Minnie has hot finish to lead Eastern Mich. to 79-74 win (Jan 09, 2018)

By AP
Published

YPSILANTI, Mich. (AP) Elijah Minnie scored 14 of his 25 points in the final minutes and James Thompson IV added 17 points with 12 rebounds as Eastern Michigan held off Central Michigan 79-74 for its first Mid-American Conference win on Tuesday night.

Thompson scored six points to start the second half as Eastern Michigan broke a 38-38 halftime tie to go ahead 52-46 following a 14-8 sprint. Gavin Peppers nailed a trey to tie at 56-56 with 8:59 remaining.

Minnie drilled a 3-pointer, had a tip-in and nailed two more from distance to give Eastern Michigan a 72-65 lead with 3:16 left. Minnie dunked and hit a free throw in the final seconds.

Ty Groce, who fouled out, finished with 15 points and eight rebounds for the Eagles (10-6, 1-2).

Cecil Williams made 9 of 10 free throws for a career-high 23 points and Kevin McKay added 15 for Central Michigan (12-4, 1-2).