Ohio is kicking off the new year with its first Mid-American Conference game of the season. It’ll travel to Kalamazoo, Michigan, on Saturday to face Western Michigan in University Arena.
The Bobcats (9-2, 0-0 MAC) are beginning their conference slate later than expected. They were originally supposed to begin MAC play against Eastern Michigan on Dec. 28, but that game was postponed due to a pause in Eastern Michigan’s program.
The Broncos (4-8, 0-1 MAC) have not performed well this season. They’ve won by nine points or less over their last three wins, and have been blown out by over 25 points in their previous two losses against Toledo and Notre Dame.
Here’s what you need to know about Western Michigan before Ohio’s first conference game of the season:
Game information
Opponent: Western Michigan
Venue: University Arena
Time: 3:30 p.m.
Watch: ESPN3
Listen: Ohio IMG Sports Network
Live stats: Live stats are provided here.
Meet the opponent
Probable starters
00 Markeese Hastings (6-foot-7)
01 Mileek McMillan (6-foot-9)
02 Adrian Martin (6-foot-3)
11 Lamar Norman Jr. (6-foot-1)
32 Mack Smith (6-foot-2)
Individual statistical leaders
Points: Norman (17.4 points per game)
Rebounds: Hastings (7.9 rebounds per game)
Assists: Martin (1.8 assists per game)
Field goal percentage: Hastings (51.2%)
3-point percentage: Martin (40.7%)
Free throw percentage: Josiah Freeman (100%)
Team statistical profile
Points per game: 65.5
Rebounds per game: 34.7
Assists per game: 10.4
Turnovers per game: 15.7
Field goal percentage: 42%
3-point percentage: 31.1%
Free throw percentage: 68.6%
The series
Ohio leads the series 70-66. It last faced Western Michigan on Jan. 26, 2021, where it won 81-58 in The Convo.
Player to watch
Norman — The junior has pulled his weight after transferring from Duquesne this year. Norman has led the Broncos in scoring in four of his last five games, and he leads the team in points per game. He’s also scored in double figures in 11 games thus far for the Broncos, including a 31-point performance against Southeastern Louisiana on Nov. 28.
