SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. – Lake Superior State women's basketball was edged by Saginaw Valley State 73-67 at Bud Cooper Gymnasium in Great Lakes Intercollegiate Conference play on Thursday evening.

Lake Superior State (3-5, 0-3 GLIAC) – playing its first home game of the season – jumped out to a 20-17 lead over Saginaw Valley State (1-5, 1-2 GLIAC) in the first quarter. The Lakers were outscored 24-22 in the second quarter, but took a 42-41 lead into halftime. The third quarter was low scoring with Lake State holding a 12-11 advantage in the period. The Lakers took a 54-52 lead into the fourth quarter, but were unable to hold on as the Cardinals scored 21 points in the quarter compared to 13 by the Lakers. The final score was 73-67 in favor of Saginaw Valley State.

The Lakers were led offensively by junior forward Lexie Khon (17 points), sophomore guard Rebecca Villanueva (16) and redshirt sophomore guard Abigail Ostman (14). Khon, who has scored in double figures in five out of eight games played this season, also grabbed a team-high eight rebounds.

Saginaw Valley State's Abby Duffy led all scorers with 41 points, while grabbing a game-high 16 rebounds for a double-double.  

The Lakers shot 41.7 percent from the field and 32.0 percent on three-point shots, while Saginaw Valley State shot 53.1 percent overall and 30.8 percent from behind the three-point arc.

Lake State converted 9-of-13 from the free throw line and Saginaw Valley State made 17-of-24.

Lake Superior State returns to action against Northwood at 1 p.m. on Saturday inside Bud Cooper Gymnasium.

Tickets are available online or in-person at the LSSU ticket office. For additional ticket information, call (906) 635-2602. Children ages 13 and under are admitted to all Laker basketball games free of charge.

Be sure to follow the Lakers on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for more information and behind-the-scenes action.