Central Michigan University Athletics
Central Michigan University
Eastern Michigan
Win Gives CMU Women West Crown
3/5/2016 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Cullen Maksimowski, CMUChippewas.com
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. -- It took all 18 games to decide, but the MAC West Division now has an undisputed No. 1 team.
The Central Michigan women's basketball team put away Eastern Michigan, 78-70, Saturday at McGuirk Arena to claim the MAC West title outright and lock up the No. 2 seed in next week's conference tournament.
The Chippewas finished 14-4 in the MAC and take a 20-9 record into the MAC Tournament at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland. They will open on Wednesday, at approximately 6 p.m., against either seventh-seeded Western Michigan or 10th-seeded Northern Illinois.
The Huskies and Broncos play Monday in a first-round tournament game in Kalamazoo.
It's the fifth time in Sue Guevara's nine seasons as CMU coach that the Chippewas have won at least 20 games. EMU is 19-10, 10-8.
"We've all watched this team mature and evolve together," Guevara said. "I have a team full of gym rats and I've prayed every day to let their hard work pay off and it has.
"The best part is is that we're not done. The MAC season just ended so now we have another whole season coming up with the tournament."
The Chippewas were picked to finish fifth in the MAC West preseason media poll, and even Guevara admitted it would have been tough to believe her team would be atop the West six months ago.
"You look at every thing we lost (from last year): Rebounding, scoring and a first-round (WNBA) draft pick," Guevara said. "I think one of the best things that happened to us was our administration let us go play in Toronto (last) summer so we could get a peek at what could possibly be."
Down 40-33 at halftime, the Chippewas outscored the Eagles, 21-9 in the third quarter to seize the lead and built a lead that peaked at 13 points with just under six minutes to play.
CMU senior Chelsea Lynn, playing her final game at McGuirk Arena, checked into the game with 8 seconds left and drew a foul. She made both free throws, sealing the win.
"My goal was to get her in a lot earlier and we just didn't get a chance," Guevara said. "I told Chels I was proud of her. She came in cold as ice and sunk two free throws which is great."
The other CMU senior, Da'Jourie Turner, went out in front of the home crowd with 14 points and six rebounds.
"The feeling was great, I'm just so happy right now," Turner said. "It's a happy environment, we have the best fans and I'm just really happy and proud that my teammates came and played hard for each other and for me."
Junior Jewel Cotton came off the bench to score a season-high 20 points to lead the Chippewas. She also grabbed eight rebounds.
"I just do what's needed of me," Cotton said. " t that time I knew I had to be a threat at the high post in order for them to respect us."
Cotton and Turner were two of the five Chippewas to finish the day in double figures. Reyna Frost had 15 points, Cassie Breen had 13 and Presley Hudson finished with 11.
Hudson had a career-high 11 rebounds in posting her first career double-double.
Cha Sweeny posted 19 points to lead Eastern Michigan.
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