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SENIORS SHINE: Wildcat Women Win Downstate
 This story was written by NMU Sports Information. Click the AUDIO to hear post-game comments from Coach Troy Mattson. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The Wildcat women's basketball team has now won two in a row after defeating Davenport University 52-42 Thursday evening. Two women posted 18 points in the matchup as Erin Honkala and Jessica Schultz carried the team to the win with a combined 36 points. The victory improves the Wildcats to 9-9 on the season while they own a 6-4 record in the GLIAC. The Wildcats got on the board almost three minutes into the game with a layup from Honkala before allowing Davenport the next three baskets. Trailing 10-2 late in the first quarter, NMU rallied with an 11-0 run into the second quarter for the 13-10 lead and trailing by just one point after the first 10 minutes. At the half, Honkala led the team in points with nine while her seven rebounds matched the team best. Her classmate Schultz also posted seven rebounds along with eight points and two blocks heading into the halftime break. The women's second half efforts was the deciding factor Thursday night, outscoring their opponent 33-19 in the latter portion of the game. Trailing for the entirety of the third quarter, the fourth was all Wildcats. The Wildcats took their first lead of the second half with 8:45 remaining as Elena Alaix netted her first basket of the night with a layup assisted by Honkala for the 36-34 lead. Davenport tied it up shortly after with a layup of their own to knot the game at 36-all but a relentless effort by the NMU women broke the tie and propelled them on their way to the 52-42 final. The women continue their road trip as they travel down the road from Davenport to Grand Valley State University on Saturday, January 25, for a 1 p.m. tipoff in Allendale, Michigan. |
