Great Lakes Wire

The Northern Michigan women's basketball team was defeated by the Bulldogs in a close 73-66 match during the GLIAC Semifinals held on Saturday evening in Allendale, Michigan. The game, which remained tight until the final moments, saw the Bulldogs advance to face the host Lakers in Sunday's championship.

Throughout most of the game, Northern Michigan maintained a lead but struggled in the final quarter with a shooting percentage of just 35.3%. In contrast, the Bulldogs ended strongly, making 69.2% of their shots in the last ten minutes and successfully executing four out of five three-point attempts. Kenzie Bowers played a crucial role in the comeback by scoring 11 of her 12 points within a critical five-minute period towards the end.

Sydney Whitehouse led Northern Michigan's efforts with an impressive performance, scoring a game-high 18 points and achieving an efficient shooting rate of 72.7%. Her contribution was especially significant in the first half where she scored 13 points without missing any shots. Teammates Alyssa Nimz and Abi Fraaza also contributed double-digit scores, with Fraaza recording her first career double-double by grabbing ten rebounds.

Turnovers proved decisive in this encounter; while both teams had similar stats overall, the Bulldogs capitalized more effectively on turnovers, scoring 20 points from Northern Michigan's errors compared to only ten points for Northern Michigan from Ferris State's mistakes.

The Wildcats started strong, quickly building a substantial lead after making nine out of their initial twelve shots. They finished the first quarter ahead at 23-15. However, Ferris State responded with an eight-point run at the beginning of the second quarter that tied up the game before Northern Michigan regained some control through contributions from Fraaza and Whitehouse.

Despite maintaining a narrow lead into halftime and extending it slightly during parts of third quarter play—thanks again largely due to Whitehouse’s efforts—the Wildcats were unable to fend off late surges from Ferris State who ultimately tied things up at 63-63 with just over ninety seconds remaining.

In those closing moments came decisive plays: Bowers' consecutive contested layups gave Ferris State an edge they would not relinquish as Mya Hiram sealed victory via perfect free throw shooting down stretch.

As for what lies ahead next: Northern Michigan awaits news regarding potential participation via NCAA Tournament at-large bid which will be revealed Sunday night during selection show broadcasted online via NCAA.com