Women's Basketball Wins 64-61 Over Saginaw Valley

UNIVERSITY CENTER, MICH. – The Northwood University women's basketball team pulled out a dramatic 64-61 win at Saginaw Valley State on Saturday evening (January 17).

The Timberwolves are now 11-5 on the year, 7-3 in the GLIAC. The Cardinals fall to 6-10 overall, 1-9 in the GLIAC.

After being tied 4-4 early in the first half, Northwood's offense took over as the Timberwolves went on a 15-5 run in the next 6:13 to claim a 19-9 advantage. Despite giving up seven offensive rebounds in the opening period, NU was able to take a 27-20 lead to the locker room. For the first half, Northwood shot 9-28 from the floor (32.1 percent). The Timberwolves defense held Saginaw Valley to 23.3 percent on 7-30 shooting.  

The Cardinals cut the lead down to 29-26 on a couple of layups before Northwood went on another run. NU scored eight of the next ten points to reclaim a nine-point lead with 14:00 remaining. The Timberwolves led by as many as 11 throughout the second half at 41-30 with 11:56 on the clock. Saginaw Valley then went on a 18-9 run of their own to cut the lead to just two with 4:32 to go in the game. After extending the NU advantage to seven at 2:45, the Cardinals continued to fight hitting a very important three-pointer with 0:19 left to cut the lead down to 64-61. Despite having two turnovers and two missed free throws in the last minute of the game, the Timberwolves were able to hold on for the win.

For the game, Northwood shot 37.0 percent from the floor (20-54). The Cardinals shot 21-58 for 36.2 percent. NU's bench out-scored the Cardinals' bench 18-4, while Saginaw Valley out-rebounded Northwood 42-33.

Lauren Robak (Clarkston, Mich. / Our Lady of the Lakes) led the Timberwolves with 17 points, while Gabrielle Rivette (Fenton, Mich.) added 12 points on 3-7 shooting to go along with four assists.

The Timberwolves will travel to Ferris State on Thursday (January 22). The women are set to tip off at 6 p.m.