On Tuesday night, Western Michigan found out firsthand what Ohio learned over the weekend; the men's basketball team is a different squad in the second half.
The Bulls (12-6, 4-2 Mid-American Conference) went into Kalamazoo, Mi. and ambushed the Broncos (10-9, 3-3 MAC) in a 79-68 win at University Arena. The win was the Bulls' fourth straight overall and second straight on the road.
For the second consecutive game, the Bulls shot over 70 percent (71) in the second half. The 42-30 advantage helped the Bulls erase a one-point deficit before the break.
Bulls head coach Reggie Witherspoon liked the improved effort after intermission.
"I think our guys were locked in better to start the second half," Witherspoon said. "We still have some areas we have to improve on; the turnovers are growing us old in a hurry."
Junior guard Zach Filzen displayed why he is the most dangerous 3-point threat in the MAC this season with five more 3-pointers to add to his conference-leading total (62). He led the Bulls in scoring with 19 points in 37 minutes of action.
After the break, both teams attempted to create some separation after eight ties in the first half and nine lead changes. Both teams traded some baskets and the game was tied at 42 with 17:45 remaining. The Bulls went on a 6-0 run and took the lead, which they would hold on to for the duration of the contest.
Junior forward Dave Barnett turned in another outstanding performance. He scored a career-high 16 points and grabbed five boards while continuing his never-stop attitude that helps energize the Bulls, especially on the road.
"This has been coming for a while," Witherspoon said. "Dave has been playing really hard. When he does that it's another guy teams have to account for and that can be a struggle."
The Bulls outrebounded the Broncos, 31-29 and are now 10-1 this season when winning an advantage on the glass.
Witherspoon felt the effort by the Bulls was even more impressive considering the strain the road puts on players and teams in general.
"[The game] did go back and forth and that's what makes it emotionally draining," Witherspoon said. "[These road trips] take a lot out of you. It's difficult to stay hydrated and in a routine."
Freshman forward Javon McCrea scored 12 points and led the Bulls with four assists in the game. He has quickly proven to be one of the most dangerous passing big men in the MAC, and his scoring off the bench has been crucial in the Bulls' conference turnaround after their 0-2 start.
McCrea currently leads the team in scoring in MAC play with 15.2 points per outing and leads the team in rebounds this season at around seven boards a game.
The loss snapped a seven-game home winning streak for the Broncos. They had a trio of players score 21 points in the game but it wasn't enough.
The Bulls will travel back home for the first of two straight at Alumni Arena when they take on Northern Illinois (6-11, 2-3 MAC). Tip-off is scheduled for noon as the first part of double-header. The women's team tips at 2:30 p.m.
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