Eastern Michigan Athletics
Eastern Michigan University
Central Michigan
Eagles Complete the Sweep with 80-69 Victory over the Chippewas
3/1/2006 9:46:08 PM | Men's Basketball
John Bowler collects 30th career double-double with 21 points and 14 rebounds
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich.—Senior John Bowler scored 21 points and grabbed 14 rebounds to lead the Eastern Michigan University men’s basketball team past Central Michigan, 80-69, Wednesday night at Rose Arena. With the victory the Eagles completed the sweep of the instate rival and locked up the 11th seed in the upcoming FirstEnergy Mid-American Conference Tournament.
Bowler recorded his 30th career double-double to go along with senior Danny McElhinny’s 21 in the victory. Also posting double figures for the Eagles (7-19; 3-14 MAC) were Carlos Medlock and Nick Freer with 17 and 11, respectively.
Central Michigan (4-22; 1-16 MAC) was led by Sefton Barrett with 29 points, one of three Chippewas in double figures for the evening. Chris Kellermann added 15 points to the Chippewas offensive effort, while Giordan Watson had 13.
Out of the gate, the Chippewas made six of their first eight shots and built a quick 12-5 advantage before the Eagles went on an 11-0 run to take 16-14 edge on a pair of Bowler free throws with 12:07 left in the period. The two teams exchanged scored with EMU taking a 30-25 advantage as the squads headed to the locker room at the half.
After the break Eastern build a seven point edge, 34-27, as sophomore James Matthews connected on a jumper in the lane with 18:43 to go in the contest. CMU would use a 8-0 run capped off by a layup by Sefton Barrett to give the Chippewas a brief 35-34 lead.
The Eagles answered again with another 11-0 run of their own to go back ontop for good. The Eagles lead ballooned to as many as 13-points, 69-56, as Bowler laid one off the glass with just over three minutes left. CMU would chip away and get back within six, 73-67, on a pair of Reynold Walter free throws but could get no closer as the Eagles — who hit 70.3 percent (26-of-37) from the free-throw line — made seven straight foul shots at the end.
The Eagles return home for the final time in the 2005-06 season Saturday, March 4, to host Ball State University. The Senior Day showdown is set for 2 p.m. in the Convocation Center.
