DETROIT – For the first time since 2012, Western Michigan men's basketball heads to the east side of the state for match-up with in-state rival Detroit Mercy on Saturday, Dec. 9 inside Calihan Hall. Tip-off is set for 2:00 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 9 • 2:00 p.m. • Detroit, Mich. • Calihan Hall
Western Michigan Broncos (5-4. 0-0 MAC) at Detroit Mercy Titans (4-5, 0-0 Horizon)
Series Record: WMU trails 29-24
Last Meeting: Dec. 8, 2012 | Detroit, Mich. | UDM def. WMU, 91-82
BROADCAST INFORMATION:
Radio • Bronco Radio Network –
Robin Hook (PBP)
Stations • WZOX – 96.5 FM: (Flagship) Kalamazoo, Portage, Mattawan; WMAX – 96.1 FM: Holland, Muskegon; WTKG 1230 AM: Grand Rapids
Watch Live: ESPN3 (Dan Dickerson – PBP, Earl Cureton– Color)
Scouting the Broncos
WMU is 5-4 this season including a 3-1 record at home and is averaging 77.0 points per game. The Broncos defense has led the way early on this season holding opponents to 70.0 points per game, the third lowest in the Mid-American Conference. Defensively, WMU ranks third in defensive rebounds (34.6), fifth in blocks (3.8) and second in steals (8.3).
Last Time Out
Western Michigan squared off with its second straight Horizon League opponent on Wednesday inside University Arena and came away with a 78-67 win over Cleveland State. The Broncos made the most of their opportunity from the free-throw line in the win going 27-of-37.
Jones Records New Career-High
Against Cleveland State, sophomore
Reggie Jones recorded a new career-high with 27 points on 7-of-14 shooting from the floor. Jones has been a consistent offensive threat the past four games averaging 15.0 points per game while shooting 48 percent from the field.
Wilder Is One of the Best
Senior guard
Thomas Wilder is off to a stellar senior campaign, leading the Broncos with 19.2 points per game. Wilder has scored in double figures in 28 straight games, the 12
th longest streak in the NCAA. Earlier this season, the Montgomery, Ill., native became the first player in program history to capture 1,500 career points, 300 rebounds and 300 assists.
Glass Cleaner
Junior
Josh Davis is cementing himself as one of the best rebounders in the MAC, ranking fifth in the conference with 8.0 rebounds per game. Davis against Cleveland State tied his career-high with 13 rebounds.
Saturday's are for the Broncos
Since 2012, Western Michigan has collected 35 wins on Saturday games, ranking fifth most amongst MAC schools and second most in the MAC West Division. This season, WMU is 2-1 on Saturday with victories over Siena Heights and Northwood.
On the Horizon
Saturday's contest will be the third straight game against an Horizon League opponent for the Broncos. WMU fell to mid-major power Oakland on Dec.2 before bouncing back with a victory over Cleveland State. All-time against teams from the Horizon League, WMU is 59-45.
Scouting Detroit Mercy
Detroit Mercy is 4-5 on the season and is currently riding a three-game losing streak after falling to fellow MAC foe Toledo, 89-86 on Wednesday night. At home inside Calihan Hall, the Titans are 2-1 with victories over Michigan-Dearborn and Siena Heights. Detroit Mercy ranks 11
th in the NCAA in scoring offense, averaging 90.6 points per game with five players averaging double figures. The offense is led by Kameron Chatman who leads the team with 19.2 points and 8.4 rebounds per game.
