Before Thursday night's game against Saginaw Valley State, Lake Superior State star Grace Bradford was honored for setting the program's career rebounding record. She was given a ceremonial ball by her head coach, Grace Howrigon in front of an energetic crowd at the Bud Cooper Gymnasium.

Then Bradford went out and hammered the Cardinals, showing more evidence as to why she's one of the Lakers' all-time greats. She scored 24 points on 10-of-15 shooting with 10 rebounds, six assists and three steals, dominating the Cardinals in a 69-61 LSSU win.

"Grace is going to be plastered all over the walls here," said Howrigon, minutes after the win. "She's absolutely incredible. We are very blessed. I'm very grateful to know her and coach her. She does everything… the kid is incredible."

She continued, "I thought Grace's composure and the way she attacked – she did not settle – it was incredible. She was fearless, and that's what we need from our senior leader."

The Lakers led most of the first half and well into the third quarter, before SVSU tied the game at 51-51 with a Lydia Meredith floater. Dara Capaldi scored at the free throw line shortly after, putting the Lakers in front again – a permanent state, as the score never evened again.

Lake State built a nine point lead early in the fourth quarter, as Clare Conzelmann hit a three to put the Lakers in front 60-51. Though SVSU later closed the gap to four, a pair of buckets by Seyyane Matthew kept distance between the sides. The Laker lead never dropped to a single possession.

"In some past games, teams would go on runs and duck our head," said Howrigon. "Today, we said we wanted two C's, compete and consistent. 40 minutes of basketball. We've got to understand, we're going to go on runs, they're going to go on their runs. You've just got to compete through it all, keep your head up and be a team throughout."

Matthew's play drew praise from the Lakers head coach.

"She does a really good job. She's long. I thought she was impactful. She helps with post defense tremendously. She's a star waiting to bloom."

Matthew scored six with seven rebounds, a block and an assist. Capaldi scored 18 points and snagged 12 rebounds for LSSU, a double-double in 40 minutes of play.

Megan McCalla scored 23 for Saginaw Valley State in the loss.

Lake State shot 44.4% from the floor and drew 22 foul shots. The team blocked four shots and stole the ball five times.

It was a determined performance from the Lakers; a key win heading into the GLIAC regular season's stretch run.

Next time out, the Lakers face Ferris State on Monday Night Basketball. Opening tip is 5:30 PM at the Bud Cooper Gym. Buy your tickets online or at the Norris Center box office.