KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The Western Michigan men's basketball team fell victim to a late Valparaiso rally, with the Beacons hitting a three-pointer at the buzzer to claim a 76-73 victory at University Arena on Friday afternoon.
The Broncos (3-8) had a season-high six players score in double-figures, including each member of the starting five. Chansey Willis Jr. led the way with 16 points, Owen Lobsinger tallied 14 points, Brandon Muntu scored 12, and the trio of Max Burton, JaVaughn Hannah, and Markhi Strickland picked up 10 points apiece. Willis also handed out a game-high seven assists and tied for the team lead with seven rebounds.
Western Michigan started strong, jumping to the front with the first seven points of the game, and quickly widened its advantage to 13 points with a 13-2 start. The team's early success continued, peaking at 34-16 when Lobsinger hit another three-pointer late in the first half. By halftime, the Broncos took their largest lead of the game, with the scoreboard reading 42-26.
Out of the break, the Broncos maintained momentum, reaching their largest lead of 19 points after Burton completed a three-point play. With under seven minutes to play, the Broncos held firm with their largest advantage of the afternoon, 69-47. Yet, the tide began to turn when Valparaiso (6-5) stormed back, scoring 24 of the final 26 points.
The comeback culminated with Justis McNair's buzzer-beater from just inside half court, sealing the stunning victory for the Beacons. The last quarter was particularly challenging for Western Michigan, who managed just four points over the final 6:50 of the game, contrasting with Valparaiso's 29 points during the same period.
Statistically, the Broncos shot 45.6 percent from the field (31-of-68) compared to Valpo's 46.0 percent (29-of-63). Regrettably, WMU’s poor performance at the end of the game overshadowed their strong early showing, leaving them to prepare for their next encounter against Michigan State on December 30.
The next contest promises to be another challenge as the Broncos seek to regroup after this painful loss and improve their season standings.
