CMU basketball falls to Wisconsin in its last away game of 2025
The Central Michigan men's basketball team lines up for the National Anthem before the game in McGuirk Arena on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025. (CMLife | Alivia Cranick)
The Central Michigan University men’s basketball team had a challenging task ahead, traveling to Madison, Wis., to face the University of Wisconsin Badgers on Monday, who were ranked 24th in the nation in the pre-season Associated Press Poll.
Even against the daunting opponent, the Chippewas started the game with a lead, thanks to a 7-0 run, leading 11-10 in the first five minutes.
However, after that lead, the Badgers would make their way to a commanding 88-61 win.
The Chippewas ran into several problems, a significant one being rebounding. They were out-rebounded 22-41 and had just two rebounds compared to the Badgers’ nine.
Even without their starting guard and Michigan native John Blackwell, UW’s passing didn’t miss a beat, almost doubling CMU's assists, 25-13.
CMU head coach Andy Bronkema spoke on how the Badgers’ playmaking worked well.
“They were pretty good passers, they were lengthy, they can pass over top of us, we fell asleep on the backside a couple times,” Bronkema said to the CMU Chippewas Sports Network.
“It’s a good team.”
Although much later than Blackwell, the Chippewas would also lose some of their guard play.
Sophomore "Phat Phat" Brooks and senior Logan McIntire both fouled out with around an eighth of the game left to play.
Despite fouling out, Bronkema was proud of the energy, especially on the play Brooks fouled out on.
“He was really determined to guard that guy,” Bronkema said. “I don’t know if that was a foul or not, but he really competed on that play. Those plays stick out.”
Although the scoreboard showed a major deficit, many aspects of the game were close, or even favored the Chippewas.
The Chippewas had one fewer turnover and four more steals than the Badgers. However, they were outscored decently on points off turnovers, 6-15.
“Maybe it doesn’t show on the box score, but we’re looking for competing plays,” Bronkema said. “I’m proud after getting kicked in the gut last game for us to come out and show some resolve.”
The Chippewas head back to Mount Pleasant for their next game against the Ohio University Bobcats on Tuesday, Dec. 30.
