The Central Michigan Chippewas fell to the Stony Brook Seawolves 73-72 in a nail-biting finish, despite leading by 12 points with just over 10 minutes remaining. Collin O'Connor's last-second layup capped a comeback for Stony Brook, who capitalized on missed free throws by the Chippewas. Central Michigan struggled in crucial moments, missing four free throws late in the game, including three in the final minute. Head coach Tony Barbee expressed disappointment over his team's lack of discipline, which ultimately cost them the victory. The Chippewas' record now stands at 1-1 after this heartbreaking loss.

By the Numbers
  • Central Michigan led by as many as 12 points (54-42) in the second half.
  • CMU missed four free throws in the final minute, crucial to the game's outcome.
Yes, But

The loss underscores a lack of execution under pressure, which was exacerbated by the team's injuries limiting practice time. Barbee noted that this lack of preparation may have influenced their performance during critical game moments.

State of Play
  • The Chippewas were unable to effectively execute their late-game strategy, highlighted by missed free throws.
  • Stony Brook scored on three of their last four attempts, maintaining pressure on CMU.
What's Next

Central Michigan will next face No. 18/17 Marquette on Monday at 9 p.m. ET, presenting a significant challenge as they work to improve their execution and discipline in high-pressure situations.

Bottom Line

This loss serves as a critical reminder for Central Michigan on the importance of composure and execution in high-stakes moments. Reflections on this game could help correct course as they aim for a stronger performance in upcoming matchups.