Western Michigan will be looking to snap its two-game losing streak when it travels to Ohio on Tuesday night. The Broncos have now lost five of their last seven games, including a 63-55 setback against Akron on Saturday. Ohio had lost four out of five games prior to blowing out Central Michigan its last time out.
Western Michigan has been struggling since the beginning of the season, winning just one of its first 14 games against Division I opponents. The Broncos were finally able to string some success together two weeks ago, beating Eastern Michigan and Bowling Green in consecutive games. They have lost their two games since then, though, falling to Ball State and Akron to drop to 2-4 in conference play. Western Michigan was able to cover the 9.5-point spread in its 71-70 loss to Ball State, and it pushed the 8-point spread in its 63-55 setback against Akron on Saturday. The Broncos shot 38% from the field in both of those games, continuing an alarming trend.
Men's Basketball Begins Road Swing on Tuesday at Ohio
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— Western Michigan Men's Basketball (@WMUMBB) January 23, 2023
They rank outside the top 215 in the country in 2-point percentage (49.1) and 3-point percentage (32.9). Western Michigan has also been dealing with severe turnover issues, ranked No. 262 in that category. Its two strengths on the offensive end have been their free-throw percentage (75.9) and high offensive rebounding rate. Western Michigan is going to be at a height disadvantage on Tuesday. Senior guard Lamar Norman Jr. leads the Broncos with 17.9 points and 3.1 assists per game, while senior guard Tray Maddox Jr. is adding 11.3 points. Junior forward Markeese Hastings is nearly averaging a double-double with 8.2 points and 10.0 rebounds per game. He will be facing an Ohio defense that is No. 203 in adjusted efficiency.