GAME #24 • Saturday, Feb. 12 • 2 p.m.
Western Michigan (6-17, 2-8 MAC) vs. Miami (10-13, 2-8 MAC)

Location: Kalamazoo, Mich.
Site: University Arena (5,421)
All-Time Series: WMU trails, 23-31
Radio: WKZO 590 AM The Fan - Jared Stout (play-by-play), click here to listen online
Live Stats: Click Here
Live Video: Bronco Insider

THE TIP-OFF
Today is the 11th game in Mid-American Conference play, as Western Michigan hosts Miami, ranked fifth in the MAC East. The RedHawks are the final opponent in cross-divisional play as the Broncos finish their schedule against the East. WMU enters today's game with an overall record of 6-17, 2-8 MAC, while Miami is 10-13, 2-8 MAC. Today the annual WBCA Pink Zone game, where the Broncos will wear pink uniforms to raise cancer awareness and encourage fans to also wear pink. It is also Alumni Day, as former Broncos return to their alma mater and will be honored at halftime.

CLOSER LOOK AT WMU
Seven of WMU's eight conference losses have been by 11 points or fewer, three by six points or less. Western Michigan is averaging 58.7 ppg this season and is led by the senior trio of Taylor Manley, Ebony Cleary and Brenna Banktson. Manley is producing 13.6 ppg, Cleary 12.8 ppg and Banktson 9.6 ppg. Cleary (7.2 rpg) and Banktson (6.3 rpg) are also the team's top two rebounders. WMU is shooting 36.1 percent from the field and 30.5 percent from behind the arc.

SCOUTING THE REDHAWKS
Miami is on a six-game losing streak after posting back-to-back wins over Buffalo (94-89) and Akron (68-63) during the second week of January. The RedHawks are averaging 65.6 ppg game in conference play and are allowing opponents 77.2 ppg. Courtney Osborn leads the team in overall scoring, averaging 16.4 ppg, while Maggie Boyer (13.1) and Kirsten Olowinski (11.8) also produce double figures. Miami is coming off a 76-65 loss at home against Toledo on Saturday.

SERIES NOTEBOOK
Western Michigan trails in the all-time series with Miami, 23-31, and has dropped three of the last four to the RedHawks. Western Michigan won last year's meeting however, 75-69, on the road in Oxford. It was the first win over the RedHawks since the quarterfinals of the 2007 MAC Tournament and WMU's first win in Oxford since Feb. 8, 2006.

WHAT HAPPENED LAST YEAR
Sophomore Miame Giden paced the Broncos with an all-around effort, tallying 22 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two steals in WMU's 75-69 win against Miami on the road in 2010. Junior Kemmy Dominique also had a big game, scoring 15 points and dishing out five assists. After trailing by three midway through the first half, WMU outscored the RedHawks 25-16 to lead 36-30 at halftime. Giden and Dominique scored 20 of the Broncos' first 25 points. Western Michigan pushed the lead to 14 twice in the second half. WMU shot 46.9 percent for the game.

AS SEEN ON TV
The Feb. 19 game between Western Michigan and Central Michigan will be broadcast live on SportsTime Ohio as well as Comcast Michigan (channel 900). It is scheduled for a 12:07 tip-off in Mount Pleasant.

TOP GUN
Senior Taylor Manley leads WMU and is third in the MAC with 55 three-pointers made, averaging 2.39 three's per contest. She has made a three-pointer in 16 of WMU's 23 contests, and has hit multiple triples in all but one of those. She has dialed in for five three's in three games.

2010-11 EDITION
Western Michigan returns nine letterwinners and four of its five starters from a year ago. Leading the way are seniors Brenna Banktson, Ebony Cleary, Kemmy Dominique and Taylor Manley. The junior group consists of twins Miame and Robin Giden and redshirt junior Maria Iaquaniello. Back in their second season are sophomores Aurielle Anderson and DeAirra Goss. Joining the group is freshmen trio Rachel Adaline, Corie Buchanan and Andrea Kras. The Broncos are coached by third-year head coach Tasha McDowell. WMU finished last year with a record of 9-21 overall, 4-12 in the Mid-American Conference.