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TIFFIN, OH -- Courtesy:  NMU

The Northern Michigan University women’s basketball team was defeated 75-63 by Tiffin University in a Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference matchup on Tuesday (Dec. 18) from Tiffin, Ohio. The ‘Cats fall to 7-3 overall and 4-2 in the GLIAC, and the Dragons improve to 4-5 and 2-4 in the conference.

The Dragons took the lead from out of the gates and kept it for the entire first half, except for when the ‘Cats were able to tie it two minutes into the game. Aside for then, the Dragons led by as many as seven, to take the 31-24 lead at the half.

The second half was dominated entirely by the Dragons. NMU was able to get within six points, but wouldn’t take the lead at all during the remainder of the game. Tiffin would lead by as much as 13 for the game.

Sophomore forward Nea Makela led all scorers with 20 points off of two three-pointers, five fields goals and went 4-for-5 from the free throw line. Sophomore guard Alyssa Colla and junior center Annie Rubendunst each added 12 points on the evening. Sophomore guard Lauren Gruber led the boards with eight, four each way, while Makela added seven more.

The ‘Cats shot 39 percent for the game on 22-for-56 and were 11-for-12 from the charity stripe. NMU tallied 22 turnovers to the Dragons’ 13.

For Tiffin, Jessica Harris had 16 points on eight field goals, while Stephanie Kelly had 14 points. Jillian Adams closed out the double digits with 10. Harris also led in rebounds with eight, Adams and Jordan Fraley each contributed four.

Tiffin shot 28-for-53 on the night for 52 percent and was 16-for-22 from the free throw line.

The ‘Cats will take the rest of the year off, and will open up the New Year with a set of games at home by taking on Ashland University on Jan. 3 and Lake Erie College on Jan. 5 from the Berry Events Center.