In what Ohio coach Jeff Boals calls “the biggest game of the year,” Ohio (11-10, 5-4 Mid-American Conference) will take on Western Michigan (7-14, 4-5 MAC) for a Tuesday night MAC battle in The Convo. The Bobcats, coming off back-to-back gut-wrenching losses, have never needed a win more than they need Tuesday.
Western Michigan struggled to compete in the conference early on, holding a 4-5 record in the MAC. However, the team is coming off a thrilling rivalry win against Eastern Michigan, which should give them some needed momentum heading into a game with Ohio.
Here is everything you need to know before the matchup:
Game information
Opponent: Western Michigan
Location: The Convo
Time: Tuesday at 7 p.m.
Where to Watch: ESPN+
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Meet the opponent
Head coach: Dwayne Stephens (third season)
Projected starters:
#2 Chansey Willis Jr.
#4 JaVaughn Hannah
#00 Donovan Williams
#10 Max Burton
#22 Markhi Strickland
Statistical leaders:
Points: Willis (15 per game)
Assists: Willis (5.5 per game)
Rebounds: Owen Lobsinger (7.5 per game)
Field-goal percentage: Strickland (50%)
3-Point percentage: Brandon Muntu (32%)
Player to Watch for Western Michigan: JaVaughn Hannah
Last year against Ohio, a game Western Michigan won 81-79 in Kalamazoo, Hannah had 13 points off the bench, including four rebounds. Hannah is an even better player and a regular starter for the Broncos.
Hannah was effective in his most recent game against Eastern Michigan, scoring 11 points and grabbing five rebounds. As a 6-foot-4 guard, Hannah may easily create mismatches against a smaller Ohio team.
Player to Watch for Ohio: Ajay Sheldon
Coming off the bench playing guard, junior Ajay Sheldon has had a less-than-impressive season so far for Ohio. After a sophomore season where he shot 46% from the 3-point line, Sheldon has taken a step back, holding just over a 30% mark from three this season.
In Ohio’s most recent game against Miami, Sheldon made two of four 3-point attempts, proving he still has the potential to be what he once was. If Sheldon can produce more off the bench against Western Michigan, Ohio will not have to rely so much on starting guard Jackson Paveletzke, who has played more than anyone for Ohio this season.
