MARQUETTE, Mich. - The Thursday night affair between Davenport and Northern Michigan in women's basketball proved to be a defensive battle with the Wildcats coming out with a 59-45 win on their home floor. Davenport was not in rhythm on offense due to the tight pressure from the Wildcats all night finishing 14-of-48 (29.2 percent) from the floor. Northern Michigan was able to pull it out despite 22 turnovers because of their defense.
Northern Michigan was able to get contributions from their bench which scored 28 points compared to 11 from Davenport. Madigan Johns scored 14 points in just over 16 minutes going 5-of-6 from the floor including 4-of-5 behind the arc. Davenport connected on 2-of-16 from the arc but unfortunately missed their final 12 three-point shot attempts after a pair of makes in the first quarter.
Davenport had the lead in this contest for 6:27 mostly in the first quarter. DU led 9-5 at the 3:34 mark and the Wildcats ended the quarter on a 6-0 run to lead 14-11. The Panthers kept it close and trailed 25-18 at halftime. The Wildcats held a double-digit lead for most of the third quarter and went into the fourth quarter with a 43-30 advantage. Davenport could not get the deficit under double figures in the fourth quarter as NMU held a slight 16-15 edge. Those 15 points were the most scored in any quarter on the night for DU.
Toni Grace led the Panthers with 14 points and converted on 8-of-9 from the foul line. She also led the team with three steals.
Scout Nelson chipped in nine points, five rebounds, and two assists.
Lillee Gustafson scored all eight of her points in the second half and blocked a shot. The Panthers will travel to Michigan Tech for a noon tip on Saturday, Jan. 22.
