THIS WEEK
Western Michigan takes on the top two teams in the Mid-American Conference standings, welcoming second-place Buffalo to University Arena on Wednesday at 11 a.m. WMU then heads on the road to first-place Ball State on Saturday for a 1 p.m. tip-off. Both games can be watched on ESPN+ and heard live on the Bronco Media Network. Tickets for Wednesday's game are on-sale at www.wmubroncos.com/tickets.

CLASS AT THE COURT
Wednesday's game has the much earlier start time so the Broncos can host "Class at the Court," a unique opportunity for local middle school students to experience a day of basketball, education and interactive activities. 

In addition to the thrilling basketball action on the court, "The Class at the Court" event will feature a variety of pregame stations, including educational workbooks, photo booths, and in-game promotions designed to engage and entertain young fans. The game will be an unforgettable experience for local students, who will get the chance to be a part of the action while learning more about the sport.

LAST WEEK
The Broncos went on the road and picked up a 63-60 win at Bowling Green last Wednesday and wrapped the week up with an 81-70 loss at home to Central Michigan. 

Against the Falcons, the Broncos erased an eight-point fourth-quarter deficit to pick up the team's fifth win in MAC play. Hannah Spitzley led WMU with 19 points, followed by Marina Assensio's 18. Ali Carlson also had 11 points and a team-high six rebounds. 

Against the Chippewas, WMU hit the opening shot and then trailed the rest of the game. CMU had a 42-20 advantage on boards, including 16-9 on offensive rebounds. The Chippewas also shot 54.2 percent (26-of-48) from the field and 58.3 percent (7-for-12) from three. 

ON A ROLL
Senior guard Hannah Spitzley has reached double-digit points in each of the last six games, a new career-best mark. Her previous best mark of five straight games in double figures was done twice during the 2022-23 season. 

During her run, the Broncos are 4-2 and she is averaging 18.5 points per game. Her impact solely hasn't been on the scoreboard, Spitzley has also had at least five rebounds in five of the six games, including 10 in a win over Toledo to mark her third career double-double. 

A GAME OF THIEVES 
Wednesday's game features the two best thieves in the MAC. Hannah Spitzley leads the conference in steals with 2.8 per game, while Buffalo's Lani Cornfield is just behind her with 2.4 per game. However, when considering just MAC games Spitzley is still at the top with 2.8 per game but Buffalo's Sitota Gines is second-best with 2.6.

Along with leading the MAC, Spitzley is 23rd in the nation in steals per game and 38th in total steals (50). 

SCOUTING THE BULLS
Buffalo enters Wednesday with an overall record of 17-2, with its only losses coming at Kent State and at home against MAC-leaders Ball State. 

The Bulls average 76.3 points per game, led by senior guard Chellia Watson's 19.3. Sophomore guard Kirsten Lewis-Williams averages 13.6, while senior guard Noelani Cornfield averages 10.3. Senior guard Terah Harness is the team's top threat from deep with a team-high 36 three pointers, shooting 35 percent (36-of-103). 

UB has allowed just 58.6 points per game this season, holding opponents to just 36.5 percent (381-of-1043) from the field. Lewis Williams lead the team with 6.1 rebounds per game, followed by sophomore forward Alexis Davis at 6.0. 

SCOUTING THE CARDINALS
Ball State, the lone undefeated team left in the MAC, plays at Ohio on Wednesday night before hosting the Broncos on Saturday at 1 p.m. All eight of BSU's conference wins have been by at least nine points this season, with Kent State coming the closest in a 66-57 loss. 

The Cardinals are averaging  75.2 points per game, led by senior guard Ally Becki's 14.7. BSU has five players, including Becki that average double-figures in points. Lachelle Austin and Grace Kingery have each made 30 three-pointers on the season, with Becki right behind at 27. 

Defensively, Ball State is allowing 60.5 points per game and holding opponents to 38.3 percent (425-of-1114). Four players average more than 5.0 rebounds per game, led by Alex Richard and Marie Kiefer's 6.3. Elise Stuck averages 5.7 and Becki with 5.5. The Cardinals also force 19.1 turnovers per game.