KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The Western Michigan women's basketball team closed out the 2018 calendar year and its non-conference schedule with a 75-51 victory over Saginaw Valley State on New Year's Eve, Monday, Dec. 31 at University Arena.

The win moves the Broncos' non-conference record to 6-5 overall.

Four Broncos scored in double-digit figures, with Jasmyn Walker leading the way with a season-high 16 points. Deja Wimby followed with 13 points along with team-high six assists and five steals. Kamrin Reed and Maxine Moore each added 11 points.

Western Michigan shot 44.4 percent from the field, converting a season-high 28-of-63 field goals. WMU also shot 29.4 percent from beyond the arc with 10 three-pointers – one shy of a season-high. The Broncos forced 21 turnovers, scoring 29 points off the takeaways.

WMU led by as many as six in the first quarter, but Saginaw Valley State responded with a 7-0 run and tied the game at 15-15. A layup by Max Moore gave the Broncos a slim 17-15 advantage heading into the second frame.

A Kam Reed three-pointer gave the Broncos their first double-digit lead of the game at 33-23, forcing a Cardinal timeout with 2:35 remaining in the half.

WMU held the visitors scoreless throughout the final six minutes of the half, capping off a 20-2 run with two free throws from Moore to take a 42-23 lead into the break.

The Brown & Gold outscored Saginaw Valley State 26-10 in the second half and outlasted the Cardinals despite being outscored in the final minutes. WMU's largest lead of the game came with 1:20 remaining in the third quarter as a Max Moore jumper gave the home team a 39-point advantage.

Game Notes

• WMU's 75 points and 28 field goals made are both season-highs
• Walker's 16 points are a season-high. She also led WMU with eight rebounds. 
• Moore's 11 points ties a career/season-high while her four field goals made are a career/season-high
• Wimby ties a season-high with five steals
• Kam Reed ties a season-high with a trio of three-point field goals
• Hannah Douglas and Kiana Cencula made their collegiate debuts
• Shane Clipfell moved into a tie for third place in all-time coaching wins at WMU. His 104 career wins in his seventh season at the helm matches Jim Hess' (1982-90) career record. 

Up Next
Western Michigan opens Mid-American Conference play on Saturday, Jan. 5 at Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio. The Broncos and Falcons are set to tip-off at 2 p.m. from the Stroh Center with the game being broadcasted on ESPN3.

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