CMU men's basketball move 2-4 overall after loss to Marquette
Upset alert defused as the Chippewas lose rasp of the Golden Eagles, 85-71
Central Michigan players sit on the bench during the game against Northern Kentucky in McGuirk Arena on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025. (CMLife | Alivia Cranick)
The Central Michigan men’s basketball team traveled to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to play a March Madness regular in the Marquette University Golden Eagles.
Even against a formidable opponent, the Chippewas were able to stay within striking distance late in the game, only being down by double digits for under three minutes of the game.
With less than five minutes left in the game, sophomore forward Keenan Garner hit two free throws to close the gap to just five between the Chippewas and the Golden Eagles.
However, the Golden Eagles went on a 12-3 run to close out the game and ultimately win 85-71.
Head coach Andy Bronkema spoke to the CMU Chippewas Sports Network about how the game was decided by turnovers.
“We had it to single-digit turnover to a team that turns you over 18 times a game and then a couple of lazy bounce passes. They converted, and it went from a two-possession game to out of reach,” he said.
“We've got to make better plays in those situations.”
With a nine-man rotation and eventually an eight-man rotation, due to senior center Nick Mullen fouling out, the scoring distribution was relatively even for the Chippewas, with no players scoring 15 or more points, and only one less than 5. They also had the most assists they’ve had all season, with 18.
This kind of distribution is what the coaches are looking for.
“Sharing the ball is going to be something that this team does,” Bronkema said to the CMU Chippewas Sports Network. “And if it doesn't happen, you know, then they can find themselves on the bench for a little while until they think about it because that's the best way to play basketball.”
Seniors Nathan Claerbaut and Tamario Adley led the team in various ways. The center Claerbaut led the team in points and blocks, while grabbing the second most rebounds and playing 35 of the 40 minutes in the game. The guard Adley led the team in rebounds and steals, while also scoring double-digit points.
Another bright spot for the Chippewas was sophomore guard 'Phat Phat' Brooks. He actually started the game on the bench, yet had the second-most minutes among Chippewas. He also had the second-most points while having the most assists for CMU.
An additional factor contributing to the Chippewas’ loss was Marquette guard Chase Ross. Along with his 27-point game and efficient shooting, he drew as many free throws as the entire CMU roster, making 12 of 14. In fact, as a team, the Golden Eagles had 21 more free throws than the Chippewas.
Marquette also shot more efficiently from the field, making the same number of shots as CMU, in 16 fewer shots.
Bronkema spoke to CMU Chippewas Sports Network on where the defense is as a team.
“I don’t feel like we’re where we’re going to be,” he said. “They’re too sporadic, but our chemistry is just not there yet.”
“We did not hold them to a low enough percentage. We didn’t. But before that can happen, effort has to be there, and the effort was outstanding today.”
The Chippewas, who are now 2-4, come back to McGuirk Arena next Tuesday to play the Adrian Bulldogs.
