KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Jayden Brewer recorded the third double-double of his collegiate career on Thursday night, but the Western Michigan men's basketball team could not shake off a slow start in an 85-81 loss to Northwood.  
 
Brewer paced the Broncos (1-1) in both points (24) and rebounds (12), and also picked up a career-high four blocks. Jalen Griffith came off of the bench to score a career-high 23 points on 7-of-8 shooting and collected a career-high four steals. Max Burton nearly had a double-double of his own, totaling 13 points and nine rebounds.
 
A 14-3 run helped Northwood get out to a 22-9 start in the game's first seven minutes. With the margin at 39-24, Western Michigan scored seven straight points to ignite a 15-4 surge which closed the gap to 43-39. The visitors took a 44-39 edge into the locker room.
 
Trailing 56-49, the Broncos put together a 9-2 run, tying it up at 58-58 on a three-pointer by Griffith at the 11:48 mark. The two teams then traded baskets for the next several minutes, and were even again at 65-65. The Timberwolves broke the deadlock with five straight points to take a 70-65 advantage with just under eight minutes to play. WMU got as close as 72-70, but the visitors held on for the victory.
 
The Broncos made 47.4 percent (27-of-57) from the field for the evening, while Northwood hit 44.1 percent (30-of-68). WMU held a 42-35 advantage on the glass.
 
Western Michigan hits the road for the first time this season on Sunday as it travels down to Buies Creek, N.C., to face Campbell. Tip is set for 12:30 pm.