CMU men's basketball breaks losing streak, beating Olivet 85-65
Central Michigan senior center Nathan Claerbaut dunks during pregame warmups in McGuirk Arena on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025. Claerbaut led the team in total rebounds against Northern Kentucky. (CM-Life | Trevor Sparks)
After their three-game road trip, the Central Michigan men’s basketball team came back home to McGuirk Arena to compete against the University of Olivet Comets on Wednesday.
Although the Comets were playing two divisions above their norm, they were able to keep the game in a single-digit deficit with just ten seconds left in the first half.
However, the Chippewas broke away, going on a 12-2 run in the last five minutes of the game, ultimately winning 85-65.
CMU head coach Andy Bronkema discussed his reaction to the game, especially from a schematic viewpoint.
“I’m glad to get the win and some great work against the zone,” Bronkema said in an ESPN interview. “Working against that zone and creating the shots we did, I was real happy with that.”
The Chippewas were able to hold the Comets to just a 20% three-point percentage, while only giving up one behind the arc in the first half. Unfortunately, the Chippewas were only able to shoot 0.08% better.
A major factor in the outcome was the work on the paint. The Chippewas dominated the paint, 46-24, creating a margin bigger than even the final score.
A part of the paint was senior center Nathan Claerbaut, who had a massive 31-point game, going 13-17 from the field, grabbing 12 rebounds and swatting two shots.
“Honestly, I just think it was getting the ball to the right spot in the zone and people finding him,” Bronkema said. “He’s got really good touch around the basket, so (I’m) proud of him.”
Senior guard Tamario Adley was within the neighborhood of a triple-double, going 11-8-7 and sophomore guard "Phat Phat" Brooks with a game-high five steals.
Now 4-7 overall, the Chippewas will head to DeKalb, Ill. next to face the Northern Illinois University Huskies and debut Bronkema to the Mid-American Conference.
“I’m looking forward to competing in the MAC, since day one on the job,” Bronkema said. “One thing I know about this league is that it’s night in and night out.”
The Chippewas will face the Huskies on Saturday at 3 p.m.
