KALAMAZOO, Mich. – In its Mid-American Conference opener the Western Michigan men's basketball team hosts in-state rival Central Michigan on Friday, Dec. 18 inside University Arena. Tip-off is set for 2:00 p.m. on ESPN3.  

Friday, Dec. 18  • 2:00 p.m. • Kalamazoo, Mich. • University Arena (5,421)
Western Michigan Broncos (1-4, 0-0 MAC) vs. Central Michigan Chippewas (3-3, 0-0 MAC)

Series Record vs. Central Michigan: WMU leads 91-54
Last Meeting: March 6, 2020 – Mount Pleasant, Mich. – WMU 68, CMU 85

BROADCAST INFORMATION:
Radio • Bronco Radio Network – Robin Hook (PBP)
Stations • WZOX – 96.5 FM: Kalamazoo (flagship)
Watch Live vs. Central Michigan: ESPN3 (Evan Stockton – PBP, Wayne Hinton - Color)

Scouting the Broncos
Western Michigan (1-4) is coming off a pair of defeats last weekend at home against Detroit Mercy and Milwaukee. In its contest against Milwaukee, WMU had three players score in double figures with redshirt junior Jason Whitens posting a career-high 16 points.

Quite the Rivalry
WMU leads the all-time series 91-54 over CMU and holds a 48-15 advantage against the Chippewas in Kalamazoo. The Chippewas have won the last six meetings against the Broncos with WMU's last win over CMU coming back on Feb. 20, 2018.

A Decade Wait
Friday's contest will mark the first time since 2010 that WMU and CMU will meet in each team's conference opener.

Just Beat the Chips
With a win on Friday, head coach Clayton Bates can become the 7^th coach in school history to win his first game against Central Michigan.

Return of the MAC
In the past 11 seasons, WMU is 5-6 in MAC openers. WMU has alternated MAC openers every year since 2016. The Broncos won last year's MAC opener with a 77-65 win over Ohio.

The Wright Time
Sophomore center Titus Wright registered his second double-double of the season last Saturday against Detroit Mercy with 14 points and 12 rebounds. Wright's two double-doubles this season ranks 2^nd in the MAC and 29^th in the NCAA.

He's a Scorer
Sophomore B. Artis White leads the Broncos this season at 14.2 points per game. White has scored in double figures in four of the five games this season and has led the Broncos in scoring twice.

Sweet Lee
Over the weekend against Detroit Mercy and Milwaukee, senior Greg Lee nearly averaged a double-double with 15.5 points and 8.5 rebounds per game. Lee led the Broncos on Sunday against Milwaukee with 18 points on 6-of-14 shooting from the field.

On the Horizon
After Friday's contest the Broncos will continue its homestand with a match-up against Ball State on Tuesday, Dec. 22. Tip-off is set for 2:00 p.m. inside University Arena.