MIDLAND, MI -- Courtesy:  LSSU

The Lake Superior State women's basketball team rallied back from an early 16-point deficit and gave first-year coach Justin Rees a 59-52 victory over Mercyhurst Friday during his official head coaching debut.

After falling behind 29-13 during the first 15 minutes of the game, LSSU outscored Mercyhurst 14-2 during the final 4:16. The Lakers' comeback was sparked by back-to-back three-pointers by freshman Kandace Crittendon at 1:54 and 1:12.

Maria Blazejewski totaled 12 points and eight rebounds, and Sarah Cubr contributed 12 points and three assists to lead the Lakers for the game. Cubr, who was 4-for-6, and Crittendon were a combined 6-of-9 from behind the arc as LSSU made 8-of-18 three-pointers as a team.

Guards Raven Trammell and Jasmine Brown combined to total 10 points, nine assists and six rebounds. Candace LaCross added eight points, and Cassy Schemberger turned in seven rebounds. LSSU shot 38.8 percent from the field and made 13-of-20 free throws.

LSSU was 12-of-28 from the field during the second half.

Lindsay Stump totaled 13 points and seven rebounds to lead Mercyhurst, which is a former Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference foe. Kaylee Foster and Lindsey Burke added 10 points each. The Lakers shot 30.6 percent from the field, including 5-of-26 from three-point range, and made 9-of-15 free throws.

LSSU out-rebounded Mercyhurst, 43-38.

Lake Superior State (1-0) plays Illinois-Springfield during Game 2 of the Timberwolf Classic on Saturday in Midland.