#6 Lakers get even with #24 Huskies

ALLENDALE, Mich. - No. 6 ranked Grand Valley State evened up the season series by taking down No. 24 ranked Michigan Tech 60-43 at GVSU Fieldhouse Arena Thursday night. The Huskies converted just 2 of 18 tries from beyond the arc as the Lakers' led for all but 17 seconds of the game.

Michigan Tech struggled to make baskets, particularly in the second quarter, and fell behind 31-16 at the half. Despite the loss, Isabella Lenz posted 13 points for MTU, with five rebounds, four steals, and a pair of blocks. Both teams entered the night on a three-game win streak but the Lakers preserved their position at the top of the GLIAC Standings with a win.

"I thought we competed hard tonight," said head coach Sam Clayton. "Shots just weren't falling. Bella created for us. Emma (Anderson) and Tessa (Leece) came off the bench and defended well. There is a lot to learn from and build from this game moving forward."

Tech's only lead came early in the first quarter, when Katelyn Meister's layup made it 7-5. Paige Vanstee came off the bench for a team-high 13 points and added five offensive rebounds to help Grand Valley State slowly construct a margin. The Lakers utilized nine reserve players and spread their scoring. Ellie Droste also contributed 10 points.

Both teams committed 16 turnovers, but the Lakers out-rebounded the Huskies 39-27, including 11 on the offensive glass. Tech finished 17-for-49 (34.7 percent) overall and went 7-for-10 (70 percent) on free throw attempts.

Grand Valley State shot 39.3 percent from the field (22-56) and 76.9 percent (10-13) from the free throw line.

Michigan Tech (19-5, 11-3 GLIAC) has four regular season games left, including Davenport in Grand Rapids Saturday at 1 p.m. Grand Valley State (21-2, 12-1) hosts Northern Michigan Saturday afternoon.