Latest news, weather, high school sports for Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

MARQUETTE -- Courtesy:  NMU

The Northern Michigan University women’s basketball team hosted its first Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference matchup of the season on Thursday (Dec. 6) to earn its second conference victory. The ‘Cats defeated Hillsdale College, 58-48 to improve to 5-2 overall and 2-1 in the GLIAC.

Northern took the lead from the start, on a three point shot by sophomore guard Alyssa Colla in the opening minute of play to put the ‘Cats up 3-0. The ‘Cats went on to score three more points before the Chargers got on the board three minutes into the game. Hillsdale snuck up on the ‘Cats with nine minutes to go in the half on a three point shot by Marissa DeMott to give the Chargers the 13-12 advantage.

However, that wasn’t enough, and it would be the only lead of the game Hillsdale would have. NMU closed out the first half of play leading 27-19.

Much like the start of the game, the second half started off with a made shot from beyond the arc by the Wildcats, this time from freshman forward Nea Makela. Hillsdale wouldn’t move above 19 points until almost four minutes into the half. The ‘Cats led by as many as 17 points, the closest margin of the final half was seven, with three minutes to go in the game.

NMU was led by Colla who tallied 16 points on three three-pointers, three field goals and was 1-for-1 from the charity stripe. Makela was one point behind with 15 on five field goals, one three point shot and went 2-for-4 from the free throw line. Makela led the boards for ‘Cats with nine, while Colla and sophomore guard Lauren Gruber each added six.

As a team, NMU finished the night with 37 rebounds and committed 22 turnovers.

Leading the way for the Chargers was Angela Bisaro with 20 points off of six field goals and went 8-for-10 from the free throw line. She also led in rebounds with nine, five offensive and four defensive. Hillsdale ended the game with 29 total team rebounds and 20 turnovers.

The ‘Cats will continue play at home on Saturday against the University of Findlay with tip-off at 3 p.m.