 CLEVELAND - On the strength of a 16-6 second half run, the Central Michigan Chippewas won their first-round match up against Eastern Michigan, 62-49.
Marcus Van scored 17 points to lead all scores and pulled down 5 rebounds. Robbie Harman scored 13 points and added 7 assists, including 9 points and 2 assists during CMU's pivotal run. EMU had pulled pulled within three at 32-29 at the 13:19 mark in the second half after trailing by nine, but Harman took over.
"It was a very good display of execution by our guys," CMU coach Ernie Zeigler said. "We were very focused and determined to impose our will."
The Eagles (8-24) won the two regular season meetings between the teams, but the Chippewas (12-18, 7-9) led most of the game and never trailed after Marcus Van's basket gave them a 13-11 lead with 11:24 remaining in the first half.
"Hats off to Central Michigan," EMU coach Charles Ramsey said. "They had a great game plan and executed."
CMU outscored EMU 28-16 in the paint, which was exactly what the Chippewas wanted to do.
"We did a great job of scouting," CMU forward Marcus Van said. "We wanted to deny their post. Take those guys away, and they start jacking up shots."
Despite their focus on the post, EMU forward Brandon Bowdry was able to lead Eagle scores with 13 points on 4-of-7 shooting and had 6 rebounds. However, point guard L.J. Frazier struggled all game long, shooting 1-of-7 from the field and 0-for-3 for three and notched only two assists.
The Eagles responded to CMU's big run with a 7-0 spurt of their own, but Central Michigan quickly pushed the lead back to double digits, with Harman collecting assists on consecutive possessions. Eastern Michigan would not threaten again.
"All point guards want the ball in their hands," Harman said. "I was able to make some decisions, to shoot it or pass it off."
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