KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Hitting the road for the first time during Mid-American Conference play, the Western Michigan men's basketball team faces a tough test on Tuesday, Jan. 7 against East Division foe Akron inside James A. Rhodes Arena.

Tuesday, Jan. 7 • 7:00 p.m. • Akron, Ohio • James A. Rhodes Arena (5,500)
Western Michigan Broncos (8-6, 1-0 MAC) at Akron Zips (11-3, 1-0 MAC)

Series Record: WMU trails 20-32
Last Meeting: Jan. 5, 2019 – Akron, Ohio – WMU 48, Akron 56

BROADCAST INFORMATION:
Radio • Bronco Radio Network – Robin Hook (PBP)
Stations • WZOX – 96.5 FM: Kalamazoo (flagship), Portage, Mattawan; WMAX – 96.1 FM: Holland, Muskegon; WTKG 1230 AM: Grand Rapids
Watch Live: ESPN Plus (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 $12. 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 has won four of its last five game and heads into its Tuesday match-up with an overall record of 8-6 and 1-0 in MAC play. The Broncos are coming off a 77-65 victory over Ohio on Saturday and begin conference play 1-0 for the just the third time since 2010.

Only the Beginning
Against Ohio on Saturday the freshmen duo of Titus Wright and B. Artis White each scored in double figures, marking the 12^th time under head coach Steve Hawkins a pair of freshmen have scored in double figures in a MAC game. White was tied for the team lead with 18 points while Wright notched a career-high 16 points in the victory.

Flowers Keeping The Streak Alive
Dating back to last season junior Michael Flowers has scored in double figures in 17 straight games. Flowers leads the team and ranks second in the MAC at 16.9 points per game.

Seeking a Road MAC Win
WMU seeks its first MAC road win since Feb. 23, 2018, when the Broncos defeated Ball State, 87-80.

Chasing 1,000
Two Broncos are inching closer to 1,000 career points in the Brown & Gold:
• Michael Flowers – 183 points away
• Brandon Johnson – 268 points away

The Halftime Speech is Working
WMU is 7-0 this season when leading at the half and over the past three seasons has a record of 37-10 when leading heading into the locker room.

Taking It to the Charity Stripe
The Broncos have been one of the best teams in the nation at the free-throw line this season, ranking 23^rd in the NCAA in free-throw attempts (388) and 22^nd in free-throws made (243).

Scouting the Opponent
Akron heads into Tuesday's contest with an overall record of 11-3 and is 1-0 in conference play after a 69-45 victory at Eastern Michigan. The Zips have won seven of their last eight contests and hold an 8-0 record at home this season.
The Zips are well balanced offensively with four players averaging in double figures, led by Loren Christian Jackson at 15.7 points per game. On the glass Akron is led by Xeyrius Williams with 9.6 rebounds per game.