“Spitzley and Asensio Shine with 46, But Purdue Fort Wayne Prevails”

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — The women’s basketball squad of Western Michigan University wrapped up the 2024 calendar year with an 83-75 defeat to Purdue Fort Wayne on Saturday. In the setback, graduate student Hannah Spitzley and junior Marina Asensio collectively netted 46 points and recorded nine steals as a group.  

The Brown and Gold along with the Mastodons raced to an exciting start in the first quarter, scoring on five consecutive offensive possessions. The Broncos equaled a team-high with two three-pointers made in the first quarter Saturday, contributing to an 18-point total in that period. A three-pointer by Asensio brought WMU to their first lead of the contest at 11-10 with 6:18 left in the opening quarter. Following a 12-5 scoring surge from the Mastodons in the next four minutes, Spitzley and Lauren Audino finalized the quarter by combining for seven points, leading the Brown and Gold into the second quarter. 

Starting the second quarter, WMU faced a 27-18 shortfall. In this period, Audino, Spitzley, and Asensio made field goals for the women’s basketball team, bringing the Brown and Gold to a total of 10 points in the quarter. By halftime, WMU trailed the Mastodons 46-28. 

Post-break, the women’s basketball team erupted for 19 points in the third quarter, showcasing a 54.55% shooting rate from the field. With seven minutes remaining, the Broncos trailed by 19 points but executed a 7-0 run: After a jumper by Alli Carlson and a layup from Spitzley, Asensio was fouled while attempting a three-pointer. Asensio converted all three of her attempts, pulling the Broncos within 12 with 5:49 still to play in the quarter. For the rest of the third period, neither team could create significant distance between them. Entering the fourth, WMU was behind 61-47.

In the final quarter, the Brown and Gold surged by achieving a game-high 28 points. Throughout most of the final period, Purdue Fort Wayne maintained a lead of at least 10 points, and with 2:34 left, built a 75-61 advantage over WMU. Despite this considerable gap, WMU ignited and outscored the Mastodons 15-6, narrowing the deficit to six points with 21 seconds remaining in the match. Spitzley propelled the Brown and Gold back into contention by sinking two three-pointers within just six seconds.

Historical Highlights

Spitzley’s six steals matched Gabi Saxman (at Kent State 1/28/23, vs. App State 2/10/24) and Kaitlyn Zarycki (vs. Davenport 12/2/23) for the sixth most steals recorded in a single game in program history. 

The graduate student from Westphalia, Michigan, raised her career steals total to 153 and continuing. Spitzley is now just seven steals away from becoming the 13th Bronco to achieve at least 160 career steals.  On this night, Spitzley joined WMU alumni Saxman (three times), Denise Kirby (three times), Tiera DeLaHoussaye (three times), and Maria Jilian (twice) as the only Broncos to record six or more steals on different instances. Spitzley previously hit a career-high seven steals against the University of Akron on February 4, 2023.

Furthermore, with her two three-pointers, Spitzley has increased her career three-point total to 94 and ongoing. She needs just six more three-pointers to become the 18th Bronco to exceed the century mark in shots beyond the arc. 

Today, graduate student Megan Wagner enhanced her career assist total to 236 and continuing. After tallying four more assists, Wagner will become the 16th Bronco to reach 240 career assists. 

Upcoming

The Brown and Gold will head to Ypsilanti, Michigan to take on cross-state rival Eastern Michigan University on Wednesday, January 1, at 1:00 PM on ESPN+.