FORT WAYNE, Ind. – The Western Michigan women's basketball team will clash with Purdue Fort Wayne on Saturday, December 21, starting at 2 PM, with fans encouraged to wear ugly sweaters for free admission. Coming off their latest victory, WMU aims to build on their recent successes.
The Broncos are entering this matchup with a 3-6 record, having recently secured a season-high 87 points against Prairie View A&M with 50.9 percent shooting. Leading the team's scoring is Marina Asensio, who averages 11.8 points per game, though her shooting has been less efficient at 35 percent from the field.
Coach Shane Clipfell recently achieved his 175th victory as the head coach of the Broncos. He is now only four wins shy of matching Fran Ebert’s all-time record of 196 wins for the program, set during his tenure from 1967 to 1982. The latest game against Prairie View A&M showcased contributions from four players scoring double figures, including graduate student Hannah Spitzley and junior Marina Asensio, who combined for 28 points. Spitzley is also on the verge of breaking the program record for three-pointers made, currently sitting at 92.
Meanwhile, the Mastodons enter the game with a 7-5 record and are part of the Horizon League’s competitive climate, currently boasting a 3-0 standing within the league. Lauren Ross leads Purdue Fort Wayne, averaging 18.5 points per game, presenting a significant challenge for the Broncos. Her shooting stats are impressive, hitting 49.3 percent from the floor and 51.2 percent from beyond the arc, with also excellent percentage from the free-throw line at 91.8.
Despite the Mastodons’ strong lineup, Western Michigan leads the all-time series against Purdue Fort Wayne 6-1, though the latter won their first meeting back in 2001 with an 81-77 contest. Last year, Western Michigan faced off against the Mastodons, coming from behind to secure victory after trailing by 17 points.
Both teams have showcased high-scoring capabilities this season. Purdue Fort Wayne recently demonstrated their shooting prowess by hitting 16 three-pointers against Aquinas, tying for the third-most triples made by the program. Their offensive output places them in the top ranks nationally, with the team averaging 79.2 points per game.
Specifically, Lauren Ross aims to etch her name in record books, possessing the potential to maintain the outstanding shooting percentages needed to be the first player to achieve 50/50/90 since the three-point line's introduction.
The Mastodons’ recent notable performances include the standout play from Taeya Steinauer, who received the Horizon League Freshman of the Week honor for her contribution to the team’s success over the past week. She averaged 10.5 points per game during this stretch, which showcased her skills and ability to impact games positively.
For Western Michigan, Coach Clipfell's system thrives on teamwork and scoring efficiency, with key players like Megan Wagner contributing significantly. Wagner is currently positioned 16th all-time within the program for assists, which adds depth to the team’s gameplay.
Saturday’s matchup also serves as more than just another game; it is part of the continuing rivalry between these two teams. With high stakes—both for Clipfell and the players aiming for personal and team milestones—the anticipation for this game is building.
Fans can follow the matchup through live stats and ESPN+, with excitement brewing both on and off the court as these two skilled teams prepare to battle for bragging rights and success within the Horizon League. Whether you’re cheering for the Broncos or the Mastodons, the game promises to deliver thrills and high-level competition.
