Broncos storm back behind Starks, win over Jaguars in MAC-Sun Belt Challenge

Western Michigan University women's basketball team earns 73-67 victory over South Alabama Jaguars

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Western Michigan University women's basketball team had a big second-half performance to earn a 73-67 win over the South Alabama Jaguars on Saturday. Sophomore guard Kailey Starks had a career performance, scoring 33 points with seven rebounds, three steals, a block, and an assist. The Broncos were able to go 1-1 in the MAC-SBC Challenge this season with their six-point win over South Alabama.

Why it matters

The win over South Alabama marks a bounce-back performance for the Broncos after a loss to Ohio earlier in the week. The team's ability to force 15 turnovers and win the rebounding battle 33-31 was key in securing the victory.

The details

Western Michigan's defense took advantage of the Jaguars' ball handling, forcing 15 turnovers and winning the game under the glass 33-31. Sophomore guard Kailey Starks had a career performance for the Brown and Gold, scoring 33 points with seven rebounds, three steals, a block, and an assist. Sophomore guard Alli Harness also contributed 12 points and a rebound.

  • The Broncos were able to go 1-1 in the MAC-SBC Challenge this season with their six-point win over South Alabama on Saturday.

The players

Kailey Starks

A sophomore guard for the Western Michigan University women's basketball team who had a career-high 33 points, 7 rebounds, 3 steals, 1 block, and 1 assist in the win over South Alabama.

Alli Harness

A sophomore guard for the Western Michigan University women's basketball team who scored 12 points and grabbed 1 rebound in the win over South Alabama.

South Alabama Jaguars

The women's basketball team from the University of South Alabama that lost 73-67 to Western Michigan University in the MAC-Sun Belt Challenge.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I'm feeling great, and I'm really excited we won! We did not do our job at Ohio. So, we were ready and prepared to win today, and we played really hard. We have to scout well and prepare well for Miami on Tuesday. We need to come in with the same mentality like we did today and work hard.”

— Kailey Starks, Sophomore guard (wwmt.com)

What’s next

The Broncos will look to carry their momentum from the win over South Alabama into their next game against Miami on Tuesday.

The takeaway

Western Michigan's ability to force turnovers and win the rebounding battle, combined with a career performance from Kailey Starks, were key factors in the Broncos bouncing back with a win over South Alabama after a previous loss to Ohio.