Jan. 26, 2006

Detroit, Mich. - Grand Valley State senior forward Niki Reams (21 pts. - 11 reb.) and junior center Julia Braseth (15 pts. - 14) each notched a double-double to lead the 15th-ranked Lakers to a 73-51 GLIAC road victory Thursday night at Wayne State. GVSU improves to 16-3 overall and 9-1 in GLIAC action, while the Warriors drop to 7-10 and 4-5.

GVSU opened the contest with a three-pointer by sophomore guard Crystal Zick and Wayne State answered with a bucket by Bethany Mesko at the 18:38 mark. However, that would be the last basket for WSU until the 9:47 mark of the first half, while GVSU ran off 17 straight points. All five starters scored for the Lakers in the run, including six by Braseth, four by Reams and a three-pointers by sophomore Erin Cyplik. Wayne State clawed its way back into the game and when Cherita Smith hit a three-pointer with 2:51 remaining the opening stanza WSU trailed by just eight (30-22). GVSU answered back with a layup by Braseth and a jumper by Zick. Erika Ryskamp added a pair of free throws to put the Lakers back on top by 14 (36-22). Kristen Rogers hit a jumper for the Warriors and Zick concluded the scoring in the first half with a free throw as the Lakers built a 37-24 lead after 20 minutes.

Reams hit a pair of free throws at the 12:48 mark of the second half to give the Lakers a 25 point lead, their largest of the game. GVSU outrebounded WSU by a 49-29 margin and notched 13 steals. The Lakers scored 36 points in the paint and 26 points off Warrior turnovers.

Niki Reams led the Lakers with 21 points and 11 rebounds, while Julia Braseth notched 15 points and a season-high 14 rebounds. Crystal Zick scored 13 points and dished out eight assists. Erin Cyplik added seven points and seven rebounds, while Erika Ryskamp chipped in six points. GVSU shot 44.2 percent from the floor and converted 23-of-30 free throws.

Grand Valley State will continue its road trip with a 1 p.m. contest Saturday at Ashland.