Western Michigan beats Central Michigan 64-61

KALAMAZOO, Mich. (AP) Nate Hutcheson scored 17 points and grabbed eight rebounds, and Western Michigan survived a late Central Michigan rally to hold on for a 64-61 win Saturday.

Hutcheson was 6 of 11 from the field and hit three 3-pointers. Mike Douglas added 13 points and Flenard Whitfield had 12 for the Broncos (9-10, 3-2 Mid-American).

Trey Zeigler scored 19 points, including a layup with 2:21 to play that pulled the Chippewas (7-11, 2-3) within 64-61. Unfortunately for Central Michigan, those were the last two points of the game. Olivier Mbaigoto missed a game-tying 3-pointer with 47 seconds left, and Zeigler missed another with 5 seconds remaining. Whitfield grabbed the rebound to secure the win.

Western Michigan led 61-50 with 4:49 left, but back-to-back 3s by Austin Keel and another by Zeigler fueled the Chippewas' comeback.

Central Michigan shot just 34 percent from the field, including 28 percent in the second half.

Updated January 21, 2012