Women's Basketball Falls At Ashland 78-65

ASHLAND, OHIO – The Northwood University women's basketball team saw its four game winning streak come to an end with a 78-65 loss at Ashland Friday night (January 2).

NU falls to 7-4 overall, 3-2 in the GLIAC. Ashland, who has now won five straight, improves to 7-4 overall, 3-2 in the GLIAC.

Ashland came out on fire early on, connecting on 11 of their first 13 shots of the game to open up a lead as big as 12. Northwood finished the half strong, however, fighting all the way back to take a 41-41 lead at halftime. The two teams featured contrasting styles in the opening half – Ashland shot 63.6 percent from the floor (14-22), all of which were from inside the 3-point line. Northwood finished the half at 43.8 percent (14-32) overall but went 7-14 from 3-point range.

The second half was tight until the final minutes when the Eagles made the plays to earn the win. Northwood led 60-58 with 9:30 remaining in the game, only to see Ashland go on a 14-2 run to open up a 72-62 lead with 3:30 left. That proved to be the biggest stretch of the game – NU got no closer than seven the rest of the way.

Ashland's inside play was the key to the win, as the Eagles shot 56.3 percent from the floor (27-48). AU did not attempt any 3-point field goals in the game. NU shot just 21.1 percent in the second half (8-38) to finish at 31.4 percent overall (22-70). The Timberwolves matched their season high with 10 3-point field goals in the game.

Sarah Susan (Grand Rapids, Mich./Byron Center) led Northwood with 14 points, connecting on four 3-point field goals. Lauren Robak (Clarkston, Mich./Our Lady of the Lakes) scored 13 points, while Gabrielle Rivette (Fenton, Mich.) finished with 11 points and eight assists. Kaitlin Susan (Grand Rapids, Mich./Byron Center) grabbed a game-high 11 rebounds).

Northwood will travel to Lake Erie Sunday (January 4). Game time is set for 1 p.m.