SAULT STE. MARIE – Lake Superior State stayed within two possessions of Northern Michigan throughout the second half until the Wildcats went on an 8-1 run during the final 3:22 of Thursday's Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference women's basketball game at Bud Cooper Gymnasium.

NMU (8-11 overall, 7-6 GLIAC) pulled away during the final stretch to win 51-44. Chloe Tompkins made a three-pointer a 3:22 and Taylor Hodell converted a three-point play at 1:00 to help secure the Wildcats' win.

Hodell led NMU with 16 points, and Darby Youngstrom added 14 points and five rebounds.

LSSU's Mackenzie Edwards totaled a team-leading 17 points, eight rebounds and five steals in what was an even game for 35 minutes. Tamara Novic followed with 11 points and six rebounds.

Lake Superior State (4-15 overall, 3-10 GLIAC) shot 35 percent from the field, including 6-of-14 from three-point range, and made 10-of-12 free throws. NMU shot 40.4 percent from the field, including 3-of-12 from behind the arc, and made 10-of-13 free throws.

Northern Michigan out-rebounded LSSU, 31-24.

LSSU led 14-8 at the end of the first quarter and 20-19 at halftime. NMU held a 33-32 lead at the conclusion of the third quarter. The Wildcats never trailed in the fourth.

The Lakers play host to Michigan Tech at 1 p.m. Saturday. Players will honor their favorite instructors during Smith & Company Faculty Appreciation Day.