KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The Western Michigan men's basketball team fell victim to a late Valparaiso rally, with the Beacons hitting a three-pointer at the buzzer to claim a 76-73 victory at University Arena on Friday afternoon.  
 
The Broncos (3-8) had a season-high six players score in double-figures, including each member of the starting five. Chansey Willis Jr. led the way with 16 points, Owen Lobsinger tallied 14 points, Brandon Muntu scored 12, and the trio of Max Burton, JaVaughn Hannah and Markhi Strickland picked up 10 points apiece. Willis also handed out a game-high seven assists and tied for the team lead with seven rebounds.
 
Western Michigan came out on the front foot, tallying the first seven points of the afternoon on the way to a 13-2 start. WMU's lead vacillated between nine and 13 points until a 9-1 stretch gave the Broncos their largest cushion of the half, 34-16. The Brown and Gold took a 42-26 advantage into the locker room.
 
Burton converted an old-fashioned, three-point play to start the second half for the Broncos as the margin grew to 19, 45-26. WMU reached its largest advantage of the afternoon, 69-47, with just under seven minutes to play.
 
With the score 71-52, Valparaiso (6-5) proceeded to score 24 of the game's final 26 points, capped by a buzzer-beating, three-point shot from just inside half court to seal the victory.
 
The Broncos made 45.6 percent (31-of-68) of their field goals for the contest, while Valpo connected on 46.0 percent (29-of-63).
 
Western Michigan returns to action on Monday, Dec. 30, at Michigan State. The Broncos and Spartans are set to meet at 3 pm on Big Ten Network.