KALAMAZOO, Mich. – For the first time since Jan. 12 the Western Michigan men's basketball team returns to the hardwood to square off with defending Mid-American Conference regular season champion Akron on Saturday, Jan. 23.

Saturday, Jan. 23  • 5:00 p.m. • Kalamazoo, Mich. • University Arena (5,041)
Western Michigan Broncos (2-8, 1-4 MAC) vs. Akron Zips (7-3, 5-2 MAC)

Series Record vs. Akron: WMU trails 20-34
Last Meeting: Feb. 18, 2020 – Kalamazoo, Mich. – WMU 67, Akron 71

BROADCAST INFORMATION:
Radio • Bronco Radio Network – Robin Hook (PBP)
Stations • WZOX – 96.5 FM: Kalamazoo (flagship)
Watch Live vs. Akron: ESPN Plus (Conor Clingen – PBP, Wayne Hinton – Color)

Scouting the Broncos
In its first game in 11 days, WMU enters Saturday's contest with an overall record of 2-8 and 1-4 in MAC play. The Broncos are coming off a 85-69 loss to Buffalo back on Tuesday, Jan. 12. WMU has lost four straight to Akron and 10 of the last 11 meetings.

Long Time, No Play
Since its last contest on Jan. 12 the Broncos have had both of their games against Miami and Eastern Michigan postponed due to COVID-19 with the Bronco men's basketball program.

Lockdown Broncos
WMU is one of just two schools in the MAC to rank in the top five in scoring defense, opponent field goal percentage, opponent three-point field goal percentage and opponent free-throw percentage.

Big Wright
Sophomore Titus Wright has been dominant close to the basket, ranking third in the MAC with a 56.8 percent field goal percentage.

Bench Broncos
The Broncos scored a season-high 51 points off the bench against Buffalo on Jan. 12.It was the most points off the bench for WMU since having 52 points against Siena Heights back on Nov. 11, 2017.

Air Canada
Off the bench against Buffalo junior Patrick Emilien had a career day, posting a career-high 18 points on 7of-10 shooting from the field with three coming from long distance. It was Emilien's third game this season scoring in double figures.

Lee Brings the Glass Cleaner
Senior Greg Lee leads the Broncos with 7.4 rebounds per contest. Lee also ranks fifth in the MAC with 5.7 defensive rebounds per game.

Fabulous Freshman
Freshman Josiah Freeman is the leading freshman off the bench for WMU, averaging 3.4 points per game. Freeman ranks fifth amongst all "true" freshman in the MAC in scoring.

What's Ahead?
Following Saturday's contest, Western Michigan hits the road for two straight beginning on Tuesday, Jan. 26 at Ohio. WMU then squares off with Miami in Oxford, Ohio on Saturday, Jan 30.