Jan. 5, 2008

SAULT STE. MARIE - The Lake Superior State women's basketball team improved upon its early-season 15-point loss to Northwood, but the Timberwolves defeated LSSU 68-63 on the Lakers' home court Saturday to pick up a key Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference road win.

LSSU (6-9 overall, 2-5 GLIAC) battled back from an early 10-point deficit to lead 21-20 with 10:18 in the first half. Northwood (8-4 overall, 4-1 GLIAC), which is off to one of its best starts in nearly two decades, hung on to claim a 33-30 lead at halftime.

The Timberwolves led throughout the second half, but LSSU kept it close. The Lakers cut a six-point deficit to one point, 48-47, with 14:05 remaining, and trimmed a seven-point deficit to three points with 1:22 to go. They were shut out during their final three possessions down the stretch.

Megan Starnes led Northwood with 24 points and 12 rebounds. The Timberwolves shot 37.9 percent from the field, including 5-of-14 from three-point range, and made 13-of-15 free throws. They dominated the boards, 42-34, and scored 15 points on second-chance baskets.

Freshman Emily Joseph was 10-of-10 at the free-throw line and led LSSU with a career-high 21 points. Shalyn Beauchamp followed with 14 points and nine rebounds, and Jaclyn Armstrong had 13 points and six rebounds. Alyssa VanderWal totaled six points, eight rebounds and a career-high eight blocked shots, which is believed to be a school record.

The Lakers shot 38.9 percent from the field, including 4-of-14 from three-point range. They made 19-of-20 free throws.

LSSU plays at Hillsdale at 6 p.m. on Jan. 10.