Men's basketball honors three players on annual Senior Night
Larry Austin Jr. (left) and Shawn Roundtree Jr. (right) get back on defense in 80-68 loss against Toledo on March 2 at McGuirk Arena.
Despite the 80-68 loss against Toledo which eliminated the Central Michigan men's basketball team from contention of a Mid-American Conference West title, its senior starters gave it all they had.
It just happened to also be the night they were remembered for what they've done with the program.
The senior class of Larry Austin Jr., Shawn Roundtree Jr. and Austin Ervin were honored with a ceremony prior to the game.
Roundtree led all scorers with 22 points on 9-of-15 shooting, including 3-of-6 from behind the 3-point line. He also chipped in two assists and two rebounds.
Austin finished second to Roundtree with 20 points, the majority of which came in the second half. He went 8-of-15 from the field and added three assists for the Chippewas. Austin also came up with two steals, meaning he needs 2 more steals to tie the CMU single season steals record.
Despite the heroics Austin and Roundtree displayed in the second half, the Rockets had an answer for every run CMU threw at them.
Down 10 points at the 15:43 mark of the second half, CMU put together a 9-0 run to come within one point at 48-47. Six of those points came from Austin doing what he is so well known for, slashing to the rim.
The remainder of the half, however, the Rockets would outscore CMU 32-21.
In the losing effort, Austin didn't want the honors of the night to be forgotten.
“It means a lot you know, It’s the last time playing in front of the fans here," Austin said. "It means that you’re leaving your brother, you’re leaving the coaching staff, and you’re leaving a great team."
Roundtree, who did a majority of his scoring in the first half to keep the Chippewas afloat, said his two years with CMU meant everything to him.
“It’s kind of surreal," Roundtree said. "But we’re at a school in a spot where we feel loved. That’s a great feeling when you feel like you’re home.”
A Look Back at the Senior class
Larry Austin Jr. holds encased jersey on March 2 on Senior Night at McGuirk Arena.
Larry Austin Jr. — After a journey that took him from Xavier to Vanderbilt, Larry Austin finally found his home here with the Central Michigan Men’s basketball team. In his lone season with the Chippewas, Austin has put up 469 points, good for an average of 16.8 points per game. He’s also posted 161 assists, 168 rebounds, and 60 steals this season.
Shawn Roundtree Jr. holds encased jersey on March 2 on Senior Night at McGuirk Arena.
Shawn Roundtree Jr. — Roundtree also took a unique route to CMU, going to Missouri State and Mineral Area College before he finally landed in Mount Pleasant. Roundtree has been a staple in the Chippewas lineup ever since, starting in all 63 games he’s played over the last 2 seasons. Roundtree currently has 964 career points and will likely break the 1,000 point mark by the seasons end. He would be the 34th Chippewa to do so. He’s also accumulated 233 assists, 178 rebounds, and 50 steals while in a maroon and gold uniform. The senior has also shot 81 percent from the free throw line throughout his career.
Austin Ervin holds encased jersey on March 2 on Senior Night at McGuirk Arena.
Austin Ervin — Another player with a unique journey to the hardwood, Ervin started his collegiate career with the Chippewas football team. He moved to the basketball team for the 2017-18 season and has been an important part of CMU's preparation ever since. Although not often given the opportunity on game day, Ervin has been an energy player on the scout team that has challenged the starters. Ervin has 6 points and 6 rebounds in his time with the program.
