VALPARAISO, Ind. -- The Western Michigan women's basketball team dropped its Wednesday evening matchup at Valparaiso University 67-54. In the loss, junior Marina Asensio scored a team-high 14 points, while Alli Carlson and Alli Harness combined for 22 points offensively. On the glass, redshirt freshman Evyn Carrier grabbed a career-high nine rebounds for The Brown and Gold.  

During the first quarter Wednesday, WMU was limited to eight points and was held to 23% from the field. After facing a five-point deficit three and a half minutes into the first, Asensio put the Broncos on the board with a layup. The Brown and Gold would score their second field goal two minutes later, after a layup from freshman D'Myjah Bolds. Over the following two minutes, Harness converted two free throws and Lauren Audino added a layup to conclude the first quarter of play.

In the second quarter, WMU limited Valpo to a team-low 13 points behind 38.46% from the field. With 8:10 remaining in the frame, Carrier scored on back-to-back possessions, while Carlson added a triple to cut the Broncos deficit to nine with 6:59 to go in the half. Despite the run, the Beacons concluded the first half on a 10-5 run and led the Broncos by 14 points at the break. 

Exiting halftime, the Broncos responded with 16 points in the third quarter. Trailing 37-20 with nine and a half minutes remaining in the third, WMU chipped into Valpo's lead behind a free throw from Harness, a layup from Carlson, and a pair of free throws by Hannah Spitzley. The Brown and Gold would eventually cut the Beacon's lead to eight with five minutes and change in the third after completing a 9-0 run.  Valpo responded to WMU's run and closed the quarter with an11-4 advantage to take a 51-36 lead into the final frame. 

In the fourth, WMU scored a team-high 18 points. To begin the quarter, Carlson and Audino completed an 8-1 run and paced The Brown and Gold within eight points. Despite the duo's comeback attempt, Valparaiso would outscore WMU 15-10 over the final eight minutes of the contest.  

Historical Notes

After her four swipes this evening, Spitzley is now tied with Brooke Gallert (1998-2001) for the 15th most steals recorded in program history. 

Up Next

The Brown and Gold will host Loyola University Chicago on Saturday, December 7 at University Arena. Tip-off is scheduled at 1:00 PM and the game will be available on ESPN+. For tickets visit https://wmubroncos.evenue.net/events/WBI.