Grand Valley Defeats Huskies 68-57

Video: Coach Cameron Interview

ALLENDALE, Mich. — Michigan Tech was within 59-55 with 2:42 to play but fell 68-57 at Grand Valley State in GLIAC women's basketball today. The Lakers made 15-of-23 free throws including five in the final minute for the victory.

Tech fell to 9-5 overall and 7-3 in league play. GVSU improved to 12-4 and 7-3 in the conference.

Grand Valley expanded a two-point halftime lead to as many as nine in the third quarter. Mackenzie Perttu closed the quarter with back-to-back 3-pointers to pull Tech within 47-44 heading into the fourth.

The Huskies stayed within four at the 5:24 mark and again with 2:42 to play, but the Lakers had the answer each time.

"Every time we got close, we took a breath and they took advantage," said Tech coach Kim Cameron. "They defend very well, and hit some big shots when they needed."

GVSU's Bailey Cairnduff hit 4-of-5 3-pointers in the game and finished with 18 points.

Perttu was the game's leading scorer with 21 points. Danielle Blake scored 18 points and grabbed seven rebounds. Elizabeth Kelliher posted a double-double with 12 points and 10 boards.

Tech shot 34 percent from the floor compared to GVSU's 50 percent. The Black and Gold were an uncharacteristic 4-of-15 from 3-point range.

Michigan Tech will return home on Thursday (Jan. 21) to face Hillsdale. Tipoff is slated for 5:30 p.m.