Feb. 2, 2006

Box Score

#14 Grand Valley State edged pass #22 Lake Superior State, 65-63, in a key GLIAC North Division game Thursday night. GVSU improves to 18-3 overall and 11-1 in GLIAC action, while LSSU drops to 16-5 overall and 8-5 in the GLIAC. Grand Valley entered the contest as the #5 seed in the Great Lakes Regional Poll and Lake Superior State is ranked #2. GVSU swept both games with LSSU this season and has won seven straight games.

The two teams battled back and forth in the opening minutes of action before Lake Superior State went up by seven points, 22-15 with 9:39 left in the first half. GVSU went on a 10-2 run, led by two three-point plays by Erika Ryskamp to take a 25-24 lead with 6:45 remaining. For the fourth time in the first half, the score was tied (27-27) with 2:38 left. Lake Superior scored six straight points to take a 34-28 lead. Nicole Carr hit a jumper with two seconds left to cut the LSSU lead to four points, 34-30, at the half.

Lake Superior State pushed their lead to 10 points as they openeed the second half with three consecutive baskets. Grand Valley then scored the next 14 out of 16 points to take a 44-42 lead on a basket by Crystal Zick. LSSU went up by two points, 51-49, before GVSU went on another run and never looked back. Grand Valley scored eight points to take a 57-51 lead. Two Lake Superior State free throws tied the game at 57-57 with 3:35 left in the game. Erin Cyplik made two free throws with 19 seconds left to put the Lakers up four points. LSSU cut the lead to two points with 14 seconds left, but GVSU made its final four free throws to seal the 65-63 win.

Leading the way for the Lakers was sophomore guard Crystal Zick who tallied 19 points and five rebounds. Junior guard Erika Ryskamp recorded 13 points, six rebounds, and three assists, while senior foward Niki Reams chipped in nine points, five rebounds, four steals, three assists, and two blocks. Junior center Julia Braseth scored seven points and had four rebounds and sophomore forward Erin Cyplik added seven points, three rebounds, and two steals.

The Lakers will conclude their four game road stint at Northwood next Thursday, Feb. 9 at 6:00 p.m.