Blake's Layup Lifts Tech over GVSU 57-55
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grand Valley State (17-6, 12-5 GLIAC) | 15 | 10 | 16 | 14 | 55 |
|
Michigan Tech (15-6, 13-4 GLIAC) | 14 | 15 | 20 | 8 | 57 |
Videos: Highlights | Coach Cameron Interview | Blake Interview | Perttu Interview
HOUGHTON, Mich. — Danielle Blake broke a 55-all deadlock with a driving layup with two-tenths of a second remaining for a 57-55 victory over Grand Valley State today at the SDC Gym. The Huskies improved to 15-6 overall and 13-4 in GLIAC play and went a game up on GVSU (17-6, 12-5 GLIAC) in the North Division.
Kerry Gardner's reverse layup with 2:53 to go made the score 55-49 in favor of the hosts. The Lakers scored four straight free throws to pull within two, then made a layup with eight seconds left to knot the score at 55.
Tech called timeout to advance the ball into the frontcourt. Much like the situation where Blake missed a layup at the buzzer vs. Northern Michigan earlier this week, the Huskies called the play for the GLIAC Preseason Player of the Year. Blake delivered with a left baseline drive.
"Coach and I talked after Monday about how I'd be in this situation again and to have confidence," said Blake. "The play was for the ball to go to either Kylie (Moxley) or me, and I got it on the baseline and was able to get it to go in."
Grand Valley State trailed 49-41 entering the final 10 minutes of play, and hit a 3-pointer to start the final frame.
Tech stayed on top until the Lakers' layup with eight seconds left.
Both defenses were stout in the contest. Tech made 37 percent from the field compared to 34 percent for GVSU. Tech held a 35-34 rebounding advantage while the Lakers committed two fewer turnovers (13-11).
"It was a defensive battle for both teams," said Tech coach Kim Cameron. "Our defense kept us in it as our offense was poor in the fourth quarter. I'm really proud of Dani for giving her team a big win. She had the same opportunity on Monday and came through for us today."
Mackenzie Perttu totaled 15 points and nine rebounds for the Huskies. Kylie Moxley posted 12 points, and Lindsay Winter also reached double figures (10).
Blake notched a game-high 13 rebounds and was 4-of-14 from the field, hitting the game winner.
Kayla Dawson totaled 20 points and eight rebounds to lead Grand Valley.
Michigan Tech has five games remaining in its regular season. The next two will be on the road starting with Hillsdale on Thursday (Feb. 11). Tipoff is set for 6 p.m.
