Jan. 3, 2007
Box Score
#6 Grand Valley State dropped a 64-59 decision to Michigan Tech Wednesday night in a GLIAC North Division battle at the GVSU Fieldhouse Arena. The Lakers fall to 11-3 overall and 4-1 in the GLIAC, while the Huskies improve to 10-3 overall and 5-1 in conference play. Michigan Tech snapped the Lakers 17 straight game winning streak in GLIAC contests. GVSU's last loss in GLIAC play came to Michigan Tech on January 5, 2006 (64-58).
The two teams battled back and forth in the opening 20 minutes of play as neither team led by more than five points in the first half. The game was tied at 12-12 with 12:12 left in the first half, but the Lakers scored back-to-back baskets by senior guard Taushauna Churchwell and junior guard Erin Cyplik to go ahead by four points. Michigan Tech cut the lead back to one point, but a three-pointer by Churchwell put the Lakers up, 28-23 with just 2:17 left in the first half. Sarah Stream recorded the final four points of the first half, cutting the GVSU lead to 28-27.
GVSU went on a 12-0 run to start the second half with all 12 points coming from Cyplik and senior center Julia Braseth. Both players tallied six points each in the opening 3:37 of play. The Lakers pushed their lead to 15 points, 44-29, at the 14:45 mark, but then the Huskies went on a 12-0 run of their own to cut the lead to three points, 44-41 with 11:21 left in the game. A steal and layup by Churchwell put the Lakers ahead, 48-43, but Michigan Tech tied the game at 48-48 with 5:55 left. Cyplik hit a three-pointer to give the Lakers a 51-48 lead, but Michigan Tech scored nine straight points to go up 57-51 with 1:35 remaining in the game. Cyplik hit another three-pointer with 1:21 left to cut the lead to three points, but the Huskies nailed five free throws down the stretch to hold onto the 64-59 lead.
Grand Valley shot just 33.9% from the field, while Michigan Tech hit 53.5% of its shots. The Lakers forced 10 more turnovers and seven more steals in the game.
Junior guard Erin Cyplik recorded a career-high 19 points and pulled down nine rebounds. Senior center Julia Braseth posted 13 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks, while senior guard Taushauna Churchwell added 13 points, five rebounds, and five steals. Senior guard Erika Ryskamp tallied eight points, three assists, and two steals.
Grand Valley State will host Northern Michigan on Saturday, Jan. 6 at 1:00 p.m. in the GVSU Fieldhouse Arena. GVSU will then hit the road for three games starting with Lake Superior State on Jan. 11 at 5:30 p.m. They will then travel to Northern Michigan on Jan. 13 at 1:00 p.m. and Gannon on Jan. 22 at 5:30 p.m.
