KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Fresh off its first Mid-American Conference game of the season the Western Michigan women's basketball team will host Ball State for the first home game of the 2023 year on Saturday, Jan. 7 inside University Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for 2 pm. 
 
WHERE TO WATCH
Saturday's matchup between the Broncos and Cardinals will be available for streaming via ESPN+/ The link to the stream is listed above, and can also be found HERE. 
 
LAST TIME OUT
The Broncos are coming off a 71-53 loss at Toledo on Wednesday afternoon. Lauren Ross posted a game-high 28 points in the setback, the twelfth time this season the redshirt sophomore has reached double digits and led WMU in scoring. Seen once before in 2009-10 by a Bronco, Ross' 28-point performance made 10 career games with 25 or more points in 42 total career games. Taylor Williams assisted in Western Michigan's stride, recording 16 points, eight rebounds, and four blocks. The Broncos shot just over 38 percent from the floor with four connected three-pointers. 
 
CRASHING THE BOARDS
Taylor Williams leads the Broncos in rebounds averaging 7.8 boards per game with a total of 86. Williams registers 26 offensive rebounds for an average of 2.4 per contest and 60 defensive rebounds for an average of 5.5 per game. She ranks fifth in the conference for rebounds and 122 nationally. Williams also leads the team in blocks with 21 in 11 games played, ranking second in the conference and 61st nationally in blocks. 
 
LET IT FLY 
Few teams shoot as many three-pointers as WMU does; its 28 three-point field goal attempts per game leads the MAC and ranks ninth in the country. Leading the Broncos in three-pointers is Ross with 26-of-68, followed by Maggie Stutelberg with 18-of-68 made, and then Maddie Watters with 16-of-58 made attempts. 
 
INSIDE THE NUMBERS 
As a unit, Western Michigan averages 65.8 PPG on 38.7 percent shooting from the field. The Broncos average 31.6 rebounds per contest, for a -4.2 rebound margin per game over their opponents. WMU averages 11.8 free throws per game and knocks down 66.8 percent of their attempts from the line. Western Michigan dishes out 11.8 assists per contest while averaging 10.2 steals and 2.7 blocks per game. 
 
MAKING HER MARK
Lauren Ross boasts an impressive record leading Western Michigan in all scoring categories. In 12 appearances, Ross has registered 263 points for an average of 21.9 points per game. She is shooting 84-for-179 (46.9 percent) from the field for an average of 7 made field goals per game. She downs 26-for-68 three-point attempts for 38.2 percent from beyond the arch and boasts 84.1 percent shooting from the free throw line, making 69-of-82 attempts. Ross leads the MAC in points (263), points per game (21.9), free throws (69), free throw attempts (82), and field goals (84). She ranks fourth in the MAC for three-point percentage, fifth for free throw percentage, and sixth for field goal percentage. Nationally, Ross is ranked in the top 150 players for multiple categories including 10th for points per game, 26th for free throws, and 47th for points. 
 
THE SERIES
WMU trails 39-48
Last Meeting: February 23, 2022 - Kalamazoo, Mich. - WMU 55, Ball State 64 
 
BALL STATE AT A GLANCE
Redshirt senior Anna Clephane led the Cardinals with 22 points in Ball State's last time out against Bowling Green. The Cardinals earned an 81-73 victory over the Falcons to open up MAC play. Ball State added 31 points from the bench while displaying gritty defense. BSU's largest lead of the game (68-54) came in the final quarter with 6:52 remaining. Sophomore Alex Richard contributed 14 points, while sophomore Ally Becki registered her fourth double-double of the season after a 13-point, 11-rebound performance. Ball State shot 52.8 percent from the field, 38.5 percent from deep, and 69 percent from the charity stripe. BSU registered 37 rebounds and eight steals to conclude the play.
 
As a unit, Ball State averages 78.7 PPG on 45.1 percent shooting from the field. The Cardinals average 38 rebounds per contest, for a +1.4 rebound margin per game over their opponents. BSU averages 14.4 free throws per game and knocks down 69.3 percent of their attempts from the line. Ball State dishes out 17 assists per contest while averaging 8.6 steals per game. 
 
ON THE HORIZON
Following Saturday's game, the Broncos will enjoy home crowds at University Arena as they host Northern Illinois on Wednesday, January 11 at 7 pm. Wednesday's matchup will feature Lawson Lunatics Day with a $4 concession deal for a hot dog and chips combo. Come on out Lawson Lunatics for your chance to be selected for our on-court promotions!