Central Michigan University Athletics
Central Michigan University
Buffalo
Kaman Powers Chippewas to 97-73 Win Over Buffalo
1/18/2003 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Jan. 18, 2003
MOUNT PLEASANT - Behind a career-high 31 points from 7-0 junior center Chris Kaman, the Central Michigan University men's basketball team rolled to a 97-73 win over the University at Buffalo here Saturday in Mid-American Conference action.
The Chippewas ran their winning streak to four games, improving their overall mark to 11-3 and their MAC record to 4-1. The Bulls have lost seven straight to fall to 3-11 for the season and 0-5 in league play.
Kaman scored 20 points in the second half as CMU netted 53 points to break away from a 42-35 halftime lead. Kaman also had a game-high 13 rebounds and posted a career-best 15 free throws in 16 tries. His previous high of 30 points came in an 85-78 win at Michigan.
The Chippewas shot only 43.3 percent from the field in the first half but zeroed in in the second half to shot 51.7 percent for the game on 30-of-58. CMU was true on 17-of-28 in the second half.
Kaman wasn't a one-man show, though. Senior J.R. Wallace added 21 and senior Mike Manciel chipped in with 15.
The Bulls had four in double digits, led by Roderick Middleton's 18. Turner Battle added 16, Calvin Cage 15, and Joe Veal 11.
One of the keys in CMU's domination was that it committed just 11 turnovers , well short of the Chippewas' season average of 19.8. Buffalo had 20 miscues, 10 of them on steals by CMU - three by Manciel.
CMU had 17 assists to nine for the Bulls as Tony Bowne bagged a career-high 10 assists. The Chippewas did net a nifty 80.6 percent of their free throws, converting 29-of-36 tries.
The Bulls held one lead in the game at 20-19 with 9:53 to go. The last time it was tied was at 20-20 with 9:52 to play. CMU's biggest lead was 29 points on four occasions in the final four minutes of the game.
The Chippewas are idle until a Wednesday night home showdown with Toledo. Tipoff in Rose Arena is set for 7 p.m.
