Central Michigan Tops Western Michigan in Rivalry Matchup
Saturday, February 21, 2026, 5:00 PM ET · McGuirk Arena
Central Michigan Chippewas 83, Western Michigan Broncos 70, 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 Western Michigan Broncos vs Central Michigan Chippewas?
Central Michigan Chippewas beat Western Michigan Broncos 83-70 at McGuirk Arena on February 21, 2026.
Who was favored in Western Michigan Broncos vs Central Michigan Chippewas?
Central Michigan Chippewas were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -185 (about 65% implied). The favorite won.
In a decisive matchup at McGuirk Arena, the Central Michigan Chippewas defeated the Western Michigan Broncos with a final score of 83-70. This victory marks an important moment for Central Michigan, who improved their season record to 10-18, while Western Michigan fell to 9-19. Both teams entered this game with identical records of 9-18, making this rivalry clash particularly significant as they sought to gain an edge in the Mid-American Conference.
Central Michigan's recent form has been a mix of highs and lows. Over their last ten games, they recorded a 4-6 record, with an average of 75.3 points scored and 74.6 points allowed per game. Their last five games showed a slight dip in performance, with an average of 74.6 points scored and 70.2 points allowed, ultimately culminating in a one-game losing streak. In contrast, Western Michigan has struggled significantly, managing only a 2-8 record in their last ten outings. They averaged 72.7 points scored and allowed a troubling 82.1 points per game during that stretch, including a one-game losing streak as well.
When examining their home and away performances, Central Michigan has fared better at home, boasting a 4-1 record in their last five home games, while Western Michigan has struggled both at home and away, with a 1-4 record in their last five away games. The previous meeting between these two teams earlier in the season saw Western Michigan come out on top with a score of 77-65, which added an extra layer of intensity to this rematch.
In terms of injuries, the block does not provide specific details, but both teams have faced challenges throughout the season that may have impacted their performance. The market reflected Central Michigan's slight advantage, with DraftKings listing them as 3.5-point favorites, alongside a total set at 150.5 points. The moneyline odds were -185 for Central Michigan and +154 for Western Michigan, indicating a stronger belief in a Central Michigan victory.
Conditions during the game were typical for indoor basketball, with no adverse weather factors to consider. Fans were treated to a competitive atmosphere as both teams aimed to secure a crucial win.
As the game progressed, Central Michigan showcased their offensive capabilities, particularly in the second half, where they maintained a lead and executed key scoring plays. Notable moments included Trey Lewis making a significant 30-foot three-point jumper and Phat Phat Brooks converting multiple free throws to solidify their lead. The Chippewas' ability to capitalize on free throw opportunities and make critical shots from beyond the arc played a pivotal role in their victory.
Overall, Central Michigan's win not only boosts their morale but also adds to the rivalry narrative against Western Michigan, who will need to regroup as they continue their season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | CMU -3.5 | 150.5 o -115 / u -105 | Western Michigan Broncos +154 · Central Michigan Chippewas -185 |
Leaders
- PointsTamario Adley25Central Michigan Chippewas
- AssistsPhat Phat Brooks5Central Michigan Chippewas
- ReboundsTamario Adley6Central Michigan Chippewas
- PointsJayden Brewer16Western Michigan Broncos
- AssistsEJ Ryans3Western Michigan Broncos
- ReboundsBrady Swartz10Western Michigan Broncos
Recent form
Central Michigan Chippewas
Last 10: 4-6Streak L175.3 scored · 74.6 allowed per game4-1 at home
- L54-66at Eastern Michigan EaglesFeb 17
- W88-46vs Northern Illinois HuskiesFeb 14
- L80-85at Louisiana Ragin' CajunsFeb 7
- L89-95at Massachusetts MinutemenFeb 4
- W62-59vs Bowling Green FalconsFeb 1
- W100-65vs Eastern Michigan EaglesJan 28
- L65-77at Western Michigan BroncosJan 24
- L67-68vs Ball State CardinalsJan 21
- L61-100at Miami (OH) RedHawksJan 14
- W87-85vs Kent State Golden FlashesJan 10
Western Michigan Broncos
