BOWLING GREEN, Ohio -–  The Western Michigan women's basketball team suffered a 74-56 Mid-American Conference setback versus Bowling Green State University inside Stroh Center on Wednesday, Feb. 1.
 
Despite hanging with the Falcons for the majority of the contest, BGSU closed out the second half of the game, outscoring the Broncos 42-24 to seal the victory. Elissa Brett and Jocelyn Tate totaled 16 points each, leading the Falcons to an efficient shooting night of 42.4 percent from the field (25-of-59), including a 9-of-25 mark from beyond the arch and 15-of-21 effort from the line. Allison Day and Amy Velasco each tallied 11 points, followed by Nyla Hampton with nine points. 
 
The Broncos shot 21-of-46 (45.7 percent) from the field, 8-of-22 (36.4 percent) from the three-point range, and 6-of-10 (6o percent) from the charity stripe. WMU's offense was led by a collective effort, with three of five starters recording double-digit scoring numbers. Taylor Williams led Western Michigan with 17 points, recording her seventh double-double of the season. Abby Voss followed with 15 points, along with 12 from Hannah Spitzley. Williams also led WMU with 12 rebounds, three blocks, two assists, and one steal. Voss went 4-of-7 (57.1 percent) from the three-point range to make her season-high in made field goals and made three-point field goals. Spitzley registered 5-of-9 from the field and 2-of-5 in three-point attempts, adding five rebounds, three assists, and two steals. 
 
Western Michigan exited the gates in full stride with a won tip-off followed by five drained three-pointers to help WMU reach a 25-14 lead. The Broncos shot 10-15 from the field (66.7 percent) and 5-of-9 from beyond the arc (55.6 percent). Voss led the first with 3-of-4 made three-pointers, and Williams and Spitzley each added 3-of-3 from the field, including a made three-pointer by Spitzley. Maggie Stutelberg also joined the three-point train with a made basket at 4:03 left to play in the first.
 
Bowling Green led the scoring in the second, outscoring WMU 18-7. BGSU managed to capitalize on Western Michigan fouls, downing 3-of-6 attempts and adding 5-of-12 from the field. The Falcons added a 10-point run in the second to tie the Broncos 32-32 heading into the locker room. 
 
WMU added 16 points in the third with eight points in the paint, two second-chance points, and five points off the bench. Despite WMU forcing 10 BGSU turnovers, in comparison to WMU's two, the Falcons outscored the Broncos by nine points. Bowling Green added eight points in the paint and another eight in fast breaks while tallying five points from the bench. The Broncos shot 6-of-14 from the field and a perfect 2-of-2 mark from the line to trail the Falcons into the final stretch, 57-48.
 
Despite the Broncos' ability to force 12 turnovers, BGSU would continue to increase their lead well into the fourth, scoring 17 points over WMU's eight. Western Michigan finished the final stretch 2-of-8 from the field, 0-of-5 from deep, and 4-of-8 from the line falling short to the Falcons, 74-56.
 
Up next, the Broncos return home to host Akron at University Arena in a doubleheader matchup with Men's Basketball. Tip-off against the Zips on Saturday, Feb. 4 is set for noon. Saturday's matchup features National Girls and Women in Sports Day, as well as Youth Day! Purchase a youth ticket for free entry into the Pregame Youth Showcase with Female Varsity Sports. After, join us for Kids Take Over the Arena for WMU Basketball Youth Day! For more information follow the link above. 
 
Saturday's contest will be available for streaming via ESPN+. To purchase tickets to any Western Michigan women's basketball home game this season, visit wmubroncos.com/tickets or call 1-888-4-WMUTIX.