University Center, Mich. -- After giving up a lead midway through the second half, and trailing by five points with time running out, the Grand Valley State women's basketball team played its best closing two minutes of the 2014-15 season. The Lakers, who only shot 36.1 percent (22-of-61) from the field, scored eight points in the final 120 seconds to earn a 71-70 victory at Saginaw Valley State.

A 3-pointer by sophomore forward Kayla Dawson at the 2:00 mark cut SVSU's lead to two points. Just 13 seconds later, sophomore forward Piper Tucker nabbed a defensive rebound and drew a foul. She knocked down a pair of freebies to tie the game at 68-68.

Then the Cardinals retook control, briefly. Samantha Zirzow's layup, the final basket of an unbelievable 30-point performance, gave SVSU a 70-68 edge at the 1:23 mark. Sophomore guard Taylor Lutz had a chance to tie the game at the charity stripe, but missed the second of two freebies. After Emily Wendling missed the front end of a one-and-one opportunity, the Lakers had the ball with 36 ticks left in regulation.

GVSU had no shortage of hot hands. All five starters scored at least 10 points, leaving the Lakers with an abundance of options. The ball went to sharpshooter Kat LaPrairie 12 seconds into the possession. Her shot rattled home and put the pressure back on SVSU.

Alex Green fired a three, only to have it blocked by junior forward Jammie Botruff, on the ensuing possession. Wendling grabbed the loose ball and gave the Cardinals one last chance to win the game. Zirzow's shot at the buzzer stayed out, cementing a GVSU victory.

GVSU's starting five did nearly all of the damage on Thursday (Feb. 19) night.

Lutz went 3-of-6 from distance to finish with a team-high 14 points. LaPrairie also made three triples en route to 13 points on 5-of-8 shooting. Barnett matched LaPrairie's 13 points and dished out a game-high six assists. Tucker snared eight rebounds and posted 12 points. Dawson poured in 10 points and hauled in seven boards.

The Lakers were able to overcome a tough shooting night, and SVSU draining 29-of-60 (48.3 percent) attempts, by knocking down 11 trifectas—their highest total in a road game since making 12 at Ferris State back on Feb. 2, 2013. It marked the seventh time this season the club sank at least 10 3-pointers. For perspective, GVSU had only hit that mark six times in its last three seasons combined.

The win, GVSU's second of the campaign when shooting below 37 percent, lifts its overall record to 17-7. The Lakers also improved to 14-6 in GLIAC play, keeping it in a tie with Northern Michigan for second place in the GLIAC North Division.

Next up for GVSU is a clash with Hillsdale on Saturday (Feb. 21). It will be senior night at the Fieldhouse Arena, with the ceremony taking place at halftime of the men's basketball game. Tip off is set for 6 p.m. ET.