SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. - The Lake Superior State women's basketball team won its first game of the new year by a final score of 63-57 against the Davenport University Panthers in a Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) match on Thursday, Jan. 2 in the Bud Cooper Gymnasium. With the win, the Lakers overall record improves to 6-5 overall and 2-2 in conference play. 

In the first quarter, the Lakers and the Panthers were evenly matched as the opening ten minutes ended with the teams even at 12. After falling behind to the Panthers early on, Claire Radtke sunk a three point shot to even the score at five. Davenport would score the next seven points to hold a 12-5 lead over the Lakers before Abigail Ostman would make a three point shot. In the final minutes of play, the Lakers would score the last four points to tie the game heading into the second quarter.

The second quarter saw the two conference opponents continue the competitive play from the first quarter. After falling behind 14-12, the Lakers would take their first lead of the game since the first scoring play when Radtke made a three point shot to put the Lakers ahead 15-14. Davenport added five points to regain the lead before Sadie DeWidlt would add another three point basket for the Lakers to make it a 19-18 game in Davenport's favor. With just over three minutes left in the half, the game was tied at 23. The Lakers would control the play in the final few minutes of the quarter, taking a 32-26 lead into the second half. 

In the third quarter, Radtke continued her strong shooting game as she made another three pointer to extend the Lakers lead to 35-26. Davenport would close the gap throughout the quarter, closing the Lakers lead to two points at one point. The Lakers would respond by rebuilding onto their lead and would hold their largest lead of the game (12 points) when the team went up 52-40. The third quarter ended with the Lakers leading 54-43. 

The Lakers and Panthers would each register three points early in the first few minutes of the final quarter (57-46). Davenport would tighten the Lakers lead to seven points with 4:19 left to play but the Lakers defense would stay strong to secure the Lakers second GLIAC win of the season by a final score of 63-57. 

Radtke scored a season-high 17 points in the game to lead the Lakers which included five three point baskets. Radtke would cap off the solid game with six rebounds. Lexie Khon and Mattison Rayman were tied for second in points for the Lakers in the game with each notching 10 points in the win. Rayman also added 12 rebounds while Khon had nine.

Up Next

The Lakers will begin a five game road stretch of play when they travel to Grand Valley State for a game on Saturday, Jan. 4 at 1:00 p.m.

For more information, visit lssulakers.com

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