Jan. 14, 2006

Box Score

#16 Grand Valley State dominated Northern Michigan, 60-39, on Saturday in front of 1191 fans at the GVSU Fieldhouse Arena. The Lakers improve to 14-3 overall and 7-1 in the GLIAC, while the Wildcats drop to 5-9 overall and 1-6 in conference play.

The Lakers started the game strong jumping out to a 16-6 lead on three straight baskets by Julia Braseth. The Wildcats cut the lead to four points as they scored five consecutive points, but the Lakers remained in control of the first half as they took a 24-17 into the locker room.

GVSU went on a 12-2 run to start the second half, taking a 17-point lead (36-19) at the 15:27 mark. The Lakers pushed the lead to 21 points (46-25) on a three-pointer by Erika Ryskamp with 10:44 remaining in the game. In the final fiev minutes of the game, GVSU tallied their biggest lead of the game, going ahead by 23 points. Grand Valley ended the game on a jumper by Taushauna Churchwell with 10 seconds left to seal the 60-39 victory.

The Lakers shot 43.8% from the field and 45.5% from behind the three-point arc. GVSU outrebounded the Wildcats by a 43-20 margin. Grand Valley tallied 16 offensive rebounds and 14 second chance points.

Junior center Julia Braseth recorded 16 points and five rebounds, including four on the offensive glass to lead the Lakers. Junior guard Erika Ryskamp recorded 16 points and three assists, while junior guard Taushauna Churchwell added eight points, two rebounds, and four assists. Sophomore forward Erin Cyplik posted seven points, nine rebounds, three assists, and two steals and Jenny Steffen added five points.

The Lakers have a week off before they return to action against Gannon at 6:00 p.m. in the GVSU Fieldhouse on Monday, Jan. 23.