Last 10: 2-8Streak L172.7 scored · 82.1 allowed per game1-4 away
- L73-90vs Akron ZipsFeb 18
- W76-62at Eastern Michigan EaglesFeb 14
- L79-90vs Toledo RocketsFeb 12
- L61-77at Texas State BobcatsFeb 7
- L71-91at Ohio BobcatsFeb 4
- L65-85at Northern Illinois HuskiesJan 28
- W77-65vs Central Michigan ChippewasJan 24
- L54-72vs Bowling Green FalconsJan 21
- L89-104at Akron ZipsJan 17
- L82-85vs Massachusetts MinutemenJan 14
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 | Western Michigan Broncos | Central Michigan Chippewas |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 24-60 | 25-51 |
| Field goal % | 40 | 49 |
| Three-pointers | 3-14 | 4-16 |
| Three-point % | 21 | 25 |
| Free throws | 19-25 | 29-38 |
| Free throw % | 76 | 76 |
| Rebounds | 32 | 33 |
| Offensive rebounds | 11 | 7 |
| Defensive rebounds | 21 | 26 |
| Assists | 10 | 12 |
| Steals | 5 | 11 |
| Blocks | 4 | 12 |
| Turnovers | 15 | 11 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 15 | 14 |
| Fast-break points | 14 | 17 |
| Points in the paint | 40 | 40 |
| Fouls | 25 | 21 |
| Largest lead | 5 | 16 |
| Lead changes | 3 | 3 |
| Time in front | 12 | 83 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half42-53Tamario Adley makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half42-55Tamario Adley makes 2-foot alley oop dunk (Jaxson Whitaker assists)
- 2nd Half44-55Sharod Barnes makes driving layup (Jayden Brewer assists)
- 2nd Half45-55Brady Swartz makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half46-55Brady Swartz makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half46-57Nathan Claerbaut makes 7-foot hook shot (Phat Phat Brooks assists)
- 2nd Half48-57Jayden Brewer makes driving layup
- 2nd Half48-59Phat Phat Brooks makes driving layup
- 2nd Half48-60Keenan Garner makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half48-61Keenan Garner makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half50-61Jayden Brewer makes driving layup (Carson Vis assists)
- 2nd Half51-61Jayden Brewer makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half51-63Tamario Adley makes 10-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half52-63EJ Ryans makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half53-63EJ Ryans makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half53-66Jaxson Whitaker makes 25-foot three point jumper (Keenan Garner assists)
- 2nd Half54-66Jayden Brewer makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half55-66Jayden Brewer makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half55-67Nick Mullen makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half55-69Tamario Adley makes 4-foot dunk
- 2nd Half57-69Jayden Brewer makes driving layup
- 2nd Half59-69Jayden Brewer makes 10-foot pullup jump shot (EJ Ryans assists)
- 2nd Half59-70Tamario Adley makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half59-71Phat Phat Brooks makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half59-72Phat Phat Brooks makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half59-74Logan McIntire makes 6-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half61-74Michael Sulaka makes layup (Sharod Barnes assists)
- 2nd Half62-74Jayden Brewer makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half62-75Tamario Adley makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half62-77Tamario Adley makes driving layup
- 2nd Half63-77Michael Sulaka makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half63-78Keenan Garner makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half63-79Keenan Garner makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half64-79Justice Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-79Trey Lewis makes 30-foot three point jumper (EJ Ryans assists)
- 2nd Half67-80Phat Phat Brooks makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-81Keenan Garner makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half70-81Trey Lewis makes 28-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half70-82Phat Phat Brooks makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half70-83Phat Phat Brooks makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Central Michigan Chippewas, below favours Western Michigan Broncos.
Venue
- McGuirk ArenaMount Pleasant, MI
- Attendance2888
- OfficialsGeoff Vejsicky, Ed Phillips, Chris Fuller
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