Valpo Snatches Victory from Western Michigan with Stunning Buzzer-Beater

KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The Western Michigan men’s basketball squad succumbed to a late Valparaiso comeback, with the Beacons sinking a three-pointer at the buzzer to secure a 76-73 win at University Arena on Friday afternoon.
 
The Broncos (3-8) achieved a season-high with six players scoring in double digits, featuring each member of the starting lineup. Chansey Willis Jr. topped the scoring with 16 points, Owen Lobsinger contributed 14 points, Brandon Muntu added 12, and the trio of Max Burton, JaVaughn Hannah, and Markhi Strickland each recorded 10 points. Willis also distributed a game-high seven assists and was joint leader in rebounds with seven.
 
Western Michigan started strong, collecting the first seven points of the game, leading to a 13-2 beginning. WMU’s advantage fluctuated between nine and 13 points until a 9-1 run established the Broncos’ biggest lead of the half at 34-16. The Brown and Gold headed into halftime with a 42-26 lead.
 
Burton commenced the second half with a traditional three-point play, pushing the margin to 19, 45-26. WMU achieved its largest lead of the day at 69-47 with under seven minutes remaining.
 
With a score of 71-52, Valparaiso (6-5) went on to score 24 of the last 26 points in the game, ending with a buzzer-beating three-pointer from just beyond half court to clinch the win.
 
The Broncos converted 45.6 percent (31-of-68) of their field goal attempts, while Valpo made 46.0 percent (29-of-63) of theirs.
 
Western Michigan is set to return to the court on Monday, Dec. 30, against Michigan State. The Broncos and Spartans are scheduled to clash at 3 PM on Big Ten Network.