Western Michigan pushes past Aquinas 87-57

Published Nov. 16, 2014 4:14 p.m. ET

foxsports

KALAMAZOO, Mich. (AP) Austin Richie scored 28 points and David Brown added 20 as Western Michigan earned a season-opening 87-57 victory over Aquinas of the NAIA on Sunday.

Connor Tava chipped in 13 points, eight rebounds and five assists for the Broncos, who shot an efficient 58.9 percent from the field and were 10 of 16 on 3-pointers.

Richie was 10 of 11 overall and went a perfect 5 of 5 from the perimeter. Brown was 8 for 10 and hit four from deep.

Western Michigan opened the game with a 16-2 run sparked by two 3-pointers from Brown. Aquinas pulled within five midway but the Broncos countered, closing the first half with a 26-9 surge. They led 48-26 at half and coasted in the final 20 minutes.

Aquinas was held to 19-of-55 shooting (34.5 percent) and got out-rebounded 41-21. Anthony Williams led the Saints with 17 points and Jake Bullock added 11.