HOUGHTON, Mich. — Davenport fell to Michigan Tech 71-65 on Saturday afternoon despite a late rally and a 22-point third quarter at the SDC Gymnasium.
The Panthers shot 9 of 25 from 3-point range and scored 24 points in the paint but were unable to overcome a slow start and first-quarter turnovers.
Reese Polega opened the scoring with a layup 26 seconds into the game, but Davenport committed seven turnovers in the opening quarter. Michigan Tech closed the period on a 12-0 run to take a 15-6 lead.
DU gained momentum in the second quarter following a block and defensive rebound from Kayla Covington that led to a Polega 3-pointer. Anna Axtell scored on an offensive rebound before knocking down a 3-pointer off an assist from Maddie Geers to cut the deficit to 21-18. A fast-break 3-pointer by Tangee Gagau brought the Panthers within two late in the quarter, but Michigan Tech held a 28-23 advantage at halftime.
Davenport made their push in the third quarter, scoring 22 points behind perimeter shooting. Nevaeh Williams connected on a 3-pointer midway through the period, while Maya Mitchell added a layup as DU trimmed the deficit to seven entering the fourth quarter.
Gagau opened the final quarter with a 3-pointer to cut the lead to four. Williams later pulled the Panthers within one with 3:24 remaining, but Michigan Tech responded at the free-throw line to further support their win.
Davenport Top Performers
Maddie Geers
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17 points
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5 assists (career high)
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2 blocks
Nevaeh Williams
Tangee Gagau
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12 points (career high)
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3 3-pointers
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4-for-5 free throws
Anna Axtell
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7 points
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7 rebounds (career high)
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2 assists
Davenport returns home to host Purdue Northwest on Jan. 8 and Wayne State on Jan. 10. The Jan. 10 matchup will also serve as Alumni Day for the women's basketball program.
