SAGINAW, Mich. - Trailing by seven with less than five minutes to play, the NMU women's basketball team closed the game on an 11-0 run for a 56-52 GLIAC victory over the Saginaw Valley State Cardinals.

The Wildcats defense went into lockdown mode late, forcing SVSU into five fourth quarter turnovers. The Cardinals also missed the last six shots of the game.  

With the win, NMU improved to 10-5 on the season and 5-1 in the GLIAC. NMU got to the line early and often and took advantage, going 14-17 (82.4%).

Makaylee Kuhn (17 points), Mackenzie Holzwart (16 points), and Sarah Newcomer (12 points) led the 'Cats,  combining for 45 of NMU's 56 points on the day. Holzwart added 10 rebounds for a double-double. Tori DePerry was the high-scorer in the game with 18 points. She added 14 rebounds for a double-double.  


How it Happened
Mackenzie Holzwart opened the scoring for the Wildcats, raining in a triple after a three-minute scoreless stretch to start the contest. The Cardinals would have control of the first ten minutes, building upon a lead and putting the finishing touches on a productive first quarter with a three to beat the buzzer. SVSU held a 15-8 edge after one. 

The Cardinals would stretch the lead to double-digits at 19-9 before Sarah Newcomer connected from downtown to close the gap. The Cardinals continued to move the ball and play effectively as they had a 13-point lead at 30-17 in the winding minutes of the half. 

Despite the deficit, the Wildcats did what was needed in the last few minutes of the half, going on a 7-0 run including a Kayla Tierney three to beat the buzzer. NMU trailed 30-24 at the half with Holzwart pacing the 'Cats with seven points. 

Saginaw quickly regained a double-digit advantage with a 5-0 run to open the second half, but NMU combatted that run with six straight of their own. NMU slowly chipped away at the deficit and breifly gained the lead at 41-40, but SVSU closed the third with six straight. 

NMU held close in the fourth, but found themselves down 52-45 with less than five minutes to go. That's when NMU made its move, closing the game on an 11-0 run with six coming from Kuhn to complete the comeback and secure a big road victory, 56-52. 


Postgame Notes

• NMU outscore the Cardinals 15-6 in the 4th quarter including an 11-0 close to the game after trailing by seven at 52-45. 
• Makaylee Kuhn (17 points), Mackenzie Holzwart (16 points), and Sarah Newcomer (12 points) led the 'Cats,  combining for 45 of NMU's 56 points on the day. Holzwart added 10 rebounds for a double-double. 
• Ana Rhude blocked four shots. 
• Northern got it done at the line, shooting 14-17 (82.4%).
• Tori DePerry was the high-scorer in the game with 18 points. She added 14 rebounds for a double-double.  

Up Next
The Wildcats will be home on Saturday, January 14 as they will host the Michigan Tech Huskies at 1 p.m.