Bronco women's basketball team triumphs over Valparaiso in a thrilling home opener
The Western Michigan University women's basketball team secured a hard-fought 58-48 victory against the Valparaiso Beacons in their first home game of the season. The Broncos' offensive prowess in the second half, coupled with a strong defensive performance, led to their second consecutive double-digit win.
Three players shone brightly, with senior forward Mary Clare Brusek leading the way with a career-high 14 points. Redshirt senior forward De'Ahna Richardson and sophomore guard Kailey Starks also contributed 10 points each, showcasing the team's depth and versatility.
Head Coach Kate Achter praised the team's defensive efforts, especially in the second half, where they held Valparaiso to a lower score than in the first. She attributed the team's growth to the challenging schedule, emphasizing the importance of maintaining focus and resilience in the face of adversity.
The game began with a three-pointer from Richardson, but Valparaiso quickly took control, building an 11-point lead. The Broncos fought back with a four-point run, narrowing the deficit to seven points by the end of the first quarter. The second quarter saw a slow start for Western Michigan, with Brusek's free throws finally breaking the ice after two minutes.
As the first half progressed, the Broncos gradually found their rhythm, cutting the deficit to two points with 1:27 remaining. A thrilling exchange of baskets in the final minute and a half saw Western Michigan trail by just three points at halftime, 31-28.
The second half was a showcase of strategic adjustments and resilience. After taking the lead, the Broncos forced an early timeout from Valparaiso, but both teams struggled offensively post-timeout. The Beacons responded with a jumper to retake the lead, but the Broncos quickly regained control with an 8-2 run.
Valparaiso managed the first points of the fourth quarter, but Western Michigan responded with a nine-point run, extending their lead to 10. The Beacons fought back with a four-point run, but the Broncos held their nerve, closing out the game with free throws and solid defense. The final score was 58-48, securing the win and improving their record to 3-5.
The Broncos dominated the paint, outscoring Valparaiso 24-12 in the lane. Their strong bench support, with non-starters contributing 33% of the points, was a key factor in their success. Western Michigan also excelled defensively, out-rebounding Valparaiso 46-33 and forcing nine turnovers.
The team's next challenge awaits later this week as they host the Dayton Flyers at University Arena on Thursday, December 17, with a 6:30 p.m. tip-off.
