ALLENDALE, MICH. – The Grand Valley State women's basketball team hosted Davenport Thursday night in the first edition of the Crosstown Showdown. After a close first half, the Lakers pulled away from the Panthers to earn a 78-57 victory. The win moves GVSU to 15-0 overall and keeps them a perfect 7-0 in league play.
Both teams struggled offensively to begin the game, with Davenport scoring the first six points through the first three and a half minutes. Following a Lexi Plituzuweit and-1,
Nicole Kamin gave the Lakers their first lead of game at 7-6 with a layup. The lead grew to as much as 12 points following a 12-2 GVSU run that made it 23-11. DU scored the final five points of the quarter to make it 23-16 heading into the second quarter.
Grand Valley State pushed their advantage back to double-digits early in the second period, as they began on a 7-2 run. Davenport would not go away, answering with a 12-2 run to get within two points at 32-30. The two teams traded baskets the rest of the quarter, with the Lakers holding a 39-36 lead after 20 minutes of play.
After the Panthers cut their deficit down to two points three minutes into the second half, the Laker offense came alive.
Avery Lay started with a personal 6-0 run, starting a larger 13-0 Laker run that made it 56-41.
Molly Anderson concluded the period with a buzzer-beating layup that put GVSU up 61-44.
The Lakers got their advantage above 20 points midway through the final quarter, getting a layup from
Reese Gaytan, putting them up 69-48. After the Panthers got back within 20,
Lauren Slagle scored five straight points to end the Laker scoring and seal off the 21-point win.
Paige VanStee scored a game-high 20 points, adding six rebounds and three steals.
Nicole Kamin added 14 points and seven rebounds, while
Avery Lay tallied a career-high 12 points. The Laker defense forced 27 turnovers and held Davenport to 37% shooting from the floor.
Up Next
The Lakers are off this weekend before traveling to Ferris State on Monday. Game time is scheduled for 4:00.
