Get ready for a thrilling showdown as the Western Michigan University women's basketball team faces their final non-conference challenge against the No. 21 Ohio State Buckeyes—a game that could redefine their season. But here's where it gets controversial: Can the Broncos pull off an upset against a nationally ranked powerhouse, or will history repeat itself in this rare matchup? Let’s dive in.
On Monday night in Columbus, Ohio, the Broncos step onto the court for their last non-conference game of the season. This marks the seventh consecutive year they’ve closed out this phase of their schedule away from home—a trend that began unexpectedly in 2020 when their final home game against Loyola Chicago was canceled due to COVID-19 protocols. And this is the part most people miss: Playing on the road hasn’t been easy, with WMU holding a 2-3 record away from University Arena this season. Still, they’ve shown resilience, as evidenced by their recent performances.
In their last outing, the Broncos battled until the final buzzer in a 65-58 loss to the Dayton Flyers. Sophomore guard Alli Harness stole the spotlight, scoring a career-high 23 points—her second personal best in just over a week. Harness has been on fire in December, averaging 12 points per game and leading the team in scoring during this final stretch of 2025. Her five three-pointers against Dayton were a testament to her growing impact. Meanwhile, sophomore guard Kailey Starks continued her streak of double-digit scoring, and senior guard Alli Carlson anchored the defense with a season-high six rebounds. Despite trailing by just three points four times in the last seven minutes, the Broncos couldn’t quite close the gap.
Here’s a bold take: While Harness’s December surge is undeniable, the team’s reliance on her scoring could be a double-edged sword. If Ohio State manages to contain her, who steps up? This question could decide the game’s outcome.
Looking ahead, Monday’s game marks the 11th meeting between WMU and Ohio State, but the first in over a decade. The Buckeyes hold a commanding 8-2 series lead, with their last victory coming in 2014—an 83-46 rout at Value City Arena. That game highlighted the challenge of facing a Big Ten powerhouse, as Ohio State’s star backcourt of Kelsey Mitchell and Ameryst Alston proved too much for the Broncos. Fast forward to 2025, and the Buckeyes remain a force, ranked No. 21 with a 10-1 record. Their only loss? A 100-68 defeat to the undefeated UConn Huskies, the nation’s top team.
Ohio State’s success is fueled by sophomore guard Jaloni Cambridge, the 24th-best scorer in the nation, averaging 19.7 points per game. Senior guard Chance Gray adds depth with 12.4 points, 2.9 assists, and 2.2 rebounds per game. But here’s the real question: Can WMU’s defense, led by Carlson, slow down Cambridge and disrupt the Buckeyes’ rhythm? If they can, this game could be closer than many expect.
As the Broncos prepare for this David-vs-Goliath matchup, one thing is clear: they’ll need a complete team effort to secure a win. Harness’s hot hand, Starks’s consistency, and Carlson’s defensive leadership will all be crucial. But will it be enough? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—do you think WMU can pull off the upset, or will Ohio State’s dominance continue?
