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KALAMAZOO, Mich. -- The Western Michigan women's basketball team trailed early and could not recover against Mid-American Conference (MAC) West leader Ball State and ultimately fell 77-53 Saturday afternoon at University Arena.

The loss, which was the Broncos' first at home this season, dropped the team's record to 12-7 overall and 4-3 in the MAC snapping a three-game winning streak. The Cardinals improved to 14-4 and 6-1 in the MAC while pushing their winning streak to five games. 

Overall, the Broncos shot 33.3-percent (19-of-57) for the game, their lowest percentage of the season while the Cardinals were able to post a field goal percentage of 50-percent (26-of-52), tying the highest of any team against WMU this season. The Broncos also shot 18.8 percent (3-of-16) from 3-point range, which was also a season low.

WMU trailed 15-13 after one quarter but the second quarter is where WMU faced the biggest problems. The Cardinals opened the second on a 15-0 run while the Broncos went on a scoring drought lasting 5:26 until junior Meredith Shipman hit a pair of free throws. WMU went on a 13-8 run to end the half but still trailed 38-26 at the half. 

Senior Jessica Jessing led the Broncos with 11 points while senior Miracle Woods scored eight and Shipman and sophomore LaTondra Brooks each added seven. Woods led the way with six rebounds while Breanna Mobley and Brooks each grabbed four. Shipman led the team with five assists. 

WMU returns to action on Wednesday, Jan. 27, heading to Mount Pleasant to face rival Central Michigan at 7 p.m.