SAULT STE. MARIE - A Saginaw Valley State women's basketball team that is contending for the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference North Division title struggled to score throughout the first half of Thursday's game at Lake Superior State. The Cardinals' offense took off late in the third quarter and never looked back.

SVSU (15-6 overall, 12-4 GLIAC) scored the final 13 points of the third quarter and first 12 points of the fourth quarter to take command of the Lakers. The Cardinals went on to win, 55-39, to remain tied with Grand Valley State and Michigan Tech for the GLIAC North Division lead.

SVSU standout center Emily Wendling scored 11 of her team-leading 14 points in the second half. She also totaled 17 rebounds for the game. Katelyn Carriere and Danielle Carriere added 11 points each.

The Cardinals shot 32.8 percent from the field, including 6-of-19 from three-point range, and made 11-of-15 free throws. They out-rebounded LSSU, 40-33.

SVSU led 22-20 at halftime.

Mackenzie Edwards totaled 15 points and six rebounds to lead Lake Superior State (4-18 overall, 3-13 GLIAC). Tamara Novic followed with eight points and six rebounds. The Lakers shot 30 percent from the field, including 5-of-21 from three-point range, and made 4-of-4 free throws.

LSSU will celebrate Laker Basketball Alumni Weekend and play host to Hillsdale at 1 p.m. Saturday at Bud Cooper Gymnasium.