‘We played a good team, and we scored less points’
Central Michigan men's basketball team lost to the Akron Zips
Central Michigan University men’s basketball head coach Andy Bronkema high-fives players on the bench during the game against the University of Akron in McGuirk Arena, Tuesday, March 3, 2026. With 20 years of experience, this is Bronkema’s first year at CMU. (CM-Life | Alivia Cranick)
The Central Michigan University men’s basketball team hosted its last home game of the season against the Akron Zips. Throughout the season, the Chippewas were able to pull through at home. However, yesterday was much different.
Even with a strong start by the Chippewas, the Zips came out on top, 77-64.
After the loss, the Chippewas had many perspectives and reasons for it.
“They had a stretch when they got four offensive rebounds in a row,” senior guard Tamario Adley said. “That really hurt us, but if we just focus on rebounding and boxing our guy out, I feel like we’d be great.”
Adley, who led the team in rebounds, said that he personally was able to get rebounds because he "crashed the boards."
Another reason for the loss was defensive rotations, senior guard Logan McIntire said.
“Rotations were a little slow, so I feel like we were a little bit quicker there,” he said.
Although the Zips were able to make a few threes because of it, McIntire made a five of his own, simultaneously leading the team in scoring with 15 points.
Central Michigan University senior guard Tamario Adley dribbles the ball waiting for a play during the game against the University of Akron in McGuirk Arena, Tuesday, March 3, 2026. Adley transferred to CMU after playing two years at Wayne State University. (CM-Life | Alivia Cranick)
Even though the players gave specific aspects of the game, CMU head coach Andy Bronkema thought it was much simpler.
“We played a good team, and we scored less points,” he said. “So on to the next.”
With the season winding down, the team feels there are more opportunities than there is pressure.
“We got a big opportunity to play Ball State (next), and put ourselves in position to get to Cleveland,” Bronkema said.
Fans reach for a ‘mini basketball’ thrown into the crowd throughout a timeout during the game against the University of Akron in McGuirk Arena, Tuesday, March 3, 2026. (CM-Life | Alivia Cranick)
After his first full season at McGuirk Arena, Bronkema said the number of attendees will increase.
“I thought the atmosphere of this year was great,” he said. “I think there was potential to grow. I think as word spreads about the style of play, how hard we play, how we're gonna build the team, I think it will grow.”
This loss puts the Chippewas just on the outside of the Mid-American Conference tournament qualification. For them to qualify for the tournament, the Chippewas must win their next game at Ball State University, and the University of Buffalo Bulls must lose theirs. Both teams play this Friday separately to conclude the regular season.
