KALAMAZOO, Mich.- Four of five Bronco starters scored in double digits as Western Michigan topped IUPUI, 78-63, at University Arena Saturday afternoon. The win marks the Broncos' fourth-straight and improves their record to 5-6.
“This was a solid effort,” WMU head coach Ron Stewart said. “We started well defensively, as we did on Thursday's game, but today we stayed with it and finished the game out strong.”
Playing a zone defense the entire evening, the Broncos were able to fill passing lanes and frustrate the Jaguar offense. On the other end of the floor, Western Michigan used advantage of its quickness at the guard positions and continued to play its run-and-gun style of offense, out-scoring IUPUI on the break, 20-6.
Senior Carrie Moore pumped in 17 of her game-high 22 points in the first half, giving WMU a 39-28 advantage at halftime. IUPUI (4-4) directed much more of its defensive attention at Moore in the second period to slow her down, but the supporting cast of Broncos was there to make up the difference.
Freshman Sarah Dreher opened the second half with a lay-up and sophomore Tiera DeLaHoussaye scored the next four-straight Bronco baskets, all on the break. Dreher tallied 13 of her career-high 15 points after intermission, while eight of DeLaHoussaye's 14 came in the second frame.
Western Michigan played to its strength down low as well, exposing IUPUI's undersized post players. Senior Lindsey Brown recorded her third double-double of the season, collecting 12 points and 10 rebounds. Freshman Sara Vest provided quality minutes off the bench, contributing a career-high nine points. It was the first time this season four players reached double figures for the Broncos.
“We know people are going to come after Carrie (Moore), so it's great when you have those other people stepping up,” Stewart said. “Sarah (Dreher) hustled her tail off and Vest played well. She is going to grow into a solid MAC player.”
The entire team stepped it up on the boards, and for the first time in last eight games, WMU out-rebounded its opponent, 42-26. Dreher grabbed eight rebounds, and Moore had seven, while Vest and Amanda Parker each chipped in four apiece.
Western Michigan capitalized on free throws down the stretch, out-scoring IUPUI at the line, 20-4.
The Broncos will get a much-deserved rest next week, breaking for final exams. WMU is back in action on Dec. 19, at Temple, and will finish out the month with home games against Chicago State (Dec. 22) and Maryland Eastern-Shore (Dec. 30).
