KALAMAZOO, Mich. (Interstat) — Kendall Carruthers scored a game-high 25 points, including 10 in a decisive fourth quarter, to lead the Toledo women’s basketball team to a 56-49 victory over Western Michigan in a Mid-American Conference game Wednesday night at University Arena.

The Rockets, who led wire-to-wire, snapped a three-game losing streak and improved to 15-13 overall. The Broncos fell to 9-19.

Carruthers, a 5-foot-7 guard from Toledo, Ohio, was the primary offensive engine for a Toledo team that struggled to find consistent scoring outside of her and forward Ella Weaver, who added 10 points. Carruthers played 31 minutes, attacking the basket relentlessly and getting to the free-throw line, where she converted 11 of 13 attempts. Her performance marked a significant offensive resurgence after averaging just over 11 points per game in her previous three outings.

The most important stretch of the game came in the final period after Western Michigan had clawed its way back from a 16-point first-half deficit. The Broncos, fueled by Kailey Starks’ 15 points and a persistent defensive effort, cut the Toledo lead to just five points at 42-37 with 4:45 remaining in the game.

With the momentum shifting and the home crowd of 786 growing louder, Toledo turned to its star. Carruthers answered with a driving layup to push the lead back to seven. After a Western Michigan turnover, she drew a foul and sank two free throws. Following another Broncos miss, Carruthers again drove into the lane for a tough basket, capping a personal 6-0 run that extended the Rockets’ advantage to 48-37 with 3:59 left, effectively sealing the game.

Western Michigan never got closer than seven points the rest of the way. The Broncos’ comeback attempt was hampered by 22 turnovers and cold shooting, particularly in the first half where they managed only 14 points. Toledo’s defense set the tone early, forcing 10 first-quarter turnovers and holding Western Michigan to just six points in the opening period.

Patricia Anumgba contributed eight points and two assists for Toledo, while Evyn Carrier added four points off the bench. For Western Michigan, D’Myjah Bolds scored nine points and blocked a shot, and De’Ahna Richardson also had nine points with a block and a steal. Alli Carlson played all 40 minutes for the Broncos, finishing with eight points.

The game was a defensive struggle throughout, with both teams shooting under 35% from the floor. Toledo’s ability to generate points from the free-throw line, where they outscored Western Michigan by 11, proved to be a critical difference. The Rockets also won the turnover battle, committing 16 giveaways compared to Western Michigan’s 22.

Toledo built its early lead with a 16-6 first quarter and extended it to 25-14 by halftime. Western Michigan found its offensive rhythm after the break, outscoring Toledo 16-11 in the third quarter to pull within 36-30 entering the final frame. The Broncos’ surge continued into the fourth, but Carruthers’ timely scoring halted their progress.

The victory completed a regular-season sweep for Toledo over Western Michigan, having also won 59-46 in Toledo on Jan. 10. According to Interstat’s ELO system, Toledo entered the game with a 74% probability to win.

Toledo will look to build on the win when it hosts Ball State on Saturday. Western Michigan travels to face Kent State on the same day.