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ATHENS, Ohio- The Western Michigan men's basketball team fell on the road Tuesday in Mid-American Conference action to Ohio, 82-64.

Sophomore point guard Thomas Wilder recorded a team-high 21 points, four rebounds, three assists and had a career-high five steals for the Broncos. Junior forward Tucker Haymond was WMU's next highest scorer with 15 points.

Sophomore center Drake LaMont and senior forward Anthony Avery Jr. led the way on the boards, each grabbing seven. LaMont also had eight points (six in the first half) and Avery scored five.

Western Michigan had its best game of 2015-16 handling the ball, committing a season-low seven turnovers. The team however shot just 33.9 percent from the floor and struggled from behind the arc, going 4-for-18 (22.2 %).

“We played hard, we just couldn't knock down shots,” said WMU head coach Steve Hawkins. “That has been a little bit of the story for us. We are running a solid offense, but we are just missing right now. It's certainly not for a lack of effort and we got our turnover problem solved, so that part was good.”

Ohio entered the matchup ranked second in the MAC for point production, as well as field goal percentage, averaging 79. 2 ppg and shooting 46.9 percent. The Bobcats hit 50.9 percent against the Broncos and were 11-for-20 from 3-point range.

“When we miss that many shots it puts a lot of pressure on our defense,” Hawkins said. “In the first half we were able to handle it. In the second half, our best source of offense was going to have to be offensive rebounds. If we didn't get the rebound it allowed them some fast break opportunities and some clean looks. And that is what cracked the game open.”

The loss snapped what was a four-game winning streak for Western Michigan against the Bobcats. Ohio historically has been a tough place for the Broncos to play. Western Michigan is just 19-45 all-time in Athens, dating back to the beginning of the rivalry in 1939. Conversely, WMU is 43-18 against the Bobcats in Kalamazoo. The Bobcats are 9-1 at home this season.

The two teams traded big runs in the first half to open the game. After falling behind by five midway through the first period, WMU scored 14 unanswered points to build a 27-19 advantage. The Bobcats responded with a 17-4 run to close out the half and take a slight 35-31 lead into the locker room. WMU went just 2-for-11 during the dry spout, both baskets scored by Wilder.

WMU started the second half on an 8-0 run over the first four minutes to pull ahead briefly, 39-35. Ohio eventually regained the lead on a layup by Gavin Block with 14:30 left to go. WMU stayed within two possessions through the next five minutes, but Ohio slowly began to pull away. A pair of free throws by Jaaron Simmons with 6:05 remaining pushed Ohio's lead into double digits for good.

Simmons led Ohio (11-6, 2-3 MAC) with 24 points and went 4-for-4 from 3-point land. Antonio Campbell followed with a double-double, tallying 16 points and 16 rebounds. Block also finished with 16 points.

Western Michigan (7-11, 1-4 MAC) returns to Kalamazoo to host Buffalo Saturday, as part of a men's and women's basketball doubleheader. The Bronco women host Ball State at 2 p.m., followed by a 4:30 p.m. men's tip-off. A men's game ticket is also good for entrance to the women's contest in general admission seating. A women's game ticket can be redeemed after halftime for an upper level ticket for the men's game.

Saturday will also be the biannual WMU Athletics Garage Sale, with doors opening at 1 p.m. Most apparel is lightly worn and includes game worn gear and practice jerseys, sweat suits, shoes, t-shirts, shorts, and much more from all  of your favorite Bronco teams. These are unique items that you will not find anywhere else, and at a great price!

You must have a game ticket to attend the Garage Sale. For more information or to order your tickets, call the Bronco Ticket office at 1-888-4-WMU-TIX (269-387-8092) or order online at wmubroncos.com/tickets.