Central Michigan defeats Toledo 85-77 for share of MAC title
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. -- John Simons dropped in eight 3-pointers while scoring 28 points -- with Chris Fowler adding 24 and Braylon Rayson 21 -- as Central Michigan clinched at least a share of the Mid-American Conference title with an 85-77 defeat of Toledo on Tuesday night.
Simons' eight treys were the most in the MAC this season and came at an opportune time for the Chippewas (22-6, 12-5), who clinched at least a share for the West Division title and the double-bye into the tournament.
Central Michigan had been picked to finish 11th in the preseason poll.
Toledo (19-11, 11-6) was led by 20 points from Julius Brown and made more field goals than Central Michigan (31 to 25), shot a better percentage and outscored the Chippewas 46-22 in the paint with a 40-32 rebounding edge.
The difference was the long-range shooting of Simon.
Game Information
- Referees:
- Johnny Wilkins
- Steve McJunkins
- Eric Curry
2023-24 Mid-American Conference Standings
| Team | CONF | GB | OVR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toledo | 14-4 | - | 20-12 |
| Akron | 13-5 | 1 | 24-11 |
| Ohio | 13-5 | 1 | 20-13 |
| Central Michigan | 12-6 | 2 | 18-14 |
| Bowling Green | 10-8 | 4 | 20-14 |
| Miami (OH) | 9-9 | 5 | 15-17 |
| Western Michigan | 9-9 | 5 | 12-20 |
| Kent State | 8-10 | 6 | 17-17 |
| Ball State | 7-11 | 7 | 15-16 |
| Eastern Michigan | 6-12 | 8 | 13-18 |
| Northern Illinois | 5-13 | 9 | 11-20 |
| Buffalo | 2-16 | 12 | 4-27 |
Men's College Basketball News
