Lady ‘Cats win huge game vs. Lakers

Courtesy of NMU Athletics

MARQUETTE, Mich. – The Northern Michigan University women’s basketball team snapped its four game losing streak on Thursday (Feb. 21) from the Berry Events Center. The Wildcats defeated Lake Superior State University, 64-53.

Northern is now 12-12 overall and 9-11 in Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference play. The Lakers fall to 5-19 overall and 4-16 in the conference.

After a 29-18 halftime lead, the Wildcats continued to dominate the second half of play. With 3:08 remaining, NMU led by 12 (60-68) points. Sophomore forward Brooke Coenen was fouled and sent to the free throw line and sank both shots to give NMU the 14 point (62-48) lead, the largest lead of the game.

On the next play, the Lakers drove into the lane and cut the deficit back down to 12. But, it wasn’t before long that Coenen found herself back at the free throw line. Coenen made both shots to give the Wildcats the comfortable 64-50 lead with 1:42 left on the clock.

In the final 49 seconds, the Lakers went to the free throw line and went 3-for-4 to cut the final deficit to 11.

Coenen’s 7-for-8 shooting from the free throw line, and three field goals earned her a career-night, finishing with 13 points off the bench. Sophomore guards Alyssa Colla and Lauren Gruber each tallied nine points, and freshman guard Anna Liewen added eight. The Wildcats had nine players score on the night, with 25 points off the bench.

NMU shot 18-for-41 (43.9 percent) and were 21-for-30 (70 percent) from the free throw line.  The Wildcats out-rebounded LSSU, 36-30.

For the Lakers, Maria Blazejewski led all scorers with 20 points, and Taylor Greene added 12. Blazejewski also led rebounds with five.

LSSU shot 18-for-53 (34.0 percent) from the floor and were 15-for-20 (75 percent) from the charity stripe.

The Wildcats will end play at home on Saturday when Northwood University comes to town. Tip-off is scheduled for 3 p.m. The Timberwolves were defeated 70-57 by Michigan Technological University on Thursday (Feb. 21).

Following Saturday’s game, there will be an Overtime Period Party at Hudson’s Classic Grill with d’oeuvres provided and a cash bar. The public is welcome to join the men’s and women’s players and coaches to celebrate the season.