Huskies use big second quarter to clip Cavaliers

NORTH CANTON, Ohio – Isabella Lenz scored 20 points and Michigan Tech used a massive second quarter to vault past Walsh University 63-47 Saturday afternoon at Cecchini Center. Lenz shot 5-for-12 from the field and added four rebounds and four assists to her second 20-plus point performance of the season.

"It was a great team win for us this afternoon," said head coach Sam Clayton. "I was pleased we received contributions from everyone. We started slowly on the defensive end but we turned it around and locked down from the second quarter to the end of the game."

The Huskies bounced back from Thursday night's loss to No. 2 Ashland and improved to 11-3 overall. Walsh dropped to 5-7.

After trading baskets early, Kylie Dyrlund helped the Cavs to an 18-11 advantage with a steal and a layup to close out the first quarter.

Ellie Mackay hit her first of three long range shots before the end of the half to bring Michigan Tech back to a single possession. Lydia Schaible's layup put the Huskies back on top permanently 23-21. Amidst a 12-0 run, Tech outscored the Cavs 22-3 in the second quarter for a 33-22 edge at the break.

The Huskies scored 20 points on 21 Cavalier turnovers and found open shooters in transition often in the second half. Lenz shot 4-for-8 from beyond the arc and played a team-high 33 minutes.

"Bella had a great game for us," Clayton said. "She continues to be an important player on both ends of the court."

The Huskies shot 42-percent (24-for-57) overall, including 31-percent (8-for-26) from downtown with 29 rebounds. After posting 15 points Thursday night, Katelyn Meister pitched in eight against Walsh on an efficient 4-for-7. Sara Dax also recorded eight points off the bench.

Tech limited Walsh' leading scorer Morgan McMillen (18 ppg) to 2 of 9 shooting for five points. Dyrland finished well at the rim and led the Cavs with 14 points in 19 minutes off the bench.

Walsh shot 34-percent (20-59) overall and 24-percent (4-17) from the three point line. The Cavs collected 34 rebounds and passed six assists.

Michigan Tech (11-3, 3-1 GLIAC) is on the road again next week to play Saginaw Valley State on Thursday, January 5 at 6 p.m. followed by Wayne State Saturday, January 7 at 1 p.m. MTU has won five of their last six.

Walsh (5-7, 3-2 GMAC) travels to Kentucky Wesleyan on Thursday.