HOUGHTON, Mich. – The Northern Michigan University women's basketball team lost 71-65 at Michigan Technological University Monday (Feb. 3) at the Student Development Center in a Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference matchup.

The loss drops the Wildcats to 12-7 overall and 9-6 in the conference. The Huskies improved to 15-4 and 13-2 in the GLIAC.

"I thought we have played well the last two games. We bounced back against Northwood on Saturday, and for the most part, played well tonight," stated head coach Troy Mattson. "We executed on offense tonight, putting up 65 points and getting the ball to the posts."

The Wildcats led at the break, 28-27 after seven ties and seven lead changes. NMU regained the lead in the first half with 1:27 left on a made free throw by junior guard Alyssa Colla. Colla led all first half scorers with 11 points connecting on 5-8 from the floor and went 1-2 from the free throw line.

In the first half, the Wildcats shot 12-26 (46.2 percent) and held the Huskies to 11-25 (40 percent) from the floor. NMU also outrebounded the Huskies, 19-11 in the opening half.

In the opening eight minutes of play in the second half, there were five lead changes before MTU took the lead for good. With 11:08 remaining, MTU's MacKenzie Perttu sank a pair of free throws, giving the Huskies the 49-48 lead.

With 7:11 left, the Wildcats trailed by eight, when a three pointer by Colla began an 8-0 run for NMU. A made free throw by junior guard Lauren Gruber tied the game at 60 -60 with just over four minutes left.

With 15 ticks left on the clock, a layup by Colla kept the game within two points (67-65) for NMU. However, the Huskies went on to make four free throws in the final 12 seconds seal the win.  

Colla led the Wildcats with 22 points, while sophomore forward Alyson Matkovich added 10 points off the bench. Senior forward Annie Rubendunst led NMU in rebounding with 10. The Wildcats shot 26-55 (47.3 percent) from the floor and were 11-13 (84.6 percent) at the free throw line. NMU outrebounded the Huskies, 36-28.

For the Huskies, Perttu had a game-high 30 points and Danielle Blake added 20. Jillian Ritchie Michigan tech with six rebounds.

The Wildcats continue its three game road trip Thursday (Feb. 6) at Grand Valley State University and at Ferris State University Saturday (Feb. 8).

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