MARYLAND HEIGHTS, Mo. – Western Michigan had its season come to an end in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament with a 5-4 overtime loss against Michigan State. 

The Broncos got goals from Matteo Costantini, Alex Bump, Sam Colangelo and Zak Galambos. Bump led the team with two points. 

The Broncos made history in 2023-24, earning their third consecutive berth to the NCAA Tournament. That had never been done in program history. WMU finishes the season with a 21-16-1 overall record 

FIRST PERIOD
After a flurry of saves from Cameron Rowe in the opening portion of the period, the Broncos were able to find the game's first goal. Daniel Hilsendager dropped a pass to Costantini who found the back of the net to push WMU in front 1-0 just over seven minutes into the game. 

The Brown and Gold would get a few more quality looks as the period began to wind down, including a one-timer from Wyatt Schingoethe that was saved by MSU netminder Trey Augustine. 

The Broncos would carry a one-goal lead into the second 20 minutes. 

SECOND PERIOD
The scoring opened up in the second period, with the Spartans cashing in twice to open the first half of the frame. However, WMU would get the first power play of the game just moments after MSU's second goal. 

On the power play, Luke Grainger found Bump right next to the goal and he was able to beat Augustine to knot the game at 2-2. Following that, Bump rifled a pass to Colangelo who found some open space in the offensive zone. He put a quick wrister by Augustine to put the Broncos back in front 3-2 with about five minutes to play in the period. 

A little over a minute later, Galambos took a Cedric Fiedler pass and ripped a shot from the blue line to extend WMU's lead to 4-2. The Broncos were assessed a penalty late in the second frame, with MSU carrying a minute of power play time into the third period. 

THIRD PERIOD
Western Michigan did well to kill off the rest of the power play time and held on to its 4-2 advantage. Just over eight minutes in, MSU made it a 4-3 game. 

The Broncos then went back on the attack, nearly getting a fifth goal as Bump had a breakaway shot saved by Augustine. Down the stretch, the Spartans pulled their goalie and looked to equalize the game. 

They would do just that with 55 seconds remaining to send the game to overtime. 

OVERTIME
In overtime, Michigan State was able to find the back of the net, securing a 5-4 victory. The Broncos finish the season with a 21-16-1 overall record.