CMU men's basketball dominates Appalachian State at home in season opener
Central Michigan University senior guard Tamario Adley shoots and scores a 3-pointer right after scoring a layup at McGuirk Arena, Monday, Nov. 3, 2025. Adley played 32 minutes, leading the team with 22 points.(CM Life | Jasmine Brookins)
50 seconds into the season, Central Michigan sophomore forward Keenan Garner opened the game for the Chippewas, making a contested layup and taking the lead over Appalachian State.
CMU never looked back, as it never surrendered that lead.
The Chippewas started the season with an 82-66 win over the Appalachian State Mountaineers at McGuirk Arena on Monday. This was the competitive debut of Andy Bronkema as the CMU basketball Head Coach.
“There’s a lot of people to check out what we’re going to look like this year, so it did feel exciting,” he said. “At the same time, CMU has been around for a long time, and a lot of great tradition and people have poured themselves into the university, the sports teams, the basketball team and a lot of pride in this university.”
“We’re just carrying the torch.”
To start the game, the Chippewas held the Mountaineers to single digits for almost 11 minutes. According to Bronkema, this was a fundamental success
“We’re programmed a certain way,” he said. “Staying in position, staying in the system, communicating, and it’s no different for the Chippewas than it is for any other team out there. Those are the defensive rules that matter.”
Throughout the game, CMU was able to rebound, which helped its possession and lead. Bronkema felt that the mentality was a big factor.
“I thought being even and winning the rebound battle was going to take a lot of heart and mentality,” he said. “It wasn’t going to be out of straight physicality.”
One CMU player that stood out throughout the game was senior guard Tamario Adley who led the game in points, with 22, while also tying for first in rebounds with seven, three assists and two blocks.
“That has just been me since I was growing up, I had to do things that people don’t want to do,” he said. “On the offensive end, everything just naturally flowed. My teammates got me open, gave me the confidence to do what I do best, and from there, we just got the victory.”
Bronkema also commented on Adley’s performance.
“It’s for you guys to see, I see it every day,” he said. “He’s a great rebounding guard, he’s super athletic, he’s got a nose for the ball, and he’s got a license to go get it.”
The Chippewas shot well from outside the arc, shooting 8/17 (47.1%), and with senior guard Logan McIntire leading the charge, making four of his five three-pointers.
“It’s just going out there and doing my thing,” McIntire said. “Coach Bronk’s is always harping on us to do our role, and that's what I went out there and did.”
McIntire and Adley’s roles, along with the rest of the team, contribute to the identity that Bronkema is creating for the Chippewas.
“The identity of the team is just how can everybody use their talents to impact the game and impact winning,” he said. “It’s the expectation for each one of these guys to play to their strengths, use their superpowers within the game, within the system, and be confident in it.”
The Chippewas are set to travel to Peoria, Illinois, to face Bradley University on November 8th at 8 p.m. to start their road trip.
