McIntire drops 40 in CMU men's basketball loss to UMass
Central Michigan University senior guard Logan McIntire shoots and scores a three pointer during a basketball game against Eastern Michigan University at McGuirk Arena, Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026. McIntire led the team in points scoring 19, additionally getting two rebounds and three assists. (CM-Life | Jasmine Brookins)
With 3:40 remaining in the game, Central Michigan men's basketball trailed the UMass Minutemen by two with both offenses unwilling to back down.
That is when CMU guard Logan McIntire knocked down a shot from beyond the arc to take a one-point lead, burying a single-game record 12th three as he reached a career-high 40 points.
However, despite the effort, the game escaped the Chippewas' grasp in the final minutes as the team in maroon and gold fell 95-89.
"The reason we were in it was because Logan had a career night," head coach Andy Bronkema said. "He was unbelievable and it feels like we wasted it a little bit."
The loss moves CMU to 7-16 on the season and 3-8 in the Mid-American Conference. CMU also notably remains winless on the road with a record of 0-11.
"Gosh dang, we are going through a lot of heartbreak together as a squad, these guys wanted it tonight," Bronkema said. "We want that road victory."
McIntire started hot from the beginning, knocking down his first four three-point attempts, allowing CMU's offense to stay tied at 18 with the Minutemen through the first eight minutes of the game.
A brief run allowed UMass to take a 34-28 lead, but the Central Michigan offense refused to be denied, going on a 19-6 run to close out the half, giving the squad from Mount Pleasant a 47-40 advantage going into the locker room.
The offense came out of halftime, and despite the buckets continuing to fall, the unit struggled with turnovers, allowing UMass to battle back into the game and close the deficit to one through the first five minutes of the half. By the conclusion of the game, the Minutemen outscored the Chippewas 38-12 off of turnovers.
"We turned the ball over 21 times," Bronkema said. "Thirty eight and 12 off of turnovers, you won't win any games."
CMU's defense found its footing, allowing the unit to regain control over the game as Central Michigan found itself with an 11-point lead with 7:35 remaining.
However, turnovers quickly destroyed the Chippewa's momentum, and the game was back to being tied with 4:31 remaining in the game.
The squads traded points for the rest of the game, but UMass found its defensive rhythm late in the game, allowing it to escape with a 95-89 win over CMU.
McIntire finished 12-16 from three and 14-19 from the field, tallying 40 points, four rebounds and three assists. The 12 three-pointers sets a new program record for most in a game.
The squad from Mount Pleasant lost the turnover battle 21-9, with the 21 turnovers ultimately resulting in 38 points for UMass.
"It was just lazy passes, no pass fakes, we didn't meet the pass," Bronkema said. "I am done with that, you don't win games turning it over 21 times. ... Even when a guy drops 40, you still don't win those games."
Central Michigan men's basketball takes a brief break from conference play to take on Louisiana in Lafayette on Saturday, Feb 7, at 4 p.m.
