Chippewas lose the first home basketball game this school year
Central Michigan University senior guard Logan McIntire looks for an open shot at McGuirk Arena on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026. McIntire led the team, scoring a total of 21 points and playing 31 minutes. (CM-Life | Jasmine Brookins)
In the final seconds of Tuesday night's men's basketball game, the Ball State Cardinals were inbounding the ball. With little time remaining to pass it, the ball was floated over the heads of a few Chippewas and Cardinals.
This led to a chaotic fumble for the ball, where both teams had a chance to keep possession. Instead, the ball rolled out of bounds with the final buzzer going off as the Chippewas fell 68-67.
However, many Chippewas and their coaches appealed that one of the Cardinals hit the ball while it was out of bounds. After reviewing and discussing the call, the referees decided to uphold their original call.
Head coach Andy Bronkema declined an interview to Central Michigan Life after the game.
“(The referees) just said that the time ran out, and he wasn’t out of bounds,” CMU Head Coach Andy Bronkema told the CMU Chippewas Sports Network. “We've got to look at the film ourselves, but honestly, I trust them.”
Bronkema said that with these losses, it's a chance to show your character and resolve.
“I know our guys want it, and I care about them, and I want it for them, too,” he said to CMU Chippewas Sports Network.
Both teams entered the game with the same conference and overall records, enticing tension on the court. Especially after sophomore forward Keenan Garner and a Cardinal got into a jump ball situation when fighting for a rebound.
“They want to win that game. We want to win that game,” Garner said. “So it's just a little competitive nature, being out there, talking trash, fighting for the ball.”
One contributing factor to the loss was the slow start on offense, as the team scored just 20 points in the first half.
“That first half, we were a lot slower, and it gave the defense less to think about,” Chippewas senior guard Logan McIntire said. “That first half, we got to come out with more energy.”
The Cardinals score the fewest points per game in the Mid-American Conference because of their slow pace.
Central Michigan University sophomore forward Keenan Garner scores a 3-pointer at McGuirk Arena on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026. Garner scored 10 points against Ball State, playing 33 minutes. (CM-Life | Jasmine Brookins)
However, McIntire and senior guard Tamario Adley had season highs with 21 and 20 points each. They also went a combined 9-14 from outside the arc, which contributed to the highest team three-point percentage with a 63.2%.
One unexpected contributor to the three-point barrage was Garner, who made both of his threes even though he has attempted only eight for the season.
“Having the chance to knock down those shots means so much to me, and luckily, today, I was able to knock two of them down and help us get back in the game,” he said.
However, the Chippewas also only made 50% of their free throws, a season low for the team.
Points off turnovers and bench points were also deciding factors in the game, as the Chippewas were heavily outscored in both facets.
Only one player to play less than 25 minutes scored during the game and that was freshman guard Jalen Kampen. He had come in for sophomore guard "Phat Phat" Brooks, who had an apparent hand injury. Brooks was able to come back into the game and play the rest of it out.
The Chippewas will head to Kalamazoo on Saturday for their next game against rivals Western Michigan University at 6 p.m.
