Western Michigan beats Central Michigan 75-72

Feb 1, 2014, 05:12 pm

KALMAZOO, Mich. -- David Brown scored 20 points and grabbed seven rebounds as Western Michigan handed Central Michigan its eighth-straight conference loss with a 75-72 victory Saturday.

Shayne Whittington added 14 points and eight rebounds for the Broncos (12-8, 5-3 MAC). Connar Tava scored 10 points and Tucker Haymond and Austin Richie each had eight.

Western Michigan dominated the first period with Whittington hitting from inside paint and from the line to help put the Broncos up 23-9 midway. They led 42-25 at halftime.

Central Michigan came alive late in the second with a 26-13 surge to take the lead by one, 69-68, with 2:13 to play. The Broncos responded with three Brown free throws and layups by Haymond and Richie for the win.

The Broncos hit 52 percent from the field, 94.7 percent from the line and outrebounded the Chippewas 33-17.

Chris Fowler led the Chippewas (7-13, 0-8) with 27 points.