KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Western Michigan men's basketball begins Mid-American Conference play on the road at Akron on Saturday, Jan. 5 in a rematch of last year's first round MAC Tournament game.

Saturday, Jan. 5 • 2:00 p.m. • Akron, Ohio • James A. Rhodes Arena (5,500)
Western Michigan Broncos (6-7, 0-0 MAC) at Akron Zips (8-6, 0-0 MAC)

Series Record: WMU trails 31-20
Last Meeting: March 5, 2018 (First Round MAC Tournament) (WMU – 78, Akron – 79)

BROADCAST INFORMATION:
Radio • Bronco Radio Network – Aaron Coyle (PBP)
Stations • WZOX – 96.5 FM: (Flagship) Kalamazoo, Portage, Mattawan; WMAX – 96.1 FM: Holland, Muskegon; WTKG 1230 AM: Grand Rapids.
Watch Live: ESPN3 (Michael Reghi – PBP, Jacki Windon – Color)

Get your Tickets!
Make sure to join us for Bronco basketball this season inside University Arena! Single-game tickets start at just $15. Also available is the "Pick Six" plan as Bronco fans have the opportunity to pick six men's home games that fit their schedule starting at only $66. Tickets can be purchased at the Bronco Ticket Office, online at wmubroncos.com/tickets or by calling 1-888-4-WMU-Tix.

Scouting the Broncos
Western Michigan wrapped up non-conference play with a 73-64 win over UC Riverside last weekend to head into MAC play with an overall record of 6-7. With six wins, WMU has won at least five non-conference games in three of the last four seasons.

Michael Flowers Named MAC West Player of the Week
On Monday sophomore Michael Flowers was named MAC West Player of the Week for the second time this season after flirting with a triple-double against UC Riverside. Flowers against the Highlanders scored a game-high 24 points to go along with eight rebounds and six assists.

New Year, New Team
Since 2004, Western Michigan is 11-3 in its first game following the new year.

Against the Zips
Western Michigan trails the all-time series to Akron, 31-20 and has dropped seven of the last eight meetings. Last season WMU defeated Akron at home to begin MAC play before falling to the Zips in the first round of the MAC Tournament.

Taking Them While They Are Free
The Broncos have been near automatic at the free-throw line in the past two games, going a staggering 32-of-39 (.821). Against UC Riverside, WMU went 22-of-27 from the charity stripe including 18-of-22 in the second half alone.

Young Broncos Leading the Way
Heading into conference play the Broncos are led by its talented group of underclassmen. The underclassmen this season have accounted for 51.4 percent of WMU's total points. Flowers leads the way, averaging 16.2 points per contest.

On the Road in the MAC
With a victory, WMU can begin MAC play on the road 1-0 for the first time since 2013. Of WMU first six conference games, four are on the road.

On the Horizon
The Broncos will travel to Kent State on Tuesday, Jan.8 before returning home to square off with defending MAC West champion Toledo on Saturday, Jan. 12 and nationally ranked Buffalo on Tuesday, Jan. 15.