MIDLAND -- (Courtesy of NMU Athletics) Despite a strong second half shooting performance, the Northern Michigan women’s basketball team could not erase an early double-digit deficit, falling 63-55 to Northwood on Saturday (Jan. 28).
With the loss, NMU falls to 8-11 on the season and 4-8 in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. The Wildcats have dropped four straight in conference play and remain in 10th place in the overall league standings. Northwood improves to 8-11 overall and 3-9 in the conference and just one place behind NMU in the GLIAC standings.
NMU fell behind early, with Northwood taking a nine-point, 13-4 lead by the 12:47 mark with a jumper from Sarah Susan. The ‘Cats continued to fight from behind throughout the first stanza, trailing by as many as 16 points and shooting only 25.0 (7-for-28) from the floor. On the flipside, Northwood sank (14-for-29) from the field to take a 36-24 lead in the break.
The ‘Cats battled back to start the final 20 minutes of play, cutting the Timberwolves lead to just six with 14:41 left on the clock with a layup from sophomore center Annie Rubendunst. Despite an improved shooting game, going 50.0 percent (4-for-8) from behind the line, NMU could get no closer than six points as the Timberwolves matched basket for basket.
NMU was led by Lyons with 21 points and four assists. Freshman center Courtney Lemon tied her career-high with 13 points.
The Chargers were led by Sarah Susan with 21 points and five rebounds.
NMU shot only 34.0 percent (18-for-53) from the field and 35.7 percent 5-for-14) from three-point land.
The Timberwolves outrebounded the ‘Cats 39-35 and outscored NMU’s bench 13-2.
NMU returns home to the Berry Event Center next week hosting Wayne State (Feb. 2) and Findlay (Feb. 4). The ‘Cats host five of their final seven games.
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