KALAMAZOO, Mich. – In its first home match of the New Year, Western Michigan women's basketball team hung tough with conference opponent Ball State University in a 76-70 loss on Saturday afternoon at University Arena.
Three players scored in double-figures for Western Michigan (5-8 overall, 0-2 MAC), led by
Taylor Williams's season-high 25 points.
Hannah Spitzley added a season-high 12 points, while
Lauren Ross chipped in 10 points. Spitzley also grabbed a season-high 10 rebounds in the contest.
It was a back-and-forth battle between the Broncos and the Cardinals as the two teams combined for eight ties and eight lead changes. Neither team led by more than seven on Saturday afternoon with WMU outscoring BSU in the first half, 39-37.
As a team, the Broncos shot 44.6 percent from the field and 19-of-26 from the free throw line. WMU pulled down 31 rebounds and scored 32 points in the paint against the Cardinals. WMU registered 11 points from the bench, and eight second-chance points while adding 11 steals and two blocks.
BSU started the scoring the day, trading basket for basket with the Broncos. With 5:30 left in the first quarter, Ball State reached its biggest 7-0 run of the game, 14-7. Both teams battled early in the paint both offensively and defensively. Western Michigan capitalized on its free throws in the first, making 3-of-3 for a tight trail for WMU in the second, 20-19.
Maddie Watters added a spark off the bench in the second with a made three-pointer with 4:57 left to play in the first half. Watters again set herself up minutes later to convert another three-pointer to tie the teams at 35. Western Michigan headed into the locker room just behind the Cardinals at 39-37.
Ball State jumped out to a 7-0 run just after the half, tying their biggest lead yet again for 46-39 with 6:54 remaining in the third. The Broncos answered displaying their range beyond the arch, with made three-pointers by
Alli Carlson, Spitzley, and Watters. An intense matchup both offensively and defensively left both teams at 55 heading into the final stretch.
The Broncos were able to capitalize on a BSU turnover with a second-chance three-point jumper to keep a tight score. With 5:23 remaining in the match WMU tied it up cashing in a made three-point jumper by Spitzley, followed by a pair of free throws from Williams. The Broncos got as close as seven, 76-70, with seconds remaining, but the visitors closed the game from there at the free throw line.
Western Michigan continues to play at home next Wednesday, Jan. 11, to take on Northern Illinois. The tip is set for 7 pm and the game will be broadcast on ESPN+.
