Box Score
KALAMAZOO, Mich.- Behind 16 points and seven rebounds from Brenna Banktson and 14-point efforts from Tiera DeLaHoussaye and Sarah Dreher, Western Michigan easily rolled to a 81-48 win over Division III Olivet in the Broncos' final preseason tune-up Monday.
The Brown & Gold tossed in 43 points in the first half alone, while holding the Comets to just 21. WMU spread the offense evenly, as 10 different Broncos recorded points in the first 20 minutes. Maria Iaquaniello and Sara Vest led the scorers with six apiece at the half.
Western Michigan got to the line early and often, sinking 30-of-39 free throws on the evening, 19 of those coming in the first period.
WMU's bench outscored Olivet's 45-17.
The battle of the boards was also won by Western Michigan, 36-29, although the Comets did better the Brown & Gold on the offensive end of the glass, 14-12. Both schools had its fair share of turnovers, combining for 53.
Sheena West led Olivet with nine points, hitting two three's.
“We are learning and we are growing,” said WMU head Tasha McDowell. “I have seen and they have seen a lot of growth, yet at the time we are not satisfied, we are not content. I think you will see a different team four days from now. Like I told them, we are a different team than we were eight days ago. I think the sky is the limit for this team.”
Western Michigan opens its 29-game regular season slate on the road at Saint Louis on Nov. 16. The Broncos have 11 home games scheduled for 2008-09, starting with back-to-back games against NCAA Sweet 16 participant Pitt (Nov. 20) and WNIT Champion Marquette (Nov. 23).
Bronco fans have an opportunity to take advantage of WMU's “The Big Ticket” promotion which includes four general admission tickets to the Pitt game AS WELL AS four general admission tickets to the Marquette game for $20. The Big Ticket package, as well as women's basketball season tickets, can be purchased online at wmubroncos.com, or by calling the WMU Ticket Office at (269) 387-8092.
