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Hillary Bowling got her first start since Jan. 20 at Grand Valley and used her minutes effectively, scoring 20 points while hitting three 3-pointers.  She also had four rebounds, two steals, and two assists.

“Hillary made some big threes,” said NMU head coach Troy Mattson.  “We did an incredible job finishing shots around the basket, and it was great to see some points on the board.”

Chelsea Lyons led the Wildcats as she scored 23 points on 8-of-10 shooting while pulling down nine rebounds and recording four assists.

“Chelsea made some great plays for us today.  She made some tough shots and played under control all game long,” Mattson said.

With the scored tied at 25 at halftime, NMU went on a 15-5 run to gain control of the game and take a 10-point lead with 15:12 left.  The ‘Cats expanded the lead to 18 with four and a half to go after a 3-pointer by Lyons, a layup by Staci Beckel, and a jumper by Bowling.

The Oilers cut the lead to 10 with 1:27 to go, but Beckel, Lyons, and Steffani Stoeger each hit a pair of free throws to put the game away.

“I’m proud the way we bounced back after Thursday night’s performance.  We’re a team that never gives up,” Mattson said.

NMU finished the game shooting 52 percent and pulling down eight more rebounds than the Oilers (38-30).

Beckel was the other Wildcat in double figures with 15 points.  Stoeger and Kellie Rietveld played the full 40 minutes.

Findlay (14-6, 9-4 GLIAC) was led in scoring by Laura Bardeall (14) and Clare Aubry (12).

The ‘Cats next game is at Lake Superior State on Thursday (Jan. 10).