KALAMAZOO, Mich. – For the first time in program history, the Saginaw Valley State University men's basketball team earned a win over an NCAA Division I program, topping Western Michigan University Thursday in Kalamazoo, Mich.

The Cardinals took an 11-9 lead just over seven minutes into the game and did not trail the rest of the way, answering every run from the Broncos and pulling away late for an 80-63 victory to move to 3-1 overall this season.

"I thought the guys handled themselves like they have been there before," Head Coach Randy Baruth said. "This team expects to win each time we step on the court and that showed tonight. This group is the epitome of family. They just play for each other."

How it Happened:

• WMU enjoyed its lone lead of the game early 7-2 with 17:32 to play in the first half.
• Maurice Barnett put the Cardinals up 11-9 with just under 13 minutes remaining in the first half and SVSU did not trail the rest of the way.
• Freddie McIntosh hit a 3-pointer to make it 24-14, giving the Cardinals their first double-digit lead.
• The Broncos cut the Cardinal lead to 33-30 late in the first half, but Darnell Hoskins Jr. hit three free throws late in the first half to put SVSU up 36-30 at the break.
• SVSU remained in control to start the second half, scoring the first seven points, including a 3-pointer from Hoskins Jr.
• WMU rallied to tie the game at 47-47, but an 8-0 run gave SVSU the momentum back and the Cardinals led 62-53 with just over six minutes to play.
• Delano Smith put the game away with three minutes to play with a 3-pointer to put the Cardinals up 15.

Inside the Box Score:

• Delano Smith led the Cardinals with 23 points on 7-of-13 shooting, hitting three 3-pointers.
• Darnell Hoskins Jr. finished with 12 points.
• Tyler Witz added 11 points, four rebounds, and two blocks.
• Freddie McIntosh recorded nine points and four rebounds off the bench.
• The Cardinals shot 25-of-50 from the field, 9-of-20 from deep, and 21-of-29 from the line.
• SVSU forced 15 turnovers by WMU, including 11 in the first half. The Cardinals executed on offense and finished with just seven turnovers.
• Lamar Norman Jr. finished with a game-high 25 points to lead WMU.

Up Next:

SVSU remains on the road to take on Gannon University at 3 pm on Sunday in Erie, Penn.