KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The Western Michigan men's basketball team scored the final six points of regulation to force overtime, then outscored Akron 11-7 in the extra session to take down the Zips, 71-67, on Tuesday evening at University Arena.
 
Trailing 40-34, Western Michigan (6-20, 2-13) rattled off seven in a row, taking the lead on a Titus Wright layup with 6:47 remaining. During the run, the Broncos kept Akron (16-8, 9-5) without a point for nearly six minutes, and without a field goal for more than seven minutes.
 
The Zips briefly regained a three-point edge, 44-41, but Josiah Freeman canned a three-pointer to even the contest with five minutes to play. Akron tallied the next six points to regain a 50-44 advantage with 2:07 remaining. Mileek McMillan made four free throws over WMU's next two possessions, and after another defensive stop, Lamar Norman Jr. drove to the basket for the game-tying layup in the final minute to force the game into overtime, even at 50-50.
 
With the contest tied at 52-52, Norman buried a triple to put Western Michigan back on top, 55-52, with two minutes remaining in the extra session. Akron drew back within a point, 55-54, but Norman went 6-for-6 from the free throw line in the final minute of the game to seal the WMU victory, and snap a six-game slide for the Broncos against the Zips.
 
Norman netted a game-high 19 points for Western Michigan to extend his double-digit scoring streak to 23 consecutive games. McMillan was in double-figures for the fifth straight game and came just shy of a double-double, as the senior posted 14 points and nine rebounds. Markeese Hastings chipped in eight points and a team-high 11 rebounds.
 
The Broncos started out hot, connecting on their first five field goal attempts and six of their first seven to open up a 15-5 advantage at the 15:44 mark of the first half. Akron netted six straight points to close the gap to 15-11, but a 7-2 WMU response upped the margin back to 22-13 with 7:45 remaining in the first half.
 
With Western Michigan in front 24-15, the Zips rattled off a 12-0 run to move in front for the first time, and the visitors used that surge to take a 29-26 edge into the halftime locker room.
 
WMU got back within one on a Norman three-pointer at the 15:31 mark, but the Zips netted the next five points to match their largest lead of the evening, 40-34, with 12:14 to play.
 
Both teams struggled from the field, as Western Michigan hit 32.3 percent (21-of-65), and Akron connected on 32.8 percent (19-of-58) from the floor. The Broncos were plus-four on the glass, securing a season-high 48 rebounds, including a season-high tying 17 offensive boards. WMU owned a 12-8 advantage in second-chance points and 16-6 edge in points scored off of turnovers.
 
Western Michigan hits the road on Saturday afternoon for a 4 pm tilt against Buffalo. The game is set to be broadcast on ESPN3 and the Bronco Media Network.
 
To purchase tickets to any Western Michigan men's basketball home game this season, visit wmubroncos.com/tickets, or call 1-888-4-WMU-TIX.

Postgame Press Conference with Coach Bates and Mileek McMillan: