MILWAUKEE (Interstat) — In a defensive struggle defined by missed opportunities and critical turnovers, the Western Michigan Broncos edged the Milwaukee Panthers 65-64 in a women’s NCAA Division I basketball game Thursday night at UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena.

The contest, witnessed by an intimate crowd of 392, was a back-and-forth affair that saw 14 lead changes and was not decided until the final seconds. Western Michigan improved its season record to 1-2, while Milwaukee fell to 1-3.

The game was ultimately won at the free-throw line, where Western Michigan attempted eight more shots than Milwaukee. The Broncos converted 20 of their 29 attempts, while the Panthers managed 16 of 21. This disparity proved crucial in a game where both teams struggled to find offensive rhythm, with Western Michigan posting an offensive rating of 88.1 points per 100 possessions and Milwaukee slightly behind at 87.7.

The Broncos were carried by a potent scoring duo. Junior guard Kailey Starks of Evanston, Illinois, and sophomore forward De’Ahna Richardson of Bolingbrook, Illinois, each delivered standout performances. Starks logged 21 points and six rebounds in 34 minutes, while Richardson matched her with 22 points and six rebounds, also in 34 minutes. Their combined efforts provided the consistent scoring Western Michigan needed on a night where the team shot just 37.3 percent from the floor.

Milwaukee countered with a balanced attack and a strong interior presence. Junior forward Jorey Buwalda of Randolph, Wisconsin, was a force, nearly securing a double-double with 12 points, eight rebounds and two blocks. She was supported by freshman guard Jada Williams of Mason City, Iowa, who added 11 points, five rebounds and two assists, and freshman guard Grace Lomen of East Troy, Wisconsin, who chipped in 10 points off the bench.

The game’s final minute was a microcosm of the entire night’s tension. With 24 seconds remaining and trailing by one, Milwaukee’s Jorey Buwalda was fouled and sent to the line. She calmly sank both free throws, giving the Panthers a 64-63 lead and setting the stage for a dramatic finish.

Following a Western Michigan timeout, the Broncos executed their final play. Guard Nile Muguira Orbe of Yackandandah, Spain, found a cutting De’Ahna Richardson, who connected on a mid-range jump shot with just six seconds left on the clock, putting the Broncos back in front.

Milwaukee used its final timeout to advance the ball, but their last-second attempt to win the game was unsuccessful, sealing the narrow victory for the visiting Broncos.

Beyond the free-throw line, Western Michigan’s victory was built on hustle statistics. The Broncos dominated the offensive glass, grabbing eight offensive rebounds to Milwaukee’s three, which led to 11 second-chance points. They also recorded nine steals, forcing 18 Milwaukee turnovers, which they converted into 19 points. Milwaukee, meanwhile, protected the rim effectively, blocking six Western Michigan shots.

The game was a grind from the opening tip, with the first quarter ending in a 17-17 deadlock. Milwaukee managed to take a slim 35-34 lead into halftime, but neither team could build a significant advantage, with the largest lead of the game being just six points.

Western Michigan next travels to face Michigan State on Sunday. Milwaukee will look to rebound on the road against Valparaiso, also on Sunday.