Lady Wildcats get first home win of the season vs. Malone

MARQUETTE — The Northern Michigan women’s basketball team had a great weekend, getting their first conference win and first win at the Berry on Saturday against Malone.

The second half defense was key for the Lady Wildcats as they held the Pioneers to five points in the third quarter to come out with a 61–59 win. Guard Anna Liewen came off the bench to lead the team in scoring with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Center Taylor Hodell also recorded a double–double of her own with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Afterwards, the team talked about getting their first GLIAC win at home.

“I’m excited they way we played in some areas this weekend. We’re trying to build this team defensively and rebounding first. And I thought both nights on the defensive end we were very good. And for a little span on Thursday we didn’t rebound as well, but we rebounded great tonight. I think it was 51–30. So we’re building the team the right way. The offense takes a little time so we’re still in progress there but it got better,” head coach Troy Mattson said.

“Coach has been pounding us in practice, telling us to come out with intensity and finally putting a whole defensive game together and I think we figured it out on offense too…just figuring out how to finish shots and keep rebounding the way that we are,” said Liewen.

“We just have to keep playing our game. We have to lock out on defense. We have to do what we practice all week and what we watch on film and everything. And just executing what we practice,” Hodell said.

NMU will be on the road next weekend in conference play as they face Wayne State on Thursday and then Findlay on Saturday.