Pregame

WMU is 4-2 all-time against Illinois State. WMU is 3-0 against the Redbirds at home. The two teams last met on Dec. 16, 2006 with WMU earning a 65-57 win at University Arena.

Steve Hawkins is 1-1 against the Redbirds.

This is the fifth time WMU has hosted a Bracket Buster, going 2-2 in the previous four games.

The last victory for WMU in a Bracket Buster came in a 74-67 win at Green Bay on Feb. 23, 2008. 

The last home victory for WMU in a Bracket Buster came against Valparaiso, 89-80 in overtime on Feb. 17, 2006. 

Demetrius Ward has scored in double figures in nine straight games. 

Flenard Whitfield has recorded a double-double in two straight games. 

First Half

Starting five for WMU: PG Mike Douglas, SG Ward, SF Nate Hutcheson, PF Juwan Howard Jr. and C Matt Stainbrook. First career start for Howard. 

This is the second time WMU has used a starting five different from Douglas, Ward, Hutcheson, Whitfield and Stainbrook. WMU is 1-0 in those games, defeating Eastern Illinois with a starting five of Douglas, Ward, Hutcheson, Whitfield and Muhammed Conteh. 

Starting five for Illinois State: G Anthony Cousin, G Austin Hill, F Jon Ekey, F Tony Lewis and F Blake Mishler. 

WMU is 4-7 when trailing at the half this season. 

Second Half

Stainbrook is first Bronco in double figures. Thirteenth time Stainbrook has reached double figures this season. 

Wolf becomes second Bronco in double figures with his third double-figure scoring effort the season. 

Tenth straight game in double figures for Ward, who becomes the third Bronco in double figures. Ward now has 19 double-digit scoring efforts this season. This is 21st time this season WMU has had three or more score in double figures. 

Post-Game 

WMU is now 7-3 in games decided by one possession.