By Staff
Central Michigan University men's basketball team fought to within five points late in Saturday's Mid-American Conference clash with the University at Buffalo but could get no closer in falling, 75-66.
Down at the half by a 30-23 margin and behind by as many as 14 points (61-47) in the second half, the Chippewas whittled the deficit to five points at 69-64 with 1:38 to play on Sefton Barrett's two free throws.
However, the Bulls scored six straight points for a 75-64 lead to ice it.
The loss dropped CMU's record to 4-19 for the season and 1-12 in league play. Buffalo is now 10-11 and 6-7.
The Chippewas had 23 miscues for the game as did the Bulls.
Another key stat was Buffalo's 36-25 edge in rebounding, 14 of the caroms coming on the offensive end to just six for CMU.
CMU did hold a 19-14 lead at 10:52 in the first half only to watch UB go on an 11-0 run for a 25-19 bulge with 3:44 remaining.
Gerrit Brigitha led the Chippewas with 16 points followed by Kevin Nelson and Barrett (career high) with 14 apiece. Tony Bowne scored nine points, all in the second half, and added team-highs for rebounds (six) and assists (five).
Game-high honors went to the Bulls' Daniel Gilbert with 17 followed by Roderick Middleton with 15, Turner Battle 14 and Mark Jordan 13.
The Chippewas hit 27-of-55 from the field for 49 percent compared to Buffalo's 26-of-56 for 46 percent.
CMU returns to Rose Arena for a home clash on Wednesday with Akron.