Central Michigan University Athletics
Bobcats Roll Past Chippewas, 68-42
2/4/2012 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Box Score
ATHENS, Ohio – Offensive woes were Central Michigan’s downfall in a 68-42 loss at Ohio on Saturday afternoon.
The Bobcats held the Chippewas to a season-low .288 field goal percentage while Central made just 15-of-52 shots.
Ohio’s win was its sixth straight, improving the Bobcats to a MAC-best overall mark of 19-4 and a game behind Akron in the East Division at 7-2. CMU’s loss was its seventh consecutive, dropping the Chippewas to 7-15 overall, 2-7 in the MAC.
Only two CMU players hit double figures with Olivier Mbaigoto notching 14 points and a game-high nine rebounds while Trey Zeigler added 10 points and six boards.
The Bobcats’ first three buckets of the game were 3-pointers and that was a sign of things to come as they finished with 11 treys on the afternoon.
Ohio used a pair of 7-0 runs late in the first half to go into the locker room with a 33-20 lead at the break. The Bobcats gave CMU an opportunity to get back into the contest in the second half by going just 2-for-11 from the free throw line over a stretch, but the Chippewas couldn’t take advantage and the home team led by double digits the entire second frame.
Walter Offutt had a game-high 17 points and Nick Kellogg added 14 as both players drained four 3-pointers each. MAC Player of the Year candidate D.J. Cooper had nine points, seven rebounds and seven assists before leaving the floor with a wrist injury late in the game.
The Chippewas continue league play against the East Division on Wednesday when they host the Buffalo Bulls. Tipoff in McGuirk Arena is set for 7 p.m.
