SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. — The Northern Michigan women's basketball team defeated Minnesota-Duluth, 60-55, in its first game at the Lake State Classic.

The Wildcats and Bulldogs found themselves in a close contest early on. Duluth opened on a 4-0 run only to be answered by a Northern Michigan five-point run highlighted by a Bre Gaspervich three point jump shot to put the Wildcats in front. Duluth would hold the edge at the end of one quarter, 13-9.

Northern Michigan would steal the lead back from the Bulldogs, going on an 11-3 run highlighted by a Haley Kershner three-point jump shot to put the Wildcats ahead, 20-16, at the 5:11 mark of the second quarter. The Wildcats would take a 20-19 lead into the half.

The third quarter of play saw both teams battle to take control of the game. The Wildcats would hold a five-point lead at the 4:54 mark after a couple of Gaspervich free throws to leave the score at 31-26. Duluth would take a 38-36 lead with 18 seconds remaining in the quarter, but Gaspervich evened the score at 38 with a jump shot with seven seconds left in the quarter.

Northern Michigan opened up a five-point lead on the Bulldogs after a Chloe Tompkins three pointer to make the score, 47-42. The Wildcats held a six-point lead with 44 seconds remaining in the contest, but the Bulldogs would make things interesting after an Emma Boehm three pointer drew them within three, at 58-55, with 36 seconds remaining. That's the closest the Bulldogs would get as a couple of free throws by Tompkins iced the game.

Gaspervich led the Wildcats with 17 points while Tompkins posted 11 and Kershner added 10. Alyson Matkovich led the team with five rebounds.

Northern Michigan shot 83 percent from the free throw line and would get 60 points off the bench.

The Wildcats will return to the floor tomorrow when they take on Minot State at 2 p.m.