Tuesday, March 10th, 5:00 p.m. (et)

FACTS & STATS: Site: Quicken Loans Arena (20,562) -- Cleveland, Ohio. Television: None. Home Record: Ohio 11-2, WMU 7-7. Away Record: Ohio 2-13, WMU 3-9. Neutral Record: Ohio 1-1, WMU 0-4. Conference Record: Ohio 7-9, WMU 7-9. Series Record: Series tied, 59-59.

GAME NOTES: After grabbing a share of the West Division title, the Western Michigan Broncos will open MAC Tournament play against the Ohio Bobcats this evening at the Quicken Loans Arena. The Bobcats come into this event on a low note, losing nine of their last 13 contests, including three in a row. Ohio, which is playing as the ninth-seed, has captured the championship on four different occasions, and has a respectable 27-23 all-time ledger in the tournament. As for the Broncos, they might have collected a share of the West Division title, but the team has dropped nine of its last 12 games. The eighth-seeded Broncs won their lone title in 2004, but overall in this event the team is just 14-22. The all-time series between Ohio and WMU is knotted at 59-59, with the Broncos winning the lone meeting this season by a 76-62 margin. However, the Bobcats hold a 4-1 edge over Western Michigan when the teams have collided in the MAC Tournament.

The Bobcats were atrocious the last time they were in action, shooting a woeful 27.5 percent from the floor, en route to a 41-point performance in a loss to Bowing Green. Ohio made only 7-of-26 attempts from long range and also committed 17 turnovers in the loss. Justin Orr and Steven Coleman led the way with 10 points apiece, while Coleman also grabbed nine rebounds. As for the team's leading scorer and rebounder, Jerome Tillman (17.9 ppg and 8.0 rpg), he was held to just two points in the loss. However, despite the poor performance Tillman was still elected to the All-MAC First Team. Ohio has struggled throughout the season at the offensive end of the court and is currently producing just 65.1 ppg.

The Broncos have also endured some major problems offensively, as the team is averaging just 62.1 ppg, behind a terrible 39.5 percent shooting effort. David Kool is the only legitimate scoring threat on the roster, as the guard is posting 18.2 ppg. Kool, who was tabbed for the All-MAC Second Team, is also collecting 4.0 rpg, and has dished out 60 assists. Shawntes Gary is the only other player netting double-figures, as the guard is posting 10.3 ppg. The last time WMU was on the floor the team only scored 68 points in a loss to Central Michigan. The Broncos shot 42.2 percent, but made just 7-of-24 attempts from long range. Kool led the way in the loss with 21 points, while Andre Ricks tallied 15 points.

Both teams come into this contest on a down note, but the Broncos have defeated the Bobcats earlier this season and should grab another win over Ohio.

Predicted Outcome

Western Michigan 67, Ohio 64