the rim and jump shots to aide CMU offensively and also collected seven rebounds rebounds with his 5-9 frame to tie senior forward John Simons for the team high.
Scott strong off bench
The Chippewas received strong contributions from its bench, specifically sophomore forward DaRohn Scott.
Scott had two key dunks in the first half, including one on an assist from Rayson ignite the crowd and put CMU up 27-20. He later threw down a wide open two-handed slam from Fowler for the Chippewas final points of the first half. The two connected again for an alley-oop with less than four minutes left in the game.
The Grand Rapids native finished with eight points, five rebounds and two blocks.
What's Next
The Chippewas will hit the road once again as they will visit Miami (Ohio) on Tuesday. The RedHawks (6-12, 0-5 MAC) are led by Eric Washington, who is averaging 20.2 points per game in MAC play.
CMU will return to McGuirk Arena for games against Bowling Green next Saturday and Kent State on Feb. 2.
