KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The Western Michigan women's basketball team fell short to rival Central Michigan, 81-70, at University Arena on Saturday afternoon.
 
Hannah Spitzley led the Broncos with 22 points and a team-high six rebounds. Alli Carlson had 15 points on the day and a career-high five steals to go along with five assists.
 
CMU out-rebounded WMU 42-20 and had a 21-6 advantage on second-chance points. The Broncos shot 42 percent from the field on 23-of-55 shooting and were 7-for-23 from three. Western Michigan only the turned the ball over nine times, while forcing Central Michigan into 19.
 
Carlson opened the game with a three-pointer but baskets by Taylor Anderson and Jess Lawson gave the Chippewas a 5-3 lead. From there, Western Michigan was never able to overcome Central Michigan's lead.
 
WMU got within four points in the second quarter after a layup by Spitzley, cutting CMU's lead to 27-23. After trailing 40-34 at the half, the Maggie Stutelberg, Carlson and Spitzley each hit threes to keep pace and get the Broncos back within four at 47-43. A pair of free throws by Carlson once again got WMU within four at 49-45 but from there, the Chippewas were able to slowly extend their lead, going up 61-50 at the end of the third quarter.
 
CMU was able to keep the Broncos at an arms-length in the fourth quarter to finish off the game.
 
Western Michigan is back in action on Wednesday, hosting Buffalo at 11 a.m. for Class at the Court. The game can be watched live on ESPN+ and heard live on the Bronco Media Network. Tickets are on-sale at www.wmubroncos.com/tickets.