SAULT STE. MARIE - The Lake Superior State women's basketball team defeated Saginaw Valley State 83-37 Saturday to win its Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference home opener and open a five-game homestand on a positive note.

The Lakers, who were 2-5 on the road during the month of December, held an opponent to less than 40 points for the second time this week. They also shot 50.9 percent from the field, including 11-of-18 from three-point range.

Even 6-3 center Alyssa VanderWal contributed as LSSU tied a season high for made three-pointers. Allison Jaynes was 3-for-3 and Ronlea Peterson was 2-for-2 to lead Laker shooters on the perimeter.

Lake Superior State (9-5 overall, 2-4 GLIAC) opened the game with a 12-0 run and went on to lead 41-23 at halftime.

Peterson totaled 11 points and a career-high 13 rebounds to notch her first career double double. VanderWal led in scoring with 13 points, while Jackie Armstrong had 12 and Jaynes added nine. Annie Dykhouse and Nicole Marshall scored eight points each. Emily Joseph had eight assists.

Kelley Wesp scored 13 points to lead Saginaw Valley State (1-10 overall, 0-6 GLIAC). The Cardinals shot 24.6 percent from the field, including 4-of-16 from three-point range.

LSSU made 16-of-21 free throws, while SVSU was 5-for-15. The Lakers out-rebounded the Cardinals, 50-29.

Lake Superior State continues its homestand at 5:30 p.m. Thursday against Ferris State.

Box Score