Western Michigan Broncos (9-2, 0-0 MAC)
vs. Akron Zips (7-4, 0-0 MAC)
Dec. 31, 2 p.m., Kalamazoo, Mich. (University Arena)

ESPN3 - Mike Monaco & Jessica Jessing
Radio - 1660 AM The Fan with Garrison Diehl
Live Stats - wmu-statbroadcast.com
Twitter - @WMU_WBB

EIGHT STRAIGHT
The Broncos have won their past eight games dating back to Nov. 25, with four coming on the road, three at home and one at a neutral site. The eight-game winning streak is the highest in Shane Clipfell's career and the highest at WMU since the 1994-95 season, where the team won nine straight games. With the winning streak, the Broncos have now made their way into the College Insider Mid-Major Top-25 poll, where they are currently receiving votes. 

MAC OPENER
With Akron coming to visit, it officially opens the 2016-17 Mid-American Conference (MAC) season, where the Broncos were picked to finish fourth in the MAC West. The Broncos currently own the second highest winning streak in the MAC entering conference play (Buffalo, 9). WMU is 2-2 in MAC openers under Clipfell, who has a career MAC record of 44-44.

HOME COURT ADVANTAGE
Western Michigan is 38-22 when playing at University Arena under head coach Shane Clipfell, including an impressive 12-2 record in the 2014-15 season. Clipfell's team has never finished with a below .500 home record in four seasons. In 2015-16, the Broncos opened with a perfect 7-0 record at home and finished the home season with a 94-52  win over Northern Illinois in the opening round of the MAC Tournament, the largest win in the MAC Tournament in school history. The Broncos are 4-1 at home this season, with the only loss coming in overtime to No. 21 Michigan State.

THE MATCHUP
The Broncos and Zips first met in 1993 and have seen each other at least once every season since. The Broncos hold a 27-9 advantage, but the Zips have won six of the past nine games. WMU won 25 of the first 28 matchups between these two teams in history. In last season's matchup, the Broncos came back from down 13 points entering the fourth quarter to win 69-65. 

ZIPS SCOUTING REPORT
Akron, who is coached by Jodi Kest in her 11th season, went into their game Wednesday night with a 6-4 overall record. The Zips have played five of their last seven games on the road or at a neutral site, where they own a 5-2 record in both combined. The team is led by Preseason All-MAC East Performer Hannah Plybon, who is second in the MAC at 20.3 points per game. Plybon also leads the team at 5.3 rebounds per game.