Chippewas win by biggest point differential ever against the Eagles
Six CMU players score double digits, contributing to 100-65 win
Central Michigan University basketball players huddle up during a basketball game against Eastern Michigan University at McGuirk Arena, Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026. (CM-Life | Trevor Sparks)
Freshman guard Jalen Kampen hit a three with just under a minute left in the game against Eastern Michigan on Tuesday. The crowd erupts in cheers. It was not because the shot took the lead or tied the game, although. It was because the shot brought the Chippewas to an even 100 points, a mark not hit since Nov. 25, 2025.
In the end, it was Central Michigan who walked away with a 100-65 win, tying the school record for largest-ever win against a Mid-American Conference opponent.
“I thought our guys played really well," head coach Andy Bronkema said. "I'm proud of them. They all played their roles really well. Spirits were high, and we just kept the momentum for long periods of the game, and that was great to see."
Heading into the game as underdogs and ranked last in the Mid-American Conference, the Chippewas ended their three-game losing streak. This was CMU's biggest conference win in 38 years.
Even with the lead coming out of halftime, the Chippewas really started to take command of the game in the second half, outscoring the Eagles by 33.
Senior guard Logan McIntire was a big contributor to such command, making three three-point shots in three minutes. In those minutes, the Chippewas went on a 23-2 run.
Sophomore guard "Phat Phat" Brooks said that McIntire’s competitiveness was vital for that run and their win today.
“Last game, (McIntire) shot three for 10 at Western," Brooks said. "The day after ... Bronkema called him out. It was like, ‘Yeah, you shot three for 10, but you need to make four.’ That's what we brought him here for. The next game, he came out and hit five. So I think just him accepting that challenge just shows how he is as a competitor.”
McIntire, who finished with a game-high 19 points, explained how he was able to make his shots.
“Definitely just always my mindset to go out there and shoot with confidence, and I always got the team and the home crowds always supporting,” McIntire said.
Central Michigan University sophomore guard Durral Brooks shoots a free throw on a technical foul during a basketball game against Eastern Michigan University at McGuirk Arena, Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026. Brooks made six field goals and scored 14 points. (CM-Life | Trevor Sparks)
Brooks also scored a few buckets himself, going 6-for-7 from the field and finishing with 14 points.
Even with the efficient scoring, he wasn’t completely satisfied with how all of his shooting went.
“One for four for free throws. Not good, but I’m getting in the gym and working on it,” Brooks said. “Overall, I think it was a great game.”
For one of his trips to the free-throw line, Brooks was flagrantly fouled by EMU senior forward Addison Patterson, who soon after would also get called for a technical foul.
“It got a little too physical, so the ref just decided to call it a flagrant,” Brooks said. “It wasn’t nothing personaI. I mean, we just out there to compete both ways, me and him.”
When the technical foul was called, senior guard Tamario Adley was also called for a technical foul.
“It was more so me protecting Phat from one of the things he said. I'm just saying, 'you don't have to say that stuff to him',” Adley said. “Just not showing that we’re soft, even though we were up. Just not going to show weakness.”
Bronkema said that both Adley and the referee could’ve handled it differently, but he understood why both reactions happened.
Adley also tied for his and CMU’s season-high in steals, with five, while also scoring 18 points and getting 6 assists. He pointed to the coaching and game plan for his defensive success.
“It's nothing I saw, but our coach, yesterday, emphasized and jumped into the ball. When you jump in the ball, when you jump to the ball, you're already in the gap,” he said. “Our defense is set up for steals.”
Central Michigan University sophomore forward Keenan Garner celebrates scoring a two pointer and being fouled allowing him two free throw attempts during a basketball game against Eastern Michigan University at McGuirk Arena, Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026. Garner scored a total of 12 points with nine rebounds. (CM-Life | Jasmine Brookins)
A soon-to-be fan favorite, according to Bronkema, Keenan Garner grabbed the most rebounds for the entire game but also recorded many hustle and heart moments that wouldn’t show up on the stat sheet.
“Keenan's heart, leadership, enthusiasm, spirit, character, all that stuff shines through with the way he plays. And now, that's his role for this team. And when he does it, we're better,” Bronkema said. “That guy's playing his tail off, and he's bringing an energy that is very contagious, and I'm proud of him.”
With this win, the Chippewas improved to 2-7 in the Mid-American Conference and 6-15 overall.
They are set to host the Bowling Green State University Falcons next on Saturday at 7 p.m. in the annual Toilet Paper Toss game at McGuirk Arena.
