No. 11 Huskies Grind Out 53-42 Win over Saginaw Play Video
Posted: Feb 14, 2015

No. 11 Huskies Grind Out 53-42 Win over Saginaw

HOUGHTON, Mich. — The No. 11-ranked Michigan Tech women's basketball team clinched the GLIAC North Division outright with a 53-42 victory over Saginaw Valley State today at the SDC Gym. The Huskies have won 13 straight games and improved to 13-0 at home with the win.

Tech also celebrated senior day with Jillian Ritchie and Emily Harrison, who got her first start of the season.

"It's a great day for our two seniors getting the win today and clinching the North title," said Tech coach Kim Cameron. "This gym is a special place with great fans, and I'm proud of what we were able to accomplish here."

Neither team shot the ball very well in a defensive matchup. The Huskies made 34 percent from the floor compared to the Cardinals' 32 percent. Tech was able to take advantage of 19 SVSU turnovers, converting those into 21 points.

Morgan Anderson tallied 21 of the team's 53 points by going 7-of-15 from the floor and hitting four 3-pointers. She surpassed her previous career high of 17 with the game-high effort.

Tech (22-1, 18-1 GLIAC) limited Saginaw Valley State (7-18, 2-17 GLIAC) to 14 first-half points by holding the Cardinals to just five field goals in the opening 20 minutes.

The margin hovered between nine and 14 most of the second half as Tech could never seem to pull away. Danielle Blake had four second-half steals, and Harrison notched three blocks in the same time frame to keep the hosts ahead. The Huskies made just 9-of-30 from the field after halftime, but 12 points came from Anderson including three of her treys.

"We didn't shoot the ball very well, but our defense won us the game. We've relied on our defense all season, and it came through again today."

Blake notched her fourth double-double of the season with 10 points and 11 rebounds. She also had three assists, two blocks and a career-high-tying six steals.

Kelli Guy also reached twin figures with 10 points. Ritchie posted six points and seven rebounds in her final regular season home game.

Paired with a Wayne State loss at home to Ashland today, Michigan Tech now has a two-game lead in the race for home court advantage throughout the playoffs. The Huskies have already clinched a home GLIAC Tournament quarterfinal game on Wednesday, March 4.

Tech will finish off the regular season with three games on the road starting Thursday (Feb. 19) at Northwood.

Notes: Anderson is the fifth different Husky to score 20+ points in a game this season … Tech has held its last five opponents to an average of 50.0.