SAULT STE. MARIE - Northern Michigan took advantage of Lake Superior State's early shooting woes to build a comfortable 16-point lead and cruised to a 52-38 women's basketball victory Thursday at Bud Cooper Gymnasium.

The Wildcats (17-7 overall, 14-6 Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference) avenged a late January 13-point home loss. They also remained in contention for a GLIAC Tournament berth.

Alyssa Colla totaled 16 points and 13 rebounds to lead NMU. Abbey DeBruin added 11 points, eight rebounds and four assists. The Wildcats shot 37.7 percent from the field, including 3-of-21 from three-point range, and made 9-of-16 free throws. They led at halftime, 20-11.

Alex Morrow came off the bench and paced LSSU (5-21 overall, 5-15 GLIAC) with nine points and five rebounds. Stephanie Fisher followed with eight points, and Kandace Crittendon came off the bench and had a team-high eight rebounds.

Lake Superior State shot 26.7 percent from the field for the game, including 2-of-17 from three-point range, and made 4-of-5 free throws.

NMU out-rebounded LSSU, 44-38.

The Lakers play their final home game at 1 p.m. Saturday against Michigan Tech. They will celebrate Senior Day and LSSU Basketball Alumni Weekend. All kids age 17-and-under will receive free admission.

LSSU-NMU Boxscore