Women's Basketball Downs Saginaw Valley State 83-68

The Northwood University women's basketball team clinched a spot in the upcoming GLIAC Tournament with an impressive 83-68 road win over rival Saginaw Valley Stat Thursday night (February 27).

Northwood finishes the regular season 14-12 overall, 12-10 in the GLIAC. SVSU falls to 13-11 overall, 11-10 in the GLIAC.

NU earned the spot in the tournament thanks to having a tiebreaker over Grand Valley. NU, GV and SV entered the night playing for two positions in the event. With the win, Northwood and GVSU both finish the season at 12-10 in the GLIAC with SVSU standing at 11-10 with one game remaining. NU wins a tiebreaker against GVSU because of their win against SVSU, while the Lakers were swept by the Cardinals.

The Timberwolves knocked down a 3-pointer on the first possession of the game and would lead the rest of the way. NU led by as many 14 in the opening half before taking a 43-33 lead to the locker room.  SVSU had a higher field goal percentage than NU (50.0-45.7), but Northwood knocked down five more 3-pointers than Saginaw Valley (6-1).

The Cardinals cut the Northwood lead to seven early in the second half, but it was all Timberwolves the rest of the way. NU eventually led 80-51 with just over eight minutes remaining in the game. SVSU finished the game on a 17-3 to cut into the final margin.

Overall, Northwood shot 50.8 percent from the floor (31-61) and 12-24 from 3-point range (50.0 percent). SVSU finished at 46.3 percent (25-54) overall and 1-4 from 3-point range (25.0 percent).

Four starters finished in double figures for the Timberwolves, led by Gabrielle Rivette (Fenton, Mich.). She matched her career-high with 26 points, going 8-12 from the floor, 2-3 from 3-point range and 8-8 from the foul line. Rivette also added five rebounds and four assists. Lauren Robak (Clarkston, Mich./Our Lady of the Lakes) added 21 points, while Sarah Susan (Grand Rapids, Mich./Byron Center) scored 13. Freshman Emily Kutch (Freeport, Mich./Lakewood) finished with 11 points.

Northwood will await their upcoming GLIAC Tournament opponent. The game will take place Wednesday (March 5).