ALLENDALE, Mich. — Davenport went toe-to-toe with No. 1 and undefeated Grand Valley State for much of the first half, but a decisive third quarter lifted the Lakers to a 78–57 GLIAC victory Thursday evening.

The Panthers opened the game with energy, scoring the first six points behind strong interior play and a fast-break layup from Reese Polega off a Maddie Geers assist. Davenport found early success in the paint, but turnovers allowed the Lakers to swing momentum midway through the opening quarter. A late 3-pointer from Ellie Toney helped DU stay within reach, though DU trailed 23–16 after one.

Davenport continued to battle in the second quarter, using ball movement and perimeter shooting to stay close. Anna Axtell knocked down a 3-pointer midway through the period, and Tangee Gagau's layup in the closing seconds trimmed the deficit to three. The Panthers outscored the Lakers 20–16 in the quarter and went into halftime down just 39–36.

The Lakers created separation after the break. Despite Davenport briefly cutting the margin to two early in the third quarter, GVSU answered with a run fueled by transition scoring and defensive pressure. The Panthers struggled to find a rhythm offensively, shooting just 2-for-13 in the quarter, while the Lakers capitalized to extend their lead to 61–44 heading into the final period.

DU continued to compete in the fourth, with Geers converting four free throws and Maya Mitchell adding a late basket, but Grand Valley St. maintained control behind efficient execution on both ends. The Lakers closed out the contest to remain undefeated, handing the Panthers a 78–57 defeat.

Davenport Top Performers

Tangee Gagau  
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- 12 points  
- 3 assists  
- 2 offensive rebounds  

Maddie Geers  
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- 11 points  
- 9 rebounds  
- 4 assists  

Ellie Toney  
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- 5 points  
- 3 assists  
- 2 steals  

Davenport will turn its attention to another road contest Saturday, traveling to face Ferris State with tipoff scheduled for 1 p.m.