YPSILANTI, Mich. – The Western Michigan women's basketball team knocked off in-state rival Eastern Michigan University 76-49 Wednesday evening for their fourth Mid-American Conference victory of the season. Graduate student Kaitlyn Zarycki led all scorers with 26 points after shooting an efficient 10-12 from the field and 6-7 from the stripe. The Broncos have now won four out of their last five games and have climbed within one game of the fourth seed in the Mid-American Conference standings.   

The Brown and Gold performed phenomenally on the defensive half of the court by limiting EMU to under 10 points in the first (nine points) and second quarters (seven points). Tonight, the Green and White were held to 35.8% from the field and 21.1% from three. During the first two-quarters of play, Zarycki led the Broncos with 13 points and two assists after shooting 6-7 from the field. Zarycki's teammate Maggie Stutelberg scored six points in the first half after knocking down two three-pointers in the first 20 minutes of play. At the half, WMU led the Green and White 33-16.

In the third, WMU scored a team-best 23 points in the quarter after shooting 66.7% from the field and 60% from three. EMU would open the second half on an 11-4 run against the Broncos to cut the Brown and Gold's lead to 11 with 8:02 remaining in the quarter. With five minutes remaining in the third, Stutelberg and Hannah Spitzley connected from downtown on back-to-back possessions to give WMU a 14-point cushion. After exchanging buckets back and forth during the final minute and a half in the third, Stutelberg connected on a fast-break three-pointer to put the Broncos ahead by 20. After free throws from Zarycki and a jumper from De'Ahna Richardson, the Broncos took a 22-point lead into the final frame. Overall, the Brown and Gold closed the third on a 16-5 run Wednesday. 

Entering the fourth quarter, Zarycki and Stutelberg had combined for 35 of WMU's 56 total points. During the fourth, the Broncos would lead by as much as 27 points and as few as 20 en route to capturing their fourth conference win of the season. 

Tip-Ins 

Zarycki has scored 20-plus points in six of her past nine contests. Over her last nine outings, the graduate student guard has averaged 22 points while shooting at an impressive 59.1% clip from the field. Entering tonight's contest against the Eagles, Zarycki ranked second in the MAC in scoring average. 

Stutelberg scored 14 points in 21 minutes Wednesday night after shooting 4-7 from three in her second game back in the lineup. In games where Stutelberg scores in double figures, the Brown and Gold hold a winning record at 4-3 this season. 

On the boards, Jasmine Elder grabbed six rebounds. Over her last three games, Elder has increased her rebounding production to an average of eight rebounds per game. 

Historical Notes 

Wednesday's matchup marked the 95th meeting between Eastern Michigan and Western Michigan.  The Broncos have won four out of their last six contests against EMU and nine of their last 17 matchups against the Eagles in the overall series.  

After her four three pointers tonight, Stutelberg sits at 68 three pointers on her career and is eight threes away from tying Sarah Hurrle (2000-01) for a share of the 21st most made threes in program history. 

Up Next

The women's basketball team will conclude its three game road trip against Kent State on Wednesday, February 7 at 7:00 PM. A win over the Golden Flashes will bring the Brown and Gold to the .500 mark for the first time since December 21, 2023.