Randall misses at buzzer, Chippewas fall 71-69 at WMU - Northern Michigan's News Leader

Randall misses at buzzer, Chippewas fall 71-69 at WMU

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By Jared Smith, Sports Director - bio | email

Box Score

KALAMAZOO, Mich. - Kyle Randall hit 6-of-10 from three-point range but his attempt at the buzzer hit the front of the rim and Central Michigan fell to rival Western Michigan by three, 61-58.

Randall hit five three's in the first half, and added three free throws when he was fouled on a three-point attempt, and the Chippewas (11-19, 4-12 MAC) hit nine 9-of-16 as a team to take a 38-34 lead into the locker room.

 The Broncos (19-11, 10-6 MAC), who clinched the West Division title earlier this week, led by 10 with 8:14 left in the half but Central was able to come within a possession over the next four minutes.

They eventually tied the game at 30 with 2:42 remaining and went up as many as six in the final minute. The threes continued to fall right out of the locker room as they extended their lead to nine in the first minute but a 13-0 run by the Broncos spoiled the advantage and put the Broncos back up eight with eight minutes to play. The Chippewas were down five twice in the final three minutes.

They responded once with three free throws by Hibbitts, and again with a three by Randall. Western's Nate Hutcheson countered with a three at 1:17 and a pair of free throws at 0:54 to keep Central at bay.