Lady Huskies defeat Timberwolves

Courtesy of MTU Athletics

Michigan TechHOUGHTON, Mich. – The Michigan Tech women’s basketball team got back in the win column with a 81-69 victory over Northwood on Thursday (Jan. 30) at the SDC Gym. The Huskies had four players in double figures and defeated the Timberwolves for the 13th straight time.

Tech went on a 9-0 run to end the first half after five ties and 13 lead changes in the opening frame. The Huskies secured a double-digit lead early in the second half and maintained that lead throughout.

“It was a big win for us and a great way to respond after last weekend,” Tech coach Kim Cameron said. “We started the game strong and took control with a great finish to the first half.”

Mackenzie Perttu scored a game-high 23 points. She made all 11 of her free throws and added three assists. Kylie Moxley scored a season-high 22 points. She shot 10-for-16 from the field and added seven rebounds. Danielle Blake recorded her third double-double of the season with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Paige Albi was also in double figures with 13 points on 5-for-9 shooting.

“They were playing on my back most of the game,” Moxley said. “I was aggressive and confident in myself and have to give the guards credit for getting me the ball.”

With the win, the Huskies snap a two-game losing streak and move to 13-4 overall and 11-2 in the GLIAC. Northwood had its five-game winning streak come to an end and falls to 10-7 overall and 8-5 in league play.

With Tech up by 12 and 8:06 on the clock, Moxley buried back-to-back buckets to give the Huskies their largest lead of the game at 16 (67-51) with 6:59 left.

The Timberwolves cut the lead to 11 with 4:03 on the clock but Perttu buried six free throws in the final 2:20 to keep the visitors at bay.

The Huskies shot 46.9 percent (30-for-64) from the floor and made 4-for-11 (36.4 percent) from three. The home team held a 37-31 rebounding advantage and had 12 assists compared to only three for Northwood. Tech also made 17-for-20 (85 percent) from the free throw line.

The Timberwolves were led by Sarah Susan with 19 points. Gabrielle Rivette (18) and Lauren Robak (16) also scored in double figures. Northwood shot 46.3 percent (25-for-54) and only 3-for-13 from three.

Tech held a 36-28 lead at the half and were led by Albi with nine points. Perttu added eight in the opening frame as Tech shot 43.8 percent from the floor and 5-for-5 from the free throw line. The bench scored 15 of the 36 first-half points.

The three-game home stand continues on Saturday (Feb. 1) against Lake Superior State. Tipoff against the Lakers is set for 1 p.m. Tech hosts Northern Michigan on Monday (Feb. 3) to wrap up the stretch. LSSU defeated NMU 70-57 on Thursday.

“It’s a crazy part of the schedule,” said Cameron. “Lake State is a dangerous team and we have to make sure we’re ready.”