No. 13 Huskies get by Bulldogs for road win

BIG RAPIDS, Mich. — No. 13-ranked Michigan Tech held off Ferris State in a game of runs for a 72-61 GLIAC women’s basketball victory tonight at Wink Arena. Jillian Ritchie and Danielle Blake posted 23 points apiece to guide the Huskies to their 10th consecutive win and 19th overall.

Tech (19-1, 15-1 GLIAC) opened the second half on a 20-3 run for a 51-30 advantage with 13 minutes to play.

Ferris (9-10, 7-9 GLIAC) answered with 10 straight points to pull within 51-40. The Huskies came back with an 8-0 run on a pair of 3-pointers from Kelli Guy and a Blake jumper.

The Bulldogs went to a zone defense and closed within 63-53 with 3:46 to play.

A Ritchie layup and two free throws from Blake pushed the margin back to 14 under two minutes to play, and the Huskies were able to hold on for the win.

“We came out to start the second half and set the tone, but let them back in the game,” said Tech coach Kim Cameron. “We lost focus defensively, and that can’t happen.

“Overall, I’m happy to get the win. Jillian really set a good example for us, not only on offense but also on defense by taking a charge early in the second half.”

Ritchie’s 23 points were a career high. She was 8-of-14 from the field.

Blake’s 23 points came on 7-of-10 shooting. She added six rebounds, six assists, four blocks and two steals to fill out the stat sheet. Guy was the only other Husky in double figures with 10.

The lead changed hands three times early in the first half before Ritchie scored her 10th and 11th points for a 17-10 advantage. The Huskies held a 31-27 lead at half.

Tech finished the game with a 19-for-21 performance at the free throw line. It shot 45 percent from the field.

FSU shot 43 percent from the floor and held a 32-30 rebounding edge. Tech converted 23 points off of 17 Bulldogs turnovers, however.

Michigan Tech will take its 10-game winning streak to Grand Valley State on Saturday (Feb. 7). The Huskies are looking for their first win in Allendale since 2011. Tipoff is set for 1 p.m.

(Information/Photo Courtesy of MTU Athletics)