BOX SCORE
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich.- Western Michigan (4-12, 1-1 MAC) picked up its first Mid-American Conference win of the season, snapping a six-game losing streak with a 67-57 win over Central Michigan on the road Saturday. Head coach Ron Stewart recorded his 150th career victory with the win.
Freshman Ebony Cleary led the Broncos on both ends of the floor, posting her second double-double of the season with 15 points and 13 rebounds. Molly Dwyer also dropped in 15 points, shooting 4-for-6 from beyond the arc.
Tiera DeLaHoussaye was just shy of a double-double with 11 rebounds and eight assists.
The Broncos hit the floor running, building an 18-point halftime advantage, taking a 34-16 lead to the lockerroom. Setting the defensive tone early, the Brown & Gold held Central Michigan to 24 percent shooting in the first twenty minutes. The 16 points was the lowest point total WMU has allowed an opponent in a half all season.
Hot shooting from behind the arc helped Western Michigan build the early advantage, twice hitting back-to-back three's and forcing the Chippewas to call a timeout. Western Michigan tied a season-high hitting nine treys, shooting 45 percent from three-point range.
WMU also got to the free throw line early and often, making 11 first-half free throws and going 18-for-26 from the stripe on the afternoon.
Central Michigan (4-11, 0-2 MAC) briefly threatened a comeback in the second half, but the Broncos quickly ended that idea, never letting the Chippewas come closer than 10 points.
Brenna Banktson was the third Bronco to hit double digits in the scoring column, netting 13 points, eight of which came in the second half.
Western Michigan has won 13 of the last 14 meetings with Central Michigan, losing to the Chippewas just once since the 2001-02 season.
In their next outing, the Broncos travel to Toledo, squaring off with the Rockets Tuesday, Jan. 15. The game can be heard live from Savage Hall on WQXC 100.9 FM.
