W. Michigan 64, Bowling Green 50

2/2/2008 6:18 PM

KALAMAZOO, Mich. (AP) -Joe Reitz scored 21 points and had nine rebounds, both game highs, in leading Western Michigan to a 64-50 victory Saturday over Bowling Green.

The Broncos (12-9, 6-2 Mid-American) led start to finish for the fourth consecutive home game, extended their home-winning streak to six and maintained their hold on first place in the Mid-American West.

Chris Knight scored 13 points for Bowling Green (10-10, 5-3), whose three-game win streak was halted. Brian Moten added 12 points for the Falcons, who have lost 16 of their past 17 conference road games dating back to 2006.

Andre Ricks added 10 points for Western Michigan, and David Kool had five rebounds and three assists.

Beginning with a Reitz layup 32 seconds into the game, the Broncos scored the game's first seven points in two minutes and hit six of their first seven shots.

Western Michigan outrebounded Bowling Green 32-26, including 18-5 in the first half when the Falcons did not have an offensive rebound and fell 13 points back, 34-21, at halftime.

The Falcons made just 15.4 percent of their 3-point shots (2-of-13), tying a season low for 3-pointers.