CHICAGO – The Western Michigan men's basketball team dropped its penultimate contest before its holiday break on Saturday, as it fell, 89-68, to UIC at Credit Union 1 Arena in Chicago.  
 
In his first game as a Bronco, Javonte Brown recorded his first collegiate double-double, posting career highs in both points (15) and rebounds (11). Brown was one of three to score in double-figures for WMU (2-8) on the afternoon. Seth Hubbard led the way with 16 points, while Jefferson De La Cruz Monegro tallied 12 points and also corralled a career-high nine rebounds.
 
An early 5-4 Western Michigan edge was erased by a 10-2 run which put UIC (7-4) in front, 14-7. In his first minute of action as a Bronco, Brown grabbed a couple of offensive rebounds and tallied three points to bring WMU to within three, 19-16, at the 12:32 mark.  
 
The Flames responded with 13 of the next 16 points to move their lead into double-figures for the first time, 32-19, with 7:35 remaining in the period. WMU cut the margin to single-digits on multiple occasions, but UIC reeled off seven consecutive points in the latter stages of the half to take a 47-33 advantage into the locker room.
 
Western Michigan turned up the defensive pressure at the start of the second stanza, holding UIC scoreless for the first four minutes. The Broncos took advantage on the offensive end, scoring the first seven points of the period to close the gap to 47-40.
 
The Flames countered with a 13-2 surge to boost their lead to 60-42 with 14:12 to play. The margin grew as high as 80-49 before Western Michigan responded with 13 in a row to close the gap to 80-62, which was as close as the Broncos could get in the closing moments.
 
WMU struggled from the floor in the contest, as it was held to 32.0 percent (24-of-75) from the floor, while UIC made 56.5 percent (35-of-62) of its field goals. The Broncos dominated on the glass, setting season highs in both total rebounds (50) and offensive rebounds (24) on the way to winning the rebounding margin by 14.
 
Western Michigan is back on the road on Thursday, Dec., 21 as it visits Cleveland State. Tip between the Broncos and the Vikings is scheduled for 6 pm on ESPN+.