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HAMMOND, Ind.- The Northern Michigan University women's basketball team continued GLIAC conference play Saturday, Fab. 5 against Purdue Northwest University.

A late push from the Pride was too much for the Wildcats as they dropped a Saturday matchup in the final seconds, 53-52.
 
FIRST QUARTER

After a back and forth affair to start out the opening minutes, Ana Rhude threw up a hook shot over the Pride defender, tying the ball game up at eight a piece. 

Mackenzie Holzwart headlined the transition game in the final two minutes of the first quarter for NMU, with Makaylee Kuhn tallying the bucket and giving the 'Cats the early lead.

In the final seconds of the first, Andrea Perez pulled up from downtown, sinking in the bucket and giving NMU the 17-13 lead.

Northern shot 63.6-percent from the free throw line, helping propel the 'Cats to a dominating first quarter.  

SECOND QUARTER

Kayla Tierney started the second quarter with a three off a pass from Makaylee Kuhn, pushing the lead to 27-16.

The three's continued for NMU, as Elizabeth Lutz found herself all alone, knocking down a shot from way downtown. 

Ana Rhude stood tall in the final seconds of the second quarter, blocking a Pride offensive opportunity. 

NMU carried their momentum into the half with a score of 32-26.

AT THE HALF

Makaylee Kuhn led the way for the 'Cats, tallying 10 points and shooting 80-percent from the field.

Ana Rhude was a force along the glass, bringing down a team high four rebounds, in 11 minutes of play.

NMU shot an outstanding 75-percent from behind the three point line, with Kayla Tierney leading the way as she shot 100-percent from behind the arc.

THIRD QUARTER

The Pride came out strong to start the third, climbing back into the lead, making it 34-32 with just over six minutes to play.

Northerns shooting woes continued until Elizabeth Lutz found herself at the line, putting both in from the free throw line. Pride led 36-34.

Taya Stevenson knocked one in from behind the three, bringing the Pride's lead to within one. Stevenson followed up the three with a lay-up, taking back the lead for NMU.

After a short commercial timeout, action picked back up, Stevenson found some good mojo, knocking down another three from behind the arc, 'Cats led 44-38 with just under 30 seconds to play.

FOURTH QUARTER

Both teams started out slow to begin the fourth quarter, but PNW started to fight back, as the Pride knocked down a three pointer, 'Cats led 49-44 with just under five to play.

Makaylee Kuhn found herself a ticket to the free throw line, knocking down back to back shots, pushing the Wildcats lead to 51-46.

With 45 seconds left to play, head coach Troy Mattson called a short timeout, setting up a late offensive play to carry out the win. 

The Pride answered back with just over 30 seconds to play, knocking down a three pointer to bring NMU's lead to only three, 'Cats led 52-49 with 32 seconds to play.

PNW found their way to the free throw line, putting both in to bring the match to within one. NMU led 52-51 with 18 seconds to play. 

NMU was called on a foul, giving the Pride another chance at the free throw line, knocking down both to take the lead 53-52. 

After a late push from PNW, Northern fell by a score of 53-52. 

STAT LEADERS

Makaylee Kuhn pushed the 'Cats with 12 points in 20 minutes of play. Kuhn shot 57-percent from the field. 
Ana Rhude paced the Wildcats with a team high six rebounds. Rhude tallied a total 24 minutes in the game.

Taya Stevenson was a force behind the arc, shooting 66.7-percent from downtown.

UP NEXT

NMU continues their road trip with a big time matchup against Grand Valley State University, tip off is set for 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 10.