The Bobcats are back at the top of MAC. They have an 18-3 record and 9-1 win in the Mid-American Conference. After Friday’s loss to Ball State, the Bobcats have won four of their last four games by double-digit margins. They are now in first place in conference standings. They now have to defend their position against a team that they’ve only faced once before.
The threat to Western Michigan (14-18, 0-11 MAC), is not significant. It has lost its first month of conference play and has not beaten Ohio since the 2013-14 season.
This is a second look at the Broncos in advance of Saturday’s game.
Game information
Opponent: Western Michigan
Convo
Time: 2 p.m.
Watch: ESPN3
Listen to Ohio IMG Sports Network
Live stats: Live statistics are available here.
Meet your opponent
Probable starters
00 Markeese Hastings
01 Mileek McMillan
03 B. Artis White
11 Lamar Norman Jr.
12 Josiah Freeman
Individual statistical leaders
Points: Norman (19.8 points per game)
Rebounds: Hastings (8.8 rebounds per game)
Assists: Norman (1.8 assists per game)
Field goal percentage: Titus Wright (55.6%)
3-point percentage: Danny Kolp (50%)
Owen Lobsinger (100%): Free throw percentage
Team statistical profile
Points per game: 65.1
Rebounds per game: 32.5
Assists per game: 10.1
Turnovers per game: 14.5
Field goal percentage: 42.6%
3-point percentage: 31.9%
Free throw percentage: 68.8%
The series
Ohio is leading the all-time series, 71-66. The last time these teams met was Jan. 1, when Ohio beat Western Michigan 59 to 47 in Kalamazoo (Michigan). Ohio won by double digits but was only 3-of-22 from beyond arc and shot just 36.5% from floor.
Western Michigan, Game 1
Over the last month, the Broncos haven’t seen any significant growth. They have regressed or stagnated in nearly every statistic category. The minuscule improvement in their shooting percentages hasn’t resulted in any meaningful success. The Broncos have not won a single game in the MAC and five of their losses were by more than 10 points.
However, there has been some changes in the lineup. Adrian Martin, who was a New Year’s Day starter against Ohio, has not started in seven games. White has been added to the Western Michigan team, who is averaging 10 point per game during that time. White has not had great success, scoring 21 points against Ball State and 23 against Akron. However, he has been held to less than 10 points five times and has shot 33.9% from behind the goal in his seven previous starts.
