Pregame

This is the fifth meeting all-time between the two schools, with WMU holding a 3-1 edge. In the last meeting, WMU earned a 69-58 victory at Eastern Illinois on Dec. 9, 2009. 

WMU is 1-1 against Eastern Illinois under Steve Hawkins.

WMU has had three or more players score in double figures in 11 of its 12 games this season. 

The Broncos have used the same starting lineup in every game this season. 

With a win, WMU would improve to 7-6 entering MAC play. That would mark the third time WMU has entered MAC play with a winning record under Hawkins.

WMU is 2-2 all-time on New Year's Eve. 

This  is the second time in three seasons Eastern Illinois has played on New Year's Eve. 

First Half

WMU starting five: PG Mike Douglas, SG Demetrius Ward, SF Nate Hutcheson, PF Flenard Whitfield and C Muhammed Conteh. This is the first time WMU has started this lineup this season. 

First career start for Conteh.  

Eastern Illinois starting five: G Taylor Jones, G Jeremy Granger, G Curry McKinney, F James Hollowell, and C Matt Dorlack. 

WMU controls the opening tip. 

First field goal for Panthers comes with 15:46 remaining in first half.

Juwan Howard Jr. first Bronco in double figures with 2:32 to play in half. Fifth double-digit scoring effort this season for Howard. 

WMU is 4-2 when leading at the half this season. 

Second Half

Whitfield becomes the second Bronco in double figures. It is his eighth game in double digits this season. 

Season-high in scoring for Conteh.

Career-high in rebounds for Howard.

Whitfield ties career-high in scoring. 

Douglas becomes the third Bronco in double figures. WMU has had three or more in double figures in twelve of its thirteen games this season. Fourth game in double figures this season for Douglas.

Second career game with 20 or more points for Howard.

WMU enters MAC play 7-6, the third time WMU has entered MAC play with a winning record under Hawkins. 

Career-high ten rebounds for Howard, giving him his first career double-double. Howard is the third different Bronco to record a double-double this season. 

Whitfield ties career-high with 19 points, which he has now matched three times. Career-high nine made field goals for Whitfield.

With Whitfield (19), Douglas (11), and Howard (22) in double figures, WMU has now had three or more players in double digits in twelve of its thirteen games this season.