CMU men's basketball season ends in Muncie
The Central Michigan University men's basketball team huddles on the court while a play is under review at the basketball game against the University of Akron in McGuirk Arena on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. The team fell 77-64 against the Zips bringing them to 6-11 in the Midwest American Conference. (CM-Life | Jasmine Brookins)
As Central Michigan men's basketball entered its last game of the season against Ball State, all eyes were on the final spot in the Mid-American Conference tournament.
In order to steal the spot, the Chippewas needed a win over the Cardinals along with a Toledo win over Buffalo. Despite the Rockets' victory, CMU lost to Ball State 85-69 to end the season.
"I'm proud of this team, and I do believe they can be satisfied knowing they gave their best to be their best," head coach Andy Bronkema said. "Sometimes it is failure that drives you to your next success."
The squad in maroon and gold concludes the season 10-21 overall and 6-12 in the MAC.
Central Michigan's offense struggled from the beginning, breaking double-digit points with only 7:17 remaining in the first half as Ball State jumped out to an early 20-11 lead.
CMU tried to claw back before halftime, but the Cardinals hit 11 consecutive field goals to close the half, taking a 16-point lead into the locker room.
The Chippewas found some rhythm offensively early in the second half, but Ball State sophomore guard Davion Hill took over the game, scoring the first 10 points of the half for the Cardinals.
The team from Mount Pleasant tried to play catch-up, shooting 63 percent from the field in the second half, but Ball State refused to stop scoring.
Hill finished with 25 points, six rebounds and three assists, helping BSU close the game out, winning 85-69.
Ball State, which was already eliminated from tournament contention, shot 72.7 percent from the field in the first half, finishing 58.2 percent from the field in total.
"What a league we're in. They won their last four, and they can't get into the tournament. They're hot and playing their best basketball too," Bronkema said.
Durral "Phat Phat" Brooks led the Chippewas in scoring with 17 points, three rebounds and two assists.
"I want to thank everybody that let their passion shine for our school and our team," Bronkema said. "The message is the same as it was on the very first day of the press conference. There are a lot of passionate people about Central Michigan, and we have to unite the passion."
With no games remaining on the schedule, fans of Central Michigan men's basketball will have to wait until next winter to watch the team sport the maroon and gold in year two under Bronkema.
