Athens, OH (WKZO) – Austin Richie’s 16 points were not enough Wednesday night, as the short-handed Broncos were defeated by the Ohio Bobcats 56-51.

The Broncos were already without Matt Stainbrook, who didn’t make the trip to Ohio due to a matter that coach Steve Hawkins said would stay in house. Then late in the 1^st half, the Broncos lost Demetrius Ward, who went down with a knee injury. However, Western was able to keep the game close for the majority of the contest.

Ohio started fast, pulling out to a 10-1 lead and extended that lead to 26-12 with 6:50 remaining in the half, before Western went on a 18-4 run to end to the first half tied at 30.

The 2^nd half saw the lead bounce back and forth before Bobcats guard D.J. Cooper made 2 free throws, putting Ohio up 44-42 and Western was never able to regain the lead.

With the loss, Western falls to 9-11 and 3-3 in the MAC.

GAME NOTES: Mike Douglas was the only other Bronco to score in double figures as he finished with 12…WMU shot only 30.2% from the floor…Flenard Whitfield fouled out with 25 seconds left with only 4 points…D.J. Cooper scored 18 points for the Bobcats…Shayne Whittington started in place of Stainbrook and finished with 9 points and 13 rebounds…The Broncos committed 23 fouls and had 17 turnovers…WMU returns to action on Saturday against Miami (OH). Tip-off is set for 4pm at University Arena.