Jan. 6, 2007

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#6 Grand Valley State defeated Northern Michigan, 60-45, on Saturday afternoon to improve to 12-3 overall and 5-1 in the GLIAC. Northern Michigan falls to 5-9 overall and 2-4 in conference play. The Lakers will hit the road for the next three games. GVSU will travel to Lake Superior State on Jan. 11, Northern Michigan on Jan. 13 and Gannon on Jan. 22.

Grand Valley jumped out to a 10-point lead, 15-5, at the 12:05 mark, but the Wildcats scored seven straight points to cut the lead to 15-12. Back-to-back jumpers put the Lakers ahead by seven (19-12) with 5:51 left in the first half, but Northern Michigan scored the final seven points of the first half to tie the game at 19-19.

Grand Valley opened up the second half by going on a 16-5 run to take an 11-point, 35-24 lead at the 12:47 mark. GVSU pushed the lead to 16-points on a three-pointer by senior guard Taushauna Churchwell and increased it to 20 points on a free throw by senior guard Erika Ryskamp with 4:45 left in the game. Northern Michigan couldn't overcome the Laker lead as GVSU held onto the 60-45 win.

Senior guard Taushauna Churchwell tied her career-high with 15 points and added five rebounds, two steals, a block, and an assist. Junior guard Crystal Zick posted 14 points, four assists, two steals, and a season-high eight rebounds. Junior guard Erik Cyplik recorded 10 points and eight rebounds, while senior guard Erika Ryskamp added nine points, five steals, five assists, and two rebounds.