Get ready for an exciting basketball showdown as the Western Michigan Broncos gear up for their Mid-American Conference (MAC) opener! The stage is set for a thrilling battle between the Broncos and the Buffalo Bulls on Saturday afternoon.
MACtion is here! Western Michigan, with a record of 5-6, takes on Buffalo, who are 9-2, in what promises to be an intense and closely contested game. The Broncos have had a mixed start to their season, but they've shown resilience and a strong home record, winning four out of their last six MAC openers.
In their last outing, the Broncos faced a tough challenge against #23 Iowa, suffering a 91-51 defeat. However, they showed heart and fought back in the second half, outscoring the Hawkeyes 39-35. Jalen Griffith and Carson Vis led the way with 11 points each, showcasing their offensive prowess. Jayden Brewer also contributed 10 points, bringing him closer to the 1,000-point milestone in his collegiate career.
But here's where it gets interesting... Western Michigan has a history of success against Buffalo, winning three of the last four matchups. The Broncos and Bulls split their meetings last season, with each team claiming a victory on the other's home court. This Saturday's game is the only regular-season clash scheduled between these two rivals, so the stakes are high!
The Broncos have been on a rebound-heavy run, thanks to the efforts of head coach Dwayne Stephens. In the 2025-26 season, they've dominated the boards, winning the rebounding battle in eight out of eleven games. Jayden Brewer and Max Burton have been key contributors, with Brewer ranking sixth in the MAC for rebounds and Burton not far behind at tenth.
Western Michigan's offense has been a well-rounded affair, with eight players reaching double-digit scoring at least once. Jayden Brewer, Jalen Griffith, and Trey Lewis have led the charge, each with six double-digit scoring games. The Broncos have also been on a hot streak from beyond the arc, making at least one three-pointer in an impressive 466 consecutive games! Brady Swartz has been on fire, leading the MAC in three-point shooting at 51.9%.
Buffalo, on the other hand, boasts the MAC's leading scorer, Daniel Freitag, who averages an impressive 20.6 points per game. The Bulls also have a strong free-throw shooting game, with Angelo Brizzi and Ryan Sabol leading the way.
And this is the part most people miss... Western Michigan has a slight edge in the all-time series, with a 23-16 record against Buffalo. But the Bulls are no pushovers, and with their top scorer and solid free-throw shooting, they pose a significant threat.
So, who will come out on top in this MAC opener? Will the Broncos continue their recent dominance over Buffalo, or will the Bulls pull off an upset? Find out on Saturday as Western Michigan and Buffalo battle it out!
Don't forget to tune in and support your favorite team!
Game Details:
- Matchup: Western Michigan Broncos vs Buffalo Bulls
- Date/Time: Saturday, Dec. 20, 1 pm
- Venue: University Arena, Kalamazoo, Mich.
- Tickets: wmubroncos.com/tickets
- Video: ESPN+
- Radio: Bronco Media Network
- Live Stats: StatBroadcast
Who do you think will win? Share your predictions and thoughts in the comments below!
