Western Michigan Defeats Central Michigan 77-65
Saturday, January 24, 2026, 6:00 PM ET · University Arena (MI)
Western Michigan Broncos 77, Central Michigan Chippewas 65, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Central Michigan Chippewas vs Western Michigan Broncos?
Western Michigan Broncos beat Central Michigan Chippewas 77-65 at University Arena (MI) on January 24, 2026.
Who was favored in Central Michigan Chippewas vs Western Michigan Broncos?
Western Michigan Broncos were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -230 (about 70% implied). The favorite won.
In a decisive matchup, the Western Michigan Broncos secured a 77-65 victory over the Central Michigan Chippewas at University Arena. This win marks a significant turnaround for the Broncos, who have struggled recently but managed to break a three-game losing streak with this performance. The Broncos now hold an overall record of 9-12, while the Chippewas fall to 5-16.
The Broncos entered the game with a home record of 8-12, having won only three of their last ten games, with an average of 75.8 points scored and 80.3 points allowed during that stretch. Their recent form included a disappointing loss to the Bowling Green Falcons just days prior, where they fell 54-72. However, they had previously shown flashes of offensive capability, notably scoring 79 points against the Eastern Michigan Eagles earlier this month. In contrast, the Chippewas, with a 5-15 record, have struggled even more, winning only two of their last ten games. They averaged 69.7 points scored and allowed 79.8 points during that span. Their last outing ended in a narrow loss to Ball State, where they lost 67-68.
The Broncos' home performance has been slightly better than their away games, with a home record of 2-3 in their last five games, while the Chippewas have not won a game on the road in their last five attempts, holding an away record of 0-5. Historically, this matchup has favored the Chippewas, who had won the last two meetings, including a significant victory earlier in the 2025 season where they defeated the Broncos 86-57.
In terms of injuries, the block does not provide specific details, but the recent form of both teams suggests they have been managing their rosters closely. The Broncos were favored in this contest, with DraftKings setting the spread at -5.5 in favor of Western Michigan, reflecting the expectations of their home advantage. The total points line for the game was set at 148.5, indicating a belief in a moderately high-scoring affair.
The game conditions were conducive to a competitive atmosphere, with the venue being the home court for the Broncos, which typically provides an edge in college basketball. Fans expected to see a high-energy performance, especially from the Broncos, who needed to capitalize on their home court.
As the game unfolded, the Broncos managed to establish a lead and maintain it through the second half, showcasing their ability to score effectively from the free-throw line, with key contributions from players like EJ Ryans and Max Burton. The scoring plays highlighted a mix of free throws and crucial three-point shots that kept the Chippewas at bay, ultimately leading to a comfortable victory for Western Michigan. The final score of 77-65 not only reflects the Broncos' ability to execute their game plan but also highlights the ongoing struggles of the Chippewas on the road.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | WMU -5.5 | 148.5 o -110 / u -110 | Central Michigan Chippewas +190 · Western Michigan Broncos -230 |
Leaders
- PointsJayden Brewer20Western Michigan Broncos
- AssistsJustice Williams2Western Michigan Broncos
- ReboundsJayden Brewer11Western Michigan Broncos
- PointsNathan Claerbaut17Central Michigan Chippewas
- AssistsTamario Adley5Central Michigan Chippewas
- ReboundsKeenan Garner12Central Michigan Chippewas
Recent form
Western Michigan Broncos
Last 10: 3-7Streak L375.8 scored · 80.3 allowed per game2-3 at home
- L54-72vs Bowling Green FalconsJan 21
- L89-104at Akron ZipsJan 17
- L82-85vs Massachusetts MinutemenJan 14
- W79-62vs Eastern Michigan EaglesJan 10
- L76-87at Miami (OH) RedHawksJan 7
- L79-84at Toledo RocketsDec 30
- W94-57vs Defiance Yellow JacketsDec 22
- L71-88vs Buffalo BullsDec 20
- L51-91at Iowa HawkeyesDec 14
- W83-73at SIU Edwardsville CougarsDec 6
Central Michigan Chippewas
Last 10: 2-8Streak L269.7 scored · 79.8 allowed per game0-5 away
- L67-68vs Ball State CardinalsJan 21
- L61-100at Miami (OH) RedHawksJan 14
- W87-85vs Kent State Golden FlashesJan 10
- L69-82at Akron ZipsJan 7
