SAULT STE. MARIE - A Lake Superior State women's basketball team anxious to play a game on its home court defeated Saginaw Valley State 69-51 Saturday to avenge an early-December 15-point loss to the Cardinals.

The Lakers (5-6 overall, 1-3 Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference) had been on the road for seven games dating back to Nov. 19. Saturday's contest was their GLIAC home opener.

Maria Blazejewski totaled 19 points and five assists, and Cassy Schemberger contributed 17 points and 13 rebounds to lead LSSU. Schemberger overcame a late-game ankle injury and scored 13 points during the second half, which the Lakers dominated, 35-21. Blazejewski and Schemberger connected on several occasions, including a Schemberger layup that topped off a 6-0 run to start the second half.

LSSU extended the lead to 18 points, 52-34, with 11:12 remaining and held a 20-point lead, 62-42, with 4:55 to go.

Kandace Crittendon added 11 points, seven rebounds and six assists for the Lakers. LSSU shot 51.9 percent from the field during the first half and 47.3 percent for the game. The Lakers made 2-of-7 from three-point range and 15-of-22 at the free-throw line. Schemberger and Taylor Greene were a combined 10-of-13 at the foul line.

Jasmine Woods scored 13 points to lead SVSU (2-7 overall, 1-3 GLIAC), which shot 32.8 percent from the field, making only 7-of-29 attempts during the second half. The Cardinals were 2-of-6 from three-point range and 11-of-14 at the free-throw line.

LSSU out-rebounded SVSU, 43-30.

The Lakers play host to Ferris State at 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 5.

LSSU vs. SVSU Boxscore