Balanced scoring carries Huskies past Minot St.

MINOT, N.D. — All five Michigan Tech starters scored in double figures to lift the Huskies to a 77-69 win at Minot State today in non-conference women’s basketball. Brenna Heise led the way with 22 points on just 13 shots as Tech improved to 8-0 heading into break.

The host Beavers led 33-30 after a first half that saw the lead change hands 13 times.

Tech came out with the hot shooting touch in the second half as 3-pointers from Jillian Ritchie, Morgan Anderson and Ritchie again put the Black and Gold up for good within the first three minutes of the half.

Minot State (6-6) stayed within 47-46 at the midway point of the stanza before Heise scored eight points during a 16-6 Tech run that left the Huskies up 63-52 with six minutes to go.

The Beavers pulled within six (71-65) with a minute to go, but Tech iced the game at the foul line with six free throws on as many attempts.

MSU out-shot Tech 48 percent to 45 percent from the field and held a 38-35 rebounding advantage, but committed 15 turnovers. The Huskies canned eight three pointers to just one for the hosts.

“What a great way to finish up 2014 and head into break,” said Tech coach Kim Cameron. “I’m proud of our players for their focus and ability to take care of business. It says a lot about the toughness of this team.

“Brenna was lights out tonight, and it was nice to have the balance as well.”

Heise had five rebounds to go with her team-high 22 points. Anderson finished with 16 points, six assists and just one turnover. Ritchie notched 14 points and Kelli Guy had 10 points. Danielle Blake posted her second consecutive double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds.

Diondra Denton had a game-high 24 points for the Beavers, who scored the most points against Tech of any team this season.

Michigan Tech will take its undefeated record into a 12-day layoff before resuming conference play at Ohio Dominican on Jan. 2.

(Information/Photo Courtesy of MTU Athletics)