BOX SCORE
CHICAGO- Ebony Cleary scored a career-high 17 points and grabbed a game-high 11 rebounds, but Western Michigan (3-8) couldn't hold off Chicago State in the second half, as the Broncos fell on the road, 76-65, on Dec. 22.
Western Michigan shot a season-high 54 percent in the first half and owned a 32-28 lead at halftime. Chicago State (5-6) battled back in the second half, riding the back of junior Jasmin Dixon, who scored 16 of her game-high 21 points in the second period.
The Broncos cooled off after the break, shooting just 34 percent and had trouble taking care of the ball most of the day, committing 27 turnovers. The Cougars scored 34 points of off Bronco miscues and outscored WMU on the break, 12-2.
Amanda Parker hit two three's and a pair of free throws in the first four and a half minute's to give WMU an early 10-3 advantage. The Cougars nipped at the deficit, as the two teams traded runs. Chicago State pulled even, 26-26, with 2:28 left in the half, hitting a three-pointer and converting lay-ups off a pair of steals. Sara Vest and Arianne Wilson each hit jumpers for Western Michigan in the final minute to give the Brown & Gold a four-point, 32-28, at halftime.
WMU scored on the opening possession in the second, but its six-point lead wouldn't last long, as the Cougars took the lead, 43-42, with 12:05 left and never looked back.
Parker finished the game with 13 points and Tiera DeLaHoussaye had nine.
Western Michigan continues its four-game road stretch, traveling to California for the San Diego Surf ?N Slam Tournament, Dec. 28 & 30. The Broncos will face Seton Hall and either Quinnipiac or San Diego State.
