Women's basketball catch fire during break - Central Michigan Life

Junior guard Brandie Baker led the team in scoring with 16 points, four assists and 10 rebounds during Central Michigan's 75-62 win over the Purdue Boilermakers. (Andrew Kuhn/Assistant Photo Editor)

When most students last saw the Central Michigan women’s basketball team it was Dec. 3 and with a 79-68 loss against Bradley.

While students were away the Chippewas went 6-1 to finish out the non-conference season, improving their record from 2-5 to 8-6.

The success over break was highlighted with a five-game winning streak that started with back-to-back wins against then-No. 12 Purdue of the Big Ten and Ole Miss from the Southeastern Conference.

“I’m very proud of this basketball team,” said head coach Sue Guevara. “I’m so happy finals are over so we can focus on basketball.”

CMU started its winning streak with a signature win over the Boilermakers (12-3, 2-0 Big Ten) in an 75-62 comeback win.

Following that game the team traveled to Oxford, Miss. and played the Rebels (10-4, 0-1 SEC) and held on for a 78-75 win in overtime.

“I came into this game knowing I was going to be physical and show our team isn’t weak,” said sophomore forward Taylor Johnson after the Ole Miss game.

CMU then followed the two victories up by sweeping the Wright State Invitational beating Southeast Missouri State (4-12, 1-2 Ohio Valley) 100-59, Longwood (2-15) 70-59, and Wright State (9-5, 2-0 Horizon League) 65-60.

“I’m pretty pleased with our total team effort,” Guevara said.

But the Chippewas ran into a speed bump at New Orleans playing in the Tulane Holiday tournament when they lost to Hampton (10-3, 2-0 MEAC) 51-77.

They didn’t let that loss keep them down long rallying together to beat the College of Charleston 72-69 in overtime the next night.

“We needed that win to get back on our winning ways,” said freshman forward Jas’Mine Bracey.

LaDuke steps up right away

During the break CMU welcomed a new player, transfer sophomore forward Jordan LaDuke who had to sit during the first semester due to NCAA transfer rules.

LaDuke has started the last five games for the Chippewas and has 57-points. She has hit 10 3-pointers, including five against Charleston.

“It felt good and coach (Guevara) told me to keep shooting and not get down on myself,” LaDuke said after leading the team in points, assists and minutes against Charleston.