March 4, 2005

Box Score

Allendale, Mich. - #19 Grand Valley State used double-doubles by sophomore center Julia Braseth (15 points-11 rebounds) and junior for Niki Reams (15 points-13 rebounds) to spark a second half scoring run en route to a 61-51 victory over Northern Michigan in GLIAC women's basketball tournament semifinal action. The Lakers advance to the tournament championship versus Gannon at 7 p.m. in the GVSU Fieldhouse Arena Saturday (Mar. 5) night.

Northern Michigan slowed the game down with a zone defense and the Lakers struggled early with their shooting. The Wildcats built a 19-13 lead with 5:50 remaining in the first half, but the Lakers' Julia Braseth hit jumper in the paint and Erika Ryskamp nailed a three pointer to pulled the Lakers within one (19-18). Junior forward Niki Reams gave GVSU a 20-19 lead and after a pair of free throws by NMU's Tera Opperman, Reams gave the Lakers the lead for good (21-20) with a jumper in the paint. Freshman guard Crystal Zick hit another Laker three-pointer to boost the Laker lead to four (25-21). Braseth hit a pair of free throws to open the second half and Janine Guastella hit a three-pointer from the right wing to give GVSU its largest lead (30-21). Northern Michigan cut the Laker lead down to four (41-37) on a jumper by Autumn Kuhtic. Freshman forward Erin Cyplik put back an offensive rebound to put the Lakers up 43-37 and Braseth hit a jumper in the paint to give GVSU a 45-37 lead. Sophomore guard Erika Ryskamp drilled a three-pointer to build the Laker advantage to 48-37. Ryskamp hit another three-pointer and Reams followed with a basket in the paint to give GVSU its largest lead of the game (55-40).

Reams tallied 15 points and 13 rebounds, while Braseth notched 15 points, 11 rebounds (7 offensive) and three assists. Erika Ryskamp chipped in 14 points, three assists and four steals, while Janine Guastella added nine points, five steals and three assists. GVSU tie a GLIAC Tournament record with 17 steals, however the Lakers shot just 34.8 percent from the floor (23-66) and 18.8 percent from the three-point line (6-32). Northern Michigan held a 40-38 rebounding advantage, but the Wildcats turned the ball over 23 times. GVSU scored 24 points off NMU's turnovers.

GVSU has advanced the GLIAC title game for the second time in three years under the direction of third year coach Dawn Plitzuweit. The Lakers' 24 win also tied the school record set by the Plitzuweit's 2002-03 squad. GVSU is 4-1 in GLIAC tourney action under Plitzuweit.