VALPARAISO, Ind. – The Western Michigan women's basketball team collected their third win with a 68-62 victory over Valparaiso University on the road on Wednesday.
 
The win moves the Broncos' non-conference record to 3-5 overall.
 
Two Broncos scored in double-figures, with Lauren Ross leading the pack with a season-high 28 points along with a season-high of 14 made free throw attempts. Taylor Williams followed with 16 points, nine rebounds, three blocks, and one steal. Hannah Spitzley had six points, six rebounds, two blocks, and three steals. While Gabi Saxman added five points and a season-high five steals.
 
Nine of the ten Broncos that saw playing time in tonight's contest contributed to the scoring column. Western Michigan shot 36.1 percent (22-for-61) from the field, converting 25 points off Beacon turnovers and scoring 30 points in the paint. WMU also shot 76.9 percent (20-for-26) from the charity stripe.
 
Valpo took the early lead which was answered minutes later by the Broncos' 11-0 run. In the first seven minutes, WMU was 11-4 with one lone field goal from Valpo. Valparaiso added a five-point run late in the first, just before the Broncos finished the quarter with two made layups.
 
The two squads played an even second quarter, both teams scored 14 points in the period. Western Michigan headed into the locker room leading at halftime 34-25.
 
WMU extended its lead to 13 points at 46-33 at the midway point of the third quarter. The Broncos' four-point run followed by a two-point run was answered by the Beacons with an 8-0 run. The Broncos concluded the third with another 7-0 run with five points coming from Ross.
 
Western Michigan started the final with a 15-point margin. Maddie Watters opened up the scoring in the first two minutes with a made three-point attempt. The Broncos held a 60-47 lead until 5:30 to play. The Beacons stepped up their defense and added a 4-0 run and a 7-0 run, closing the gap to 60-54. Despite Valpo's best efforts, the Broncos prevailed with a final score of 68-62. 
 
The 68-62 victory of Valparaiso University makes Western Michigan's first win this season on the road.
 
Up next, the Broncos continue non-conference play at home at University Arena against Indiana State on Saturday, Dec.10. Tip-off is scheduled for noon. To purchase tickets to any Western Michigan women's basketball home game this season, visit wmubroncos.com/tickets or call 1-888-4-WMUTIX.