KALAMAZOO, MI – The friendly confines were not friendly to the Western Michigan men’s basketball team, as the visiting Akron Zips rode a torrid start to a 90-80 win over the Broncos at University Arena on Tuesday night. Akron’s hot 3-point shooting had the Zips up by 23 with 8:38 left in the first half, a lead the Broncos were able to close on but not catch.
All of Akron’s starting five scored in double figures, with Kwan Cheatham Jr.’s 20 points leading the Zips. Bronco super-guard Thomas Wilder had 25 points to lead all scorers. For the game, the Zips shot 54% from the field and 52% from behind the arc, while the Broncos shot 42% and 43% respectively. Akron also commanded the free throw line, hitting 74% of their freebies to 65% for the Broncos. Akron (17-3, 7-0 MAC) won their 10th straight game, while Western Michigan (6-13, 2-5 MAC) lost their 3rd straight.
The Broncos head next to Muncie, Indiana for a Saturday date with the Ball State Cardinals. Tipoff is set for 1:00 p.m. with the pregame show at 12:30 p.m. on the Bronco Radio Network and flagship WZOX Z96-5.
