THE MATCHUP
Western Michigan Broncos (13-15, 9-7 MAC)
vs. Northern Illinois Huskies (15-14, 7-9 MAC))
Feb. 28, 2017 • 8 p.m. ET • DeKalb, Ill. • NIU Convocation Center (9,100)

Series Record: WMU leads, 57-32
Last Meeting: WMU 76-67 (2/11/17, in Kalamazoo)

BROADCAST INFORMATION
Radio • Bronco Radio Network - Robin Hook PBP (Pre-game show begins at 6:30 p.m. ET)
Stations • WZOX — 96.5 FM: (Flagship) Kalamazoo, Portage, Mattawan; WMAX — 96.1 FM: Holland, Muskegon; WMAX — 96.1 FM: WTKG 1230 AM: Grand Rapids
TV/Stream: ESPN3
Talent: Andy Garcia (PBP)
Twitter Updates: @WMUMBB

WHAT'S ON THE SCHEDULE
Western Michigan splits its last two games between the road and home. The Broncos head to Northern Illinois Tuesday, Feb. 28 for an 8 p.m. ET matchup and host Central Michigan on Friday, March 3 at 7 p.m. Fans can purchase Rivalry Special tickets for the CMU game -which includes an upper level game ticket, hot dog, popcorn, small fountain drink and NO CHIPS for just $12.

BRONCOS HITTING THEIR STRIDE
After starting Mid-American Conference play with a 2-6 record, the Broncos have won seven of their last eight, including the last six games in a row. With an 9-7 conference, 13-15 overall record, the Broncos are tied for first place in the MAC West and third overall.

SCOUTING WESTERN MICHIGAN
> Junior point guard Thomas Wilder is averaging a team-best 19.2 ppg and 4.2 rpg while senior Tucker Haymond is averaging 14.7 ppg and 5.0 rpg. The two have 177 assists combined. Freshman guard Reggie Jones (9.4 ppg),  freshman post Brandon Johnson (7.8) and junior center Drake LaMont (7.2) are all averaging over seven points per game. Seth Dugan is the team's leading rebounder with 5.5 rpg.

> The Broncos are averaging 76.1 ppg this season and allowing 76.6 ppg defensively. WMU is shooting 45.0 percent from the field, 36.6 percent from three and 71.5 percent from the free-throw line.

HAWKINS REGISTERS WIN 250
Western Michigan's win over Ball State on Feb. 25 was win No. 250 for  Steve Hawkins at Western Michigan. Hawkins is in his 14th season at the Bronco helm and has averaged 17.8 wins per season. He has a 250-203 record at WMU and has gone 139-97 in MAC play.

WILDER NAMED MAC POTW
Western Michigan junior Thomas Wilder was named the Mid-American Conference West Division Player of the Week, Monday, Feb. 27. It is the third-straight week the Broncos have had the weekly recipient. It is the second time this season Wilder has earned the honor.

Wilder led the Broncos to two victories last week as WMU has now rattled off six wins in a row. Wilder averaged 23.0 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.5 assists for the week. WMU defeated Toledo on the road in overtime Tuesday, 61-56, and then downed Ball State on Saturday, 80-55. With the win over Ball State, the Broncos have now moved into a tie for first place in the MAC West. Wilder scored 30 of Western Michigan's 61 points in the win at Toledo. He also had seven rebounds and three assists. Against Ball State he totaled 16 points, four rebounds and six assists.

SCOUTING NORTHERN ILLINOIS
Northern Illinois is led by sixth-year head coach Mark Montgomery and is 15-14 overall and 7-9 in the MAC. The Huskies have lost six of their last seven and maintain a 9-7 record at home.     

> Senior center Marin Maric is Northern Illinois' top producer and rebounder with 13.9 ppg and 7.9 rpg. Senior guard Aaric Armstead is the next highest scorer at 9.2 ppg. The Huskies average 72.5 ppg and allow 70.1 ppg. They are shooting at 44.1% from the floor.

SERIES HISTORY VS. THE HUSKIES
This will be the 90th meeting between the Broncos and the Huskies, with WMU owning a 57-32 all-time advantage.  

> The Broncos have won 12 of the past 15 games including 10 straight from 2010-15. The Huskies took two of the three last meetings last season, including a 56-50 victory in the MAC Tournament opening round in DeKalb, Ill. The two teams split the regular season meetings, each winning on their home floor. WMU took the first meeting this year, 76-67, on Feb. 11 in Kalamazoo.