Preview: Central Michigan Chippewas at Buffalo Bulls

BUFFALO, N.Y. (Interstat) — A surging Central Michigan women’s basketball team will look to continue its climb in the Mid-American Conference standings when it visits struggling Buffalo on Wednesday afternoon at Alumni Arena.

The Chippewas (13-7 overall) enter the matchup having won four of their last five games, including a 75-70 road victory at Northern Illinois on Saturday. In contrast, the Bulls (2-19) are mired in a 10-game losing streak, their latest a narrow 76-72 defeat at Akron on Jan. 31.

Central Michigan’s success has been fueled by forward Ayanna-Sarai Darrington. The standout player has recorded three double-doubles in her last seven games, including a 17-point, 11-rebound performance in the win over Northern Illinois. Over that stretch, she is averaging 15.3 points and 6.9 rebounds per contest.

Buffalo’s season has been defined by hardship, but guard Aniya Rowe has been a consistent bright spot. She is coming off a dynamic 22-point, 7-rebound, 6-assist effort against Akron and scored a season-high 34 points against Kent State on Jan. 24. Rowe has averaged 19.6 points over her last seven games, shouldering a significant portion of the Bulls’ offensive load.

The Chippewas boast a balanced attack. In the win over Northern Illinois, Madi Morson poured in 26 points while Demetria Prewitt added 8 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists. Central Michigan’s defense has also been stout, holding opponents to 60 points or fewer in three of its last five wins.

For Buffalo, finding secondary scoring behind Rowe is critical. Meg Lucas provided a boost with a 16-point, 12-rebound double-double last time out, but the Bulls have struggled defensively, allowing an average of 78.2 points during their losing skid.

This is the first of two scheduled meetings between the MAC foes this season. The conference matchup tips off at 7 p.m. EST on Wednesday, Feb. 4.

Central Michigan visits Marshall on Saturday. Buffalo’s next game is at Bowling Green on Feb. 10.