Sunday, March 8th, 2:00 p.m. (et)

FACTS & STATS: Site: University Arena (5,421) -- Kalamazoo, Michigan. Television: None. Home Record: CMU 8-6, WMU 7-6. Away Record: CMU 2-11, WMU 3-9. Neutral Record: CMU 1-0, WMU 0-4. Conference Record: CMU 6-9, WMU 7-8. Series Record: Western Michigan leads, 77-43.

GAME NOTES: Still with a glimmer of hope at capturing the outright title in the West Division of the Mid-American Conference, the Western Michigan Broncos take the floor in front of a home crowd at University Arena against in-state rival, the Central Michigan Chippewas. CMU heads into this contest fresh off a 59-44 decision over Toledo. It was the third win in five games for the Chippewas, who are now 6-9 in conference play. As for the Broncos, they snapped a three-game losing skid with a thrilling, 84-82 overtime victory over Ball State. The win over the Cardinals placed WMU in a tie for first place in the West Division with Ball State. However, the Broncos must win today and also have the Cardinals fall to grab sole possession of the MAC West crown. The Broncos hold a commanding, 77-43 edge over CMU in the all-time series, and that includes the team's 72-63 decision over the Chippewas earlier this year.

Scoring points has not been an easy task for the Chippewas this season as they enter the regular-season finale averaging just 61.9 ppg, behind a lackluster 41.5 percent shooting effort. Marcus Van has missed some time this season, but the big man is currently pacing the team with 12.7 ppg and 8.2 rpg. Jordan Bitzer and Robbie Harman are both contributing 11.6 ppg apiece, while Harman has also dished out a team-best 80 assists. The last time CMU was in action the team only scored 59 points, but surprisingly it was enough for the team to get past Toledo. The Chippewas shot 45.3 percent in the contest, and were led by Van's double-double, which consisted of 16 points and 13 rebounds. Antonio Weary added 11 points off the bench, while Bitzer tallied 10 points.

The Broncos poured on the points in their recent win over Ball State, as Western Michigan shot 50.0 percent and also connected on 10-of-21 attempts from long range. WMU finished the game with 84 points, and was led by Shawntes Gary's 27 point effort. David Kool added 22 points in the win, while Flenard Whitfield and Michael Redell tallied 13 and 11 points, respectively. It was definitely a shocking performance by the Broncos, who are currently averaging just 61.9 ppg, behind a weak 39.5 percent shooting effort. Kool has been the lone bright spot on the season, as the guard is posting 18.1 ppg. As for Gary, he is chipping in 10.6 ppg, while also grabbing 5.4 rpg.

The Broncos have an outside chance to grab the outright title in the division, and while the Cardinals might not lose, Western Michigan should take care of business on its end.

Predicted Outcome

Western Michigan 69, Central Michigan 61