SOUTHFIELD, Mich. - The Lawrence Technological University women's basketball team led at halftime on Friday evening but couldn't withstand a third-quarter onslaught from the University of Saint Francis (Ill.), falling 79–65 at the Don Ridler Fieldhouse. The loss moves LTU into a brief break before they hit the road next Wednesday to face Wilberforce University in Ohio.
The Blue Devils started hot in the opening frame, building an 18–13 lead powered by early three-pointers from Liv Linden and Sydney Garon. LTU carried that momentum into the locker room with a 34–30 advantage at the break, staying ahead thanks to balanced scoring and active hands on defense.
However, Saint Francis turned the game on its head in the third period, outscoring LTU 29–14 on 11-of-15 shooting (73.3%). The Fighting Saints exploited the paint with an 18-to-0 scoring advantage inside during the quarter, taking a 59–48 lead into the final frame. Despite a couple of late three-pointers from Gabby Brooks-Foster, LTU was unable to shrink the deficit below double digits down the stretch.
Brooks-Foster led four Blue Devils in double figures with 12 points off the bench, knocking down 3-of-5 from beyond the arc. Liv Linden contributed 11 points and 3 assists, while Averi Peot notched a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Addy Barnes and Sydney Garon also added 10 points apiece. Saint Francis