Huskies hold on in Hammond

HAMMOND, Ind. – Alex Rondorf went 7-for-7 from the field for a team-high 23 points and Michigan Tech used a big third quarter to notch their seventh win of the season 86-83 against Purdue Northwest Saturday afternoon at John Friend Court.

Katelyn Meister hit a jump shot with 33 seconds to play in the fourth quarter for a four-point lead but Tadrianna Heard struck back with a 3-pointer for PNW. Sara Dax and Rondorf both made it to the free throw line and hit three of four in the final 22 seconds and the Huskies held on to win.

Four MTU players notched double figures, including Rondorf (23), Isabella Lenz (17), Ellie Mackay (15), and Dax (14) in an efficient offensive outing for the visitors. Tech shot 30-for-52 (58-percent) overall, including 12-for-21 (57-percent) from beyond the arc. Michigan Tech also passed 16 assists and limited turnovers to 11.

"We made some mistakes tonight but we shot the ball well," said head coach Sam Clayton. "A lot of people contributed which was great to see and while we weren't able to shut down their top two scorers, we still found a way to win."

Heard and Dash Shaw tallied 27 points apiece and the Pride shot 49-percent in the losing effort. Kennedy Jackson also made an impact with 10 assists, nine points, and eight rebounds. PNW converted 9 of 15 three-point attempts and made 26 trips to the free throw line in the foul-heavy game.

The Huskies drew separation early in the third quarter on a 14-0 run, capped by Rondorf's three pointer for a 60-55 edge. Dash Shaw broke the streak with a mid-range jumper, but the Huskies outscored the Pride 27-14 in the third frame, shooting over 70-percent over the 10-minute span.

Michigan Tech (7-2, 1-1) has won four of its last five and rebounded from a loss to Wisconsin Parkside Thursday night. Purdue Northwest dropped to 4-5, 0-1 GLIAC.

The Huskies are home next week to take on Lake Superior State (Friday, December 9) and No. 20 Ferris State (Sunday, December 11).