SAULT STE. MARIE - Lake Superior State's perimeter players provided balanced scoring, and the Lakers' young post core held its own against Saginaw Valley State's superior size as LSSU defeated the Cardinals 76-61 during Thursday's Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference women's basketball game at Bud Cooper Gymnasium.

SVSU's Emily Wendling, a 6-3 sophomore center and the 2013 GLIAC Freshman of the Year, led all scorers with 30 points. LSSU (7-6 overall, 3-6 GLIAC) answered with a season-high 17 points and seven rebounds from freshman reserve center Tamara Novic. It was Novic's second game scoring in double figures and first since Dec. 4. Starting post players Natalie Peterson and April LaCross combined for 12 points and eight rebounds.

LSSU's guard trio of Megan Manninen, Mackenzie Edwards and Crishauna Harper all reached double figures, combining for 35 points and eight assists. Stephanie Fisher and Kandace Crittendon, who are normally the Lakers' top scorers, led the Lakers in rebounds with nine and five, respectively.

LSSU out-scored SVSU 10-0 in points off turnovers while building a 38-28 halftime lead. Peterson, LaCross and Fisher scored six unanswered points to give Lake Superior State a 16-point lead five minutes into the second half. The Cardinals (6-9 overall, 1-8 GLIAC) never threatened to close the gap during the final 15 minutes.

LSSU shot 43.1 percent from the field, including 7-of-19 from three-point range, and made 19-of-24 free throws.

SVSU shot 37.1 percent from the field, including 3-of-21 from three-point range, and made 6-of-10 free throws. The Cardinals held a 44-40 rebounding edge.

LSSU plays host to Hillsdale at 1 p.m. Saturday. The Lakers are offering a three-for-one ticket special. A $12 ticket will provide admission to both Laker basketball games and Saturday's hockey game against Bemidji State. The LSSU Alumni Association is sponsoring a between-game tailgate at 5 p.m. at the Lukenda House.

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