Huskies slip past Timberwolves 80-73

MIDLAND, Mich. - The lead changed hands 21 times and Michigan Tech came out on top 80-73 against Northwood University Saturday afternoon at Riepma Arena. Ellie Mackay scored 25 points and Alex Rondorf posted 15 points and eight rebounds to help the Huskies to their third straight victory. Tech shot 42-percent and turned over the basketball just eight times to win on the road in their first conference affair of the season. Katelyn Meister, Clara Johnson, and Sloane Zenner added nine points apiece.

Northwood held a 21-18 edge in the first quarter, but the Huskies played a strong second quarter to lead 38-36 at halftime. The Timberwolves countered to tie the score after three quarters but Tech finally drew four-point separation 71-67 with 3:!7 left in regulation. Mackay assisted on Rondorf's jump shot with 2:55 to play after a missed layup by Northwood. Meister made a block in the lane with 32 seconds left and the Huskies made a series of free throws to ice the game. 

Mackay finished 9-for-19 from the field and made 5 of 6 free throws in 36 minutes for Tech. Rondorf was an efficient 6-10 overall, including one 3-pointer, eight rebounds, and three steals. Sara Dax also grabbed seven rebounds.

Northwood won the rebound category 45-39 and Alana Nelson led all players with 11 rebounds off the bench. Ellie Taylor scored 20 points on 7-12 shooting, including 4-6 from 3-point range. Makenzie Todd added 17 points (7-13) for the Timberwolves. Maddie Voelker pitched in 10 points and nine rebounds in 22 minutes off the NU bench. The Timberwolves shot 41-percent and committed 18 turnovers.

Michigan Tech outscored the Timberwolves 19-12 in the fourth quarter to pull away.

Michigan Tech (6-1, 1-0 GLIAC) plays again Monday, December 6 at 5:30 p.m. against Northern Michigan at SDC Gymnasium in Houghton.

Northwood (5-3, 0-2 GLIAC) will travel to Saginaw Valley Thursday (December 9). Game time is set for 6 p.m.