DEARBORN, Mich. -- The No. 24-ranked Lawrence Technological (Mich.) University women's basketball team escaped a slow start to capture a 51-35 win at University of Michigan - Dearborn on Wednesday night in Dearborn, Mich.
Lawrence Tech (9-2, 5-1) struggled from the field in the first half as they scored a season low 15 points over the opening 20 minutes including just two points in the second quarter as UM-Dearborn took a five point lead in the locker room at halftime, 20-15.
The Blue Devils responded after the break, outscoring the Wolverines 19-6 in the third quarter and 17-9 in the fourth quarter to get back in the win column. Lawrence Tech shot 6-for-25 in the first and second quarter, but went 12-for-32 and 9-for-10 from the line in the final two quarters to take control of the game. LTU held the Wolverines to just two field goals in the third as they regained the lead.
Cherilyn Banas (JR/Oxford, Mich.) opened the run in the third with a three pointer to cut the lead to 20-18 and was followed by a pair of free-throws from Hayley Walkowski (SR/Marshall, MI) to tie the game at 20-20. Nicole Buckingham (JR/Saginaw, Mich.) hit a three-pointer with 5:57 left in the third to take the lead for good at 25-23. The Blue Devils went on to close the third with a 9-3 run to take a 34-26 lead into the final 10 minutes.
Lawrence Tech outrebounded the Wolverines in the fourth quarter 11-5 including 4-2 on the offensive boards. Walkowski finished the fourth with six of her career high 16 rebounds in the final quarter to seal Lawrence Tech's 51-35 win. Walkowski recorded her second career double-double with 17 points and 16 rebounds. Buckingham added 11 points and two rebounds. Sade Lemons finished with a team high 12 points for UM-Dearborn.
Lawrence Tech is back on the court Saturday, Dec. 16 when they host Siena Heights (Mich.) University at Don Ridler Field House. Opening tip is set for 1 p.m.'
*Corrected time and team on the next game - previous version stated an incorrect start time and team for their next game.
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