Tuesday's state hoops: Norman Jr. lifts W. Michigan over Akron 61-57 in OT

Kalamazoo, Mich. — Lamar Norman Jr. had 19 points and seven rebounds as Western Michigan beat Akron 61-57 in overtime on Tuesday night.

Mileek McMillan had 14 points and nine rebounds for Western Michigan (6-20, 2-13 Mid-American Conference). Markeese Hastings added 11 rebounds.

Akron totaled 21 points in the second half, a season low for the team.

Enrique Freeman had 16 points, 18 rebounds and five blocks for the Zips (16-8, 9-5). Xavier Castaneda added 11 points.

Ali Ali, the Zips' leading scorer heading into the contest at 14 points per game, was held to five points on 1-for-10 shooting.

The Broncos leveled the season series against the Zips. Akron defeated Western Michigan 74-73 on Jan. 18.

Eastern Michigan 75, (at) Central Michigan 70: After taking a double-digit lead into halftime, Eastern Michigan was able to hold off a late second-half comeback by Central Michigan to pull out a 75-70 road victory on Tuesday. 

Noah Farrakhan led the way for the Eagles (9-16, 4-10 MAC) with 24 points, with Nate Scott and Mo Njie adding 10 each. 

Kevin Miller finished with 23 points, six rebounds and five assists to lead the way for the Chippewas (6-17, 5-7 MAC).