MOUNT PLEASANT –- Robbie Harman scored a game-high 16 points on 4-of-7 shooting from long range to lead Central Michigan to an 85-38 exhibition win over Marygrove College.
The Chippewas never trailed, pulling away with a 10-0 run after the first media timeout to lead, 16-6, at the 12:43 mark.
After a layup snapped a six-minute scoreless streak for the Mustangs, a Harman three-pointer sparked a 13-0 run for the Chippewas, giving Central Michigan a 21-point lead with 7:17 remaining. They stretched their lead to as many as 25 in the first half, and went into halftime up 24, 39-15.
"For us, we wanted to focus on our defense, our rebounding and keeping our turnovers down. We were able to accomplish all those things today, and hopefully that's something we can continue," head coach
Ernie Zeigler said. "For us to improve as a program and have the success we want to have, we must get better defensively this year and I think we did a nice job at pressuring the ball without fouling today, and rebounding will be key as well."
The Chippewas shot 60.7 percent (17-28) from the field after the break and ended the game at 52.5 percent (32-61) from the floor. The Mustangs, meanwhile, were held to 27.5 percent (14-51) shooting and 0-for-9 from long range.
Harman accounted for four of Central Michigan's seven three-pointers.
Marko Spica and
Finis Craddock also scored in double figures, each contributing 11 points.
Jalin Thomas grabbed a game-high nine rebounds off the bench and
Jordan Bitzer collected six steals and six assists.
DeAundray Armstrong’s 12 points and four rebounds led Marygrove.
Perhaps the most important outcome of Sunday's action, though, was the fact that senior
Chris Kellermann and Spica were able to make significant contributions after injuries ended both of their seasons prematurely a year ago.
"I thought both of them were a little tentative early, but I think both were able to fight through those early jitters," Zeigler said. "Chris did a real nice job getting to the glass even though his first few shots didn't fall and Marko was able to get a feel for the game and did a nice job after missing so much time."
CMU also got nice contributions from players making their first appearance in a Chippewa uniform.
Finis Craddock finished with 11 points, Thomas' nine rebounds was a game-high,
Tyler Brown went 3-for-4 for eight points,
William McClure added five points and three rebounds and
Sean Day added two points and two boards.
Craddock's showing was particularly impressive, showing an ability to slash and get to the basket for CMU.
"Finis had a really good showing, especially when we had him running at the point," Zeigler said. "It's encouraging to think we could have some nice depth at that spot. He will eventually develop into more of a point guard for us, but right now he's more of a combo guard that can create some offense for this team."
The Chippewas host Indiana University-South Bend Saturday in their final exhibition game, scheduled for Nov. 7.
Courtesy: Tim Fitzgerald/CMU Athletics
