SAULT STE. MARIE - Lake Superior State held seventh-ranked Hillsdale well below its scoring average Saturday, but missed free throws in the second half cost the Lakers.

All-American Katie Cezat totaled 27 points and 23 rebounds to lead Hillsdale (17-2 overall, 12-2 Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference), which won 61-49 to record its fifth straight victory.

Despite Cezat's domination, LSSU's defense held firm throughout the game. Both teams shot below 38 percent from the field. The Chargers average 77.1 points per game, but were held to their second-lowest point total of the season.

LSSU (13-9 overall, 6-8 GLIAC) trailed 28-23 at halftime and was within four points, 36-32, with 13:18 remaining in the second half. Hillsdale's Katie Eckinger made a field goal at 7:13 and Cezat hit a three-pointer at 6:03 to give the Chargers their biggest lead, 49-39, but the Lakers closed within five with two minutes to go.

Lake Superior State missed two free throws at the 1:22 mark when it had a chance to close within three points. HC's Brooke Knight answered with a field goal for a seven-point Charger lead, forcing the Lakers to foul during the final minute.

LSSU was 11-of-18 at the free-throw line in the second half and 12-of-20 for the game. Hillsdale made 15-of-17 free throws for the game and controlled the boards, 46-30.

Jaclyn Armstrong scored 14 points and Ronlea Peterson had 13 to lead the Lakers. Nicole Marshall added 11 points. LSSU shot  33.3 percent from the field, including 3-of-14 from three-point range.

Hillsdale shot 37.3 percent from the field, including 2-of-11 from three-point range.

LSSU travels to Northwood on Thursday.

Box Score