WMU Soars to Season-High 94 Points, Clinching First Victory at Kent State Since 2014

KENT, Ohio – The Western Michigan men’s basketball squad had five athletes reach double digits in scoring, leading to a 94-83 victory at Kent State on Tuesday night. This win represented WMU’s first away victory against the Golden Flashes since 2014.
 
Western Michigan (4-12, 1-3 MAC) recorded a season-high 94 points through a cohesive offensive effort, featuring five players scoring in double-digits and seven contributing at least seven points. Markhi Strickland topped the scoring with 18 points, JaVaughn Hannah achieved 17 points by going 8-for-9 from the field, Chansey Willis Jr. recorded 16 points, Donovan Williams was perfect at the foul line with 7-for-7, totaling 15 points, and Brandon Muntu contributed 10. Willis additionally matched his season high with seven assists.
 
WMU showcased a robust rebounding performance, securing a 37-28 advantage on the boards, which included 14 offensive rebounds. Similar to their scoring, the rebounding efforts were a group endeavor, with five Broncos achieving at least five rebounds. Max Burton and Seryee Lewis led the Brown and Gold with seven rebounds each, while Williams collected six, and the pair of Hannah and Owen Lobsinger each grabbed five.
 
Both teams found their rhythm early, with WMU establishing an 11-7 lead within the first four minutes. Leading 17-14, Kent State (11-5, 2-2) launched a 7-1 run to take the lead at 21-18. After falling behind 26-23, the Broncos executed an 18-4 run to take control at 41-30. Western Michigan’s lead peaked at 12 points, 46-34, in the first half, but KSU scored the final six points of the period, reducing the deficit to 46-40 at halftime. The 46 points marked the highest scoring total in the first half this season for the Brown and Gold.
 
Western Michigan maintained their edge until the Golden Flashes caught up at 60-60 with just over 12 minutes left. Tied again at 71-71, the Broncos ignited a 15-2 spurt, extending their lead back to double digits at 86-73 with four minutes remaining. At one point during this run, the Brown and Gold held Kent State without a score for almost four minutes. KSU narrowed the gap to five with 90 seconds left, but WMU secured their win at the foul line.
 
The Broncos successfully connected on 51.7 percent (30-of-58) of their shots from the field, while Kent State recorded 47.6 percent (30-of-63). WMU set new season records for free throws made (30) and free throws attempted (41).
 
Western Michigan will return to University Arena on Saturday, where they will face off against Buffalo at 1 PM. For tickets to any WMU men’s basketball home contest, visit wmubroncos.com/tickets.