KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The Western Michigan University women's basketball team returned home on Sunday with a 58-48 victory against the Valparaiso Beacons.

The Broncos earned their first home win on Sunday afternoon at University Arena. Despite trailing early, WMU's offense came to life in the second half, improving its shooting to earn its second straight double-figure victory. Three members of the Brown and Gold ended the game in double digits, including a career-best for senior forward Mary Clare Brusek with 14 points. Western Michigan also had 10 points from redshirt senior forward De'Ahna Richardson and sophomore guard Kailey Starks.   

"I thought we did a great job defensively in the second half, considering how many we gave up in the first," said Head Coach Kate Achter following the win. "Because we were able to get stops, we were able to go in transition. Right now, we have about the 30th toughest schedule in the country. So, we know the rigors of MAC play. You're seeing our group grow a lot. And I think that's because our schedule is so difficult,".

The Broncos opened scoring on Sunday afternoon with a three-pointer from forward De'Ahna Richardson. But WMU struggled to score the rest of the quarter as Valparaiso built an 11-point lead. The Brown and Gold were able to end the quarter with a four-point run to make it a seven-point deficit.

 It was a slow start to the second quarter on offense as well for Western Michigan. The Broncos' first points of the second came over two minutes in at the line from Brusek. Brusek continued to run the offense for WMU, scoring 10 points over eight minutes on the court.

The Brown and Gold started to get contributions across the floor throughout the last quarter of the first half, getting within two points with 1:27 left on the clock. Traded baskets in the final minute and a half made it a three-point game going into the locker room for Western Michigan, down 31-28.

The Bronco offense quickly made adjustments in the second half, forcing an early Valparaiso timeout after WMU took its first lead. Both teams struggled offensively after the timeout, with a basket not being made over the next four and a half minutes. The Beacons broke the offensive cold streak with a jumper to tie the game and retake the lead. But the Brown and Gold were back on top with an 8-2 run to close out the third.

While Valpo had the first points of the fourth quarter, Western Michigan tore off on a nine-point run right after to increase its lead to 10. The Beacons were able to put together a brief four-point run to cut back into the Broncos' lead. WMU closed out the game, though at the free throw line, making five of its last 10 in the final minute while allowing only three points from Valparaiso. The Brown and Gold earned its 58-48 win to improve their record to 3-5.

 Western Michigan had a strong game in the paint, scoring 24 points to the Beacons' 12 in the lane. The Broncos also benefited from a strong bench, with 33% of their points being scored by non-starters. WMU competed well defensively, taking the glass competition 46-33 in rebounds and taking away nine possessions.

The Brown and Gold are back in action later this week at University Arena on Thursday, Dec. 17. Western Michigan welcomes the Dayton Flyers to Kalamazoo for a 6:30 p.m. tip-off.