- L75-78vs Toledo RocketsJan 3
- L64-80vs Ohio BobcatsDec 30
- L61-88at Wisconsin BadgersDec 23
- L73-74at Northern Illinois HuskiesDec 20
- W85-65vs Olivet CometsDec 18
- L55-78at Stony Brook SeawolvesDec 13
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami (OH) | 32-2 | - | 18-0 |
| Akron | 29-6 | 1 | 17-1 |
| Kent State | 24-10 | 4 | 14-4 |
| Toledo | 19-15 | 7 | 11-7 |
| Bowling Green | 18-14 | 9 | 9-9 |
| Ohio | 15-17 | 9 | 9-9 |
| Buffalo | 17-15 | 11 | 7-11 |
| Massachusetts | 17-16 | 11 | 7-11 |
| Ball State | 12-19 | 11 | 7-11 |
| Central Michigan | 10-21 | 12 | 6-12 |
| Western Michigan | 10-21 | 14 | 4-14 |
| Eastern Michigan | 10-21 | 14 | 4-14 |
| Northern Illinois | 9-21 | 10 | 4-14 |
Box score
| Stat | Central Michigan Chippewas | Western Michigan Broncos |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 21-58 | 24-54 |
| Field goal % | 36 | 44 |
| Three-pointers | 4-23 | 6-19 |
| Three-point % | 17 | 32 |
| Free throws | 19-26 | 23-33 |
| Free throw % | 73 | 70 |
| Rebounds | 35 | 39 |
| Offensive rebounds | 12 | 10 |
| Defensive rebounds | 23 | 29 |
| Assists | 12 | 7 |
| Steals | 4 | 6 |
| Blocks | 5 | 1 |
| Turnovers | 11 | 7 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 6 | 11 |
| Fast-break points | 11 | 20 |
| Points in the paint | 34 | 32 |
| Fouls | 21 | 19 |
| Largest lead | 8 | 14 |
| Lead changes | 5 | 5 |
| Time in front | 24 | 62 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half38-45Nathan Claerbaut makes layup (Tamario Adley assists)
- 2nd Half39-45Keenan Garner makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half40-45Keenan Garner makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half40-47Jayden Brewer makes driving layup
- 2nd Half42-47Keenan Garner makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half43-47Logan McIntire makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half43-50Justice Williams makes 24-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half43-52Jayden Brewer makes layup (Justice Williams assists)
- 2nd Half44-52Nathan Claerbaut makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half44-53Jayden Brewer makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half44-54Jayden Brewer makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half46-54Tamario Adley makes 6-foot floating jump shot (Keenan Garner assists)
- 2nd Half47-54Phat Phat Brooks makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half47-56Jayden Brewer makes 0-foot tip in dunk
- 2nd Half47-59Justice Williams makes 25-foot three pointer
- 2nd Half49-59Keenan Garner makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half49-61EJ Ryans makes driving layup
- 2nd Half49-62EJ Ryans makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half51-62Nathan Claerbaut makes layup (Logan McIntire assists)
- 2nd Half52-62Jalen Kampen makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half52-64Max Burton makes layup
- 2nd Half52-66Jayden Brewer makes 12-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half53-66Tamario Adley makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half54-66Tamario Adley makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half55-66Phat Phat Brooks makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half56-66Phat Phat Brooks makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half56-67EJ Ryans makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half56-68EJ Ryans makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half58-68Phat Phat Brooks makes layup
- 2nd Half58-70EJ Ryans makes driving layup
- 2nd Half58-72Jayden Brewer makes 3-foot dunk (Carson Vis assists)
- 2nd Half60-72Nathan Claerbaut makes layup (Tamario Adley assists)
- 2nd Half61-72Nathan Claerbaut makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half61-73EJ Ryans makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half61-74EJ Ryans makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half64-74Logan McIntire makes 27-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half65-74Keenan Garner makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half65-75Carson Vis makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half65-76EJ Ryans makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half65-77Max Burton makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Western Michigan Broncos, below favours Central Michigan Chippewas.
Venue
- University Arena (MI)Kalamazoo, MI
- Attendance4776
- OfficialsBryan Anslinger, Mike O'Neill, Kenneth Moreland
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond