KALAMAZOO, Mich. — The Western Michigan University women's basketball team will begin a two-game homestand by hosting Miami University (Ohio) on Saturday, January 4, at 2:30 PM on ESPN+. With a win over Miami University (Ohio), the Broncos can capture a 2-0 start in Mid-American Conference play for the first time since 2021-22.
Last Time Out
The Brown and Gold opened MAC play with a 65-51 road victory over Eastern Michigan University on Wednesday, January 1. In the victory, junior Marina Asensio supplied a game-high 22 points to lead the Brown and Gold. Additionally, graduate student Hannah Spitzley provided 10 points, while redshirt junior Maggie Stutelberg knocked down two three-pointers en route to her eight-point season debut versus EMU.
On Wednesday, Stutelberg improved her career total to 70 three-pointers made and is seven threes from passing Sarah Hurrle (2000-01) for the 22nd most three-pointers made in program history. As for Spitzley, her two treys improved her career total to 96 and counting. The graduate student needs two three-pointers to pass Kamrin Reed (2016-20) for the 18th most threes made all-time in program history. Defensively, Spitzley was a dominant force, swiping five steals en route to passing Aurielle Anderson (2009-13) for the 14th most steals accumulated as a Bronco. Entering Saturday's contest, Spitzley has 158 steals and counting for the Brown and Gold.
Scouting Miami (OH)
In their last matchup, Miami's leading scorer, sophomore Enjulina Gonzalez had a team-high 15 points, while sophomore Amber Tretter chipped in with 13 points in Miami's 68-55 loss to Ball State on Wednesday afternoon. The RedHawks trailed 55-53 with five minutes left in the contest before Ball State ended the game on a 13-2 run.
Miami has seen strides in their offensive production, averaging 67.5 points this season after averaging 53.9 points in 2023-24. This year, the RedHawks have increased their volume of three-pointers made per contest, connecting on 8.1 threes per game compared to 4.9 in 2023-24. Additionally, on the glass, Miami has out rebounded their opponents by 3.4 boards per game, a complete 180 from last season, where they were outrebounded by 3.8 boards per contest last campaign. As a team, Miami has increased production in the passing lane and is averaging 14.5 assists per game compared to 11.6 last season.
Series History
The Broncos and RedHawks will meet for the 75th time in series history with Miami (OH) holding a 40-34 all-time advantage. The Brown and Gold are in search of their first win over the RedHawks since January 22, 2022 in the overall series. A win over Miami (OH) will also capture WMU's first win over the Redhawks in Kalamazoo since January 20, 2021.
For all things WMU women's basketball, follow the team on Instagram @wmu_wbb, X @WMU_WBB, and Facebook @WMUWBB.
