CMU women's basketball snags win over Miami (Ohio)
As the fourth quarter began, Central Michigan women's basketball quickly lost its two-point lead against Miami (Ohio) on Wednesday. As Miami took a three-point lead, guard Lisa Tesson stormed down the court where she found guard Tiana Timpe who nailed a three-pointer.
From there, CMU began to pick up momentum, pushing the team to a five-point lead as the game ended 64-59, earning the Chippewas their second-straight win, a first this season.
“It feels great,” head coach Kristin Haynie said. “Our players fought and never gave up, given our short bench tonight. Players stepped up and made clutch shots down the stretch."
Leading in points in Wednesday's matchup was guard Karrington Gordon, who shot 83% from beyond the arc, ending the night with 19 points. According to Haynie, Gordon continues to play a crucial role in the team’s success.
“(Gordon) has done a good job of being consistent,” Haynie said. “She’s been working in the gym and confidence comes from preparation so it’s not a surprise she’s playing well.”
Again, CMU remained consistent with rebounds pulling in 47 against Miami, higher than its normal average. Center Rochelle Norris dominated in the paint with 12 total rebounds while guard Taylor Anderson followed close behind with 10.
“We continue to emphasize defense and rebounding wins games,” Haynie said. “We do rebound drills every day and it’s carrying over to the games.”
Earning just their fifth win this season, the team remains 5-14 overall and 3-6 in conference play. CMU has climbed the Mid-American Conference (MAC) standings now taking Eastern Michigan’s spot at ninth. As the MAC tournament approaches, the team pushes to snag a spot in the top eight.
“We talk about going to Cleveland all the time and it’s one game at a time,” Haynie said. “Players are doing a good job staying in the moment and taking it game by game.”
As CMU remains on the road, it will battle it out with Kent State on Saturday. The Golden Flashes currently reside in third after holding a 7-2 MAC record. This game remains critical for the Chippewas to grow in the standings.
“We have to continue to stay together, and it starts with defending and rebounding so we will keep that going,” Haynie said. “We’re doing a better job of finding each other on offense, so we’re looking to build off that. Finally, we need to take care of the ball against Kent State and being on the road.”
