Story, photo courtesy of NMU Sports Information. Click the AUDIO button to hear post-game comments from Coach Casey Thousand.
CHICAGO – Despite a 22-2 Roosevelt run in the fourth quarter, the No. 17 Northern Michigan Wildcats women's basketball team for an 83-82 road victory on Saturday afternoon.
With eight minutes left, the Wildcats seemed to have the game in control with a comfortable 68-52 advantage. But Roosevelt stormed back, going on a 22-2 surge over the next four minutes to take a 74-70 lead.
With their backs against the wall in an intensifying gym, Northern responded with a crucial 8-1 run to regain control. The stretch included a step-back three from Sarah Newcomer that pushed the lead to four with 50 seconds left.
The Wildcats went 8-9 at the free-throw line in the final frame, including a 3-4 mark from CJ Romero in the final 15 seconds to extend the lead to four. That margin proved decisive when the Lakers hit a three at the horn for the 83-82 final.
Newcomer led the way with a season-high 21 points, 14 of which came in the second half. She shot 8-16 from the floor, collected five rebounds, dished out three assists, and added a block and a steal. Jacy Weisbrod followed with 17 points, while Alyssa Hill chipped in 12. Roosevelt's Isabella Pitta scored a game-high 24 points, followed by Kelly Boyle with 17.
Northern shot 30-60 (50%) overall, 6-18 (33.3%) from three, and 17-19 (89.5%) at the free-throw line. Roosevelt finished 28-70 (40%) from the field and 11-30 (36.7%) from deep.
The win moves the No. 17 Wildcats to 10-1 on the season and 2-0 in the GLIAC. The Lakers dropped to 1-5 overall and 0-2 in conference play.
