Women's Basketball Opens GLIAC Play With 70-55 Win Over Hillsdale

The Northwood University women's basketball team opened GLIAC play with a 70-55 win over Hillsdale Thursday night (December 5).

The Timberwolves improve to 3-2 overall, 1-0 in the GLIAC. Hillsdale falls to 1-4 overall, 0-1 in the GLIAC.

Northwood opened the game with a pair of free throws on their first possession and would lead the remainder of the game. NU's 19-point lead at halftime 35-16 at the break was their biggest advantage in the opening 20 minutes. Neither team shot very well in the half – NU finished at 35.3 percent (12-34) while Hillsdale shot 20.0 percent (5-25).

Hillsdale played better in the second half, but Northwood was never in real danger of losing the lead. The Chargers got no closer than 10 after the break.

The field goal percentages remained low for the entire contest.  NU finished at 30.5 percent (18-59) while HC ended up at 28.6 percent (16-56). The 3-point line was a big key for the Timberwolves, as Northwood went 6-15 compared to 1-6 for the Chargers.  Both teams got to the foul line a lot – NU finished 28-38 (73.7 percent) while HC went 22-31 (71.0 percent).

Leading the way for Northwood was junior Sarah Susan (Grand Rapids, Mich./Byron Center), who turned in a career day. She netted 28 points, seven more than any other game in her career. She went  10-18 from the floor, 5-8 from 3-piont range and 3-4 from the foul line.  Lauren Robak (Clarkston, Mich.) was the only other NU player in double figures, finishing with 12.  Kaitlin Susan (Grand Rapids, Mich./Byron Center) finished with 12 rebounds, four assists and three steals.

Northwood returns to action Saturday (December 7) against Findlay.  Game time is set for 1 p.m.