Women's Basketball Claims 63-57 Road Win Over Grand Valley State

ALLENDALE, MICH. – The Northwood University women's basketball team picked up an important 63-57 road win over Grand Valley State Saturday night (February 14).

Northwood avenges an 86-73 loss at home to the Lakers earlier this season. The Timberwolves improve to 16-9 overall, 12-7 in the GLIAC. GVSU falls to 16-7 overall, 13-6 in the GLIAC. The win pulls Northwood within one game of second place in the GLIAC North Division, behind GVSU and Northern Michigan with three games remaining.

NU and GVSU have now split their two regular season meetings for seven straight seasons.

The Timberwolves converted a three-point play on the opening possession of the game and would lead the rest of the half. Northwood held an advantage as big as 12 in the opening 20 minutes before settling for a 30-24 lead at halftime. Northwood shot 41.4 percent from the floor in the half (12-29) while holding the Lakers to 29.6 percent (8-27).

GVSU came out strong in the second half and took the lead 37-36 with 15:40 remaining in the game. But that lead lasted just 21 seconds, as the Timberwolves went back on top 40-37 and stayed on top the rest of the way. NU clinched the win in the final minutes by connecting on eight straight free throws to finish the game. Both teams shot the ball better in the second half – NU finished at 47.4 percent (9-19) while GV ended up at 48.3 percent (14-29).

For the game, Northwood shot 43.8 percent overall (21-48) while Grand Valley State ended up at 39.3 percent (22-56). NU connected on two more 3-pointers than GVSU (5-3) and made six more free throws (16-10).

Three Timberwolves finished in double figures, led by sophomore center Jordyn Nurenberg (St. Johns, Mich.). She came off the bench to share game-high honors with 17 points while going 6-10 from the floor. Gabrielle Rivette (Fenton, Mich.) ended up with 16 points, six rebounds and four assists while going 6-6 from the foul line. Emily Kutch (Freeport, Mich./Lakewood) ended up with 15 points, 11 of which came in the opening half.

Northwood will host Michigan Tech Thursday (February 19). Game time is set for 6 p.m.