KALAMAZOO, Mich. (Interstat) — Two men’s basketball teams seeking momentum in the Mid-American Conference will meet Saturday when Western Michigan hosts in-state rival Central Michigan at University Arena.

The Broncos (6-11, 1-3 MAC) and Chippewas (5-14, 1-3) enter the matchup with identical league records, each having lost three of their last four games. Western Michigan is coming off a 72-54 home loss to Bowling Green on Tuesday, while Central Michigan fell 68-67 to Ball State the same night on a last-second shot.

A key matchup will feature two of the conference’s top scorers. Central Michigan guard Tamario Adley is averaging 16.1 points per game in MAC play, including a 20-point, six-assist performance in the narrow loss to Ball State. Western Michigan will counter with guard Justice Williams, who is averaging 20.3 points per contest in conference games. Williams scored 29 points in a close loss to Massachusetts on Jan. 13 and had 18 in the defeat to Bowling Green.

Both teams have struggled defensively. The Chippewas have allowed 80 or more points in eight of their 14 losses this season, including a 100-61 defeat at Miami (Ohio) on Jan. 13. The Broncos have yielded an average of 78.5 points in their four MAC contests.

Central Michigan’s recent victory was an 87-85 home win over Kent State on Jan. 10, fueled by 15 points from Adley. Western Michigan’s lone conference win was a 79-62 decision over Eastern Michigan on the same date.

The game will be the first of two regular-season meetings between the rivals this season. They are scheduled to play again at Central Michigan on Feb. 21.

Following this game, Central Michigan will host Eastern Michigan on Tuesday, Jan. 27. Western Michigan will travel to face Northern Illinois on the same night.

Tipoff is scheduled for Saturday afternoon.