GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Just the second win in program history over Michigan Tech came Thursday night for Davenport University, as the Panthers defeated the Huskies 63–51 in GLIAC action inside the DU Student Center. The victory marked Head Coach Shonda Sanders' first win against Michigan Tech, achieved alongside Assistant Coach Dominique McBride, who has been by Sanders' side throughout their coaching journey. Davenport controlled the game from start to finish, outworking the Huskies on the glass with a 43–34 rebounding advantage.
Davenport delivered the milestone win despite being shorthanded, as starting point guard Nevaeh Williams was sidelined due to illness. In her absence, Tangee Gagau stepped into an expanded role, helping steady the offense as the Panthers leaned on balanced contributions and physical play to maintain control throughout the night.
The Panthers established their presence early, using disciplined defense and second-chance opportunities to build momentum. Davenport never trailed, setting the tone with strong interior play and composed execution on both ends of the floor.
DU opened the first quarter with confidence, as Gagau scored the first basket of the night on a layup at the 8:43 mark. Kayla Covington followed with finishes in the paint, while a 3-pointer from Taaria Pehi-Kupa, assisted by Anna Axtell, stretched the early lead. Ellie Toney capped the quarter with a late three, helping Davenport take a 12–7 advantage after one.
Offensive rhythm came quickly in the second quarter. Reese Polega opened the period with a three-pointer, and the Panthers turned defense into offense as steals by Axtell and Gagau led to transition points. Toney connected from beyond the arc midway through the quarter, and Maddie Geers added a layup and a free throw to maintain control. Michigan Tech attempted to close the gap, but Davenport carried a 30–24 lead into halftime.
The Panthers continued to apply pressure coming out of the break. Geers sparked the third quarter with a layup and a free throw before Axtell drilled a key three-pointer to push the lead to nine. Michigan Tech responded with perimeter shooting, but Davenport answered with consistent scoring in the paint, including another strong finish from Toney. Davenport edged the Huskies 14–13 in the quarter and entered the final period ahead 44–37.
Davenport left little doubt in the fourth quarter. Toney opened the period with a three-pointer and followed with a layup to push the lead into double digits. Axtell added another triple, and the Panthers remained poised down the stretch. A fast-break layup by Gagau in the final minute, along with clutch free throws from Toney, sealed the historic 63–51 victory.
Davenport Top Performers
Ellie Toney
- 19 points
- 3 3-pointers
- 8 rebounds
Tangee Gagau
- 14 points
- 7 rebounds
- 2 3-pointers
Maddie Geers
- 12 points
- 9 rebounds
- 2 steals
Reese Polega
- 3 points
- 2 blocks
- 6 rebounds
