MARQUETTE, Mich. – The Northern Michigan University women's basketball team opened up the regular season at home on Saturday (Nov. 10) with a matchup against non-conference Davenport University. The Panthers defeated the Wildcats 77-67 from the Berry Events Center.

The 'Cats pulled to within one with 10:12 left in the second half on a layup by sophomore forward Abbey DeBruin but Davenport answered with a three-pointer from Alex Law and wouldn't let NMU get closer than three.

Davenport (2-0) led 34-29 lead at halftime and by as many as 10 in the second half, finishing the final four minutes on a 10-5 run.

The 'Cats (0-1) were led by sophomore Lauren Gruber with 26 points on 8-for-10 shooting, including four triples and six free throws. DeBruin had 14 points and sophomore forward Maria Almquist finished with 12. Sophomore guard Alyssa Colla and sophomore forward Brooke Coenen each had a game-high seven rebounds.

NMU shot 45.5 percent from the floor on 25-for-55. The 'Cats were 8-for-25 from beyond the arc and 9-for-17 from the charity stripe. NMU outrebounded the Panthers 41-29

Karli Harris led Davenport with 13 points while Leah Sevick (12) and Emily Nielsen (10) also were in double figures. The Panthers shot 46.7 percent (28-of-60) and were 12-of-16 from the free throw line.

The 'Cats continue non-conference action on Nov. 20, hosting Finlandia.

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