Defense Strong, Offense Stalls for Women’s Basketball Against Butler

Sunday, November 8

Mount Pleasant, Mich.

1 p.m.

Central Michigan University

0-3,0-0MAC

Butler

3-0,0-0Big East

Team	1	2	3	4	F
Butler	17	11	23	23	74
Central Mich.	11	4	12	15	42

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Photo by: Kailey Hill '26 - @rahsignz

CMU Women's Basketball vs. Butler (11/08/2026)

Photo by: Jolene Hebeler '30 - @jolenesphotography

11/8/2026 4:01:00 PM | Women's Basketball

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Chippewas fall, 74-42, but hold high-flying Bulldogs over 30 points short of early season pace; Riley Smith leads CMU with career high 14 points, seven rebounds

By: Harrison LaLone

MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. — Central Michigan Women's Basketball held a revamped Butler squad 32 points below its early season average in Sunday's 74-42 loss at McGuirk Arena.

"Overall, the defense is there and we'll continue to get better at it," Head Coach Kristin Haynie said. "It's our offense that was stagnant."

Riley Smith (Miamisburg, Ohio / Archbishop Alter) continued her progress with a career mark of 14 points to go with a team-high seven rebounds against Butler.

"She was our most consistent player today and it's not a surprise because she's in the gym working. She cares, she's passionate and she's become more of a vocal leader."

The Chippewas battled through tough, full-court pressure from the Bulldogs. Matched by CMU's 1-3-1 zone look, the two squads combined for 57 turnovers.

"We just have to not let turnovers effect our effort. We're letting mistakes effect our effort, and we have to play through that."

Butler seized control early with eight unanswered points from Nevaeh Jackson midway through the first quarter as CMU tallied five of its turnovers during the two-plus minute window.

Jackson finished with a game-high 21 points.

"Looking forward to a week of practice, to cleaning things up, cleaning up our offense and being tougher with the ball."

The Chippewas will get eight days to prepare for their biggest challenge yet: No. 5/5 Michigan (Nov. 16, 8 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Network).

"Thankful we have a week to clean it up. Michigan's a great talent, one of the best in the nation. We're looking forward to the challenge, and it helps us prepare for the MAC."

The Wolverines visit McGuirk Arena for the first time since 2021.

"For our community, our fans to be able to have a top-five team in the in the country in front of our crowd is great. [Michigan] puts a really good basketball product out on the court."

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