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MEPPEL, Netherlands- The Western Michigan men's basketball team traveled from Amsterdam to the northeast region of the Netherlands, starting off the first of four games on its European trip with a 92-82 victory over the Meppel Giants.

"This was a much better team (Meppel) than some of the others we have faced on prior overseas trips," said WMU head coach Steve Hawkins. "But this is the reason we are here. It was fun to get out on the court for the first time together against an opponent. Given the travel with the flight, bus ride and time-change, I thought we came out a little slow but adjusted well at halftime.

"All-in-all, it was a good way to open up the basketball season here in Europe. We did a lot of good things, but a lot of things the coaches can complain about, which will keep the guys' attention. New guys were getting minutes and we will start different lineups in all of our games here, so guys will have the chance to see a lot of time on the floor."

Tuesday's game was a four, 10-minute quarters format and WMU outscored its opponents by nine in the second half after leading by one at the half. The Broncos' starting lineup was junior Thomas Wilder, sophomore Bryce Moore, senior Tucker Haymond, freshman Adida Ikongshul and sophomore Seth Dugan. Western Michigan played several different combinations throughout the game and let many of the younger players get a good amount of minutes. Starters Moore, Haymond and Ikongshul got into foul trouble in the first half, also opening up playing time. All 13 Broncos that were dressed played, redshirt freshman Joeviair Kennedy missed the game with a stomach bug.

Junior Drake LaMont had 10 points and nine rebounds in the first half and grabbed one more rebound after halftime to record a double-double. LaMont and freshman Brandon Johnson saw limited action in the second half due to being nicked up with small injuries coming off the 10 days of practice leading up to Europe. Johnson had three points and three rebounds.

Wilder did as Wilder does in the second half, scoring points in bunches. He had six points at the break and ended the game as the Broncos' leading scorer with 20 points, four assists and three steals. With LaMont resting in the second half, Dugan was the go-to man down low. He also turned in a double-double, totaling 17 points and 10 rebounds. Dugan had just one point and two rebounds at the half.

The younger Broncos showed signs of what's ahead. Freshman Jarrin Randall followed Wilder running the point and was efficient. He showed off his ability to knock down shots from behind the arc, hitting three triples. Freshman Reggie Jones demonstrated good hustle all over the floor, tallying five points, seven rebounds, three assists and one steal.

The game format was four 10-minute quarters
Q1: WMU 19, Meppel 21
Q2: WMU 43, Meppel 42 (end of 1st half)
Q3: WMU 71, Meppel 60
Q4: WMU 92, Meppel 82 (final)

WMU Player Stats
0 Bryce Moore: 5p/1r/2a
1 Tucker Haymond: 5p/1r/2a/2s
2 Joeviair Kennedy: DNP
3 Josh Davis: 5p/4r/1a/1b
4 Jared Printy: 5p/2r
10 Thomas Wilder: 20p/4a/4s
11 Ryan Wade: 2p
12 Jarrin Randall: 9p/1r/4a/3s
13 Brandon Allen: saw action
23 Reggie Jones: 5p/7r/3a/1s
24 Adida Ikongshul: 6p/5r/1a/1s
35 Brandon Johnson: 3p/3r/1a
42 Drake LaMont: 10p/10r/1s
50 Seth Dugan: 17p/10r/1a/2s

Prior to Tuesday's game against Meppel, Western Michigan spent the morning learning more about the Anne Frank story and how WWII affected the Netherlands and Amsterdan. The team had a chance to tour the Anne Frank house, going inside the secret annex that held the family for two years before their capture.

Tomorrow Western Michigan will enjoy a final day in Amsterdam with cultural events scheduled. On Thursday, the Broncos will bus into Belgium, arriving in the city of Ghent. Their second game of the trip Thursday is against Duva Gistel and the Broncos will return to the floor Friday night against Waregem.

On Saturday, Aug. 27, Western Michigan makes the trek into France by bus, first settling in the Normandy region, Aug. 27-28, before heading to Paris to close out the trip, Aug. 29-30. While in Paris, WMU plays its final game on Aug. 29 against Sceaux. The Broncos begin their return to the United States on Aug. 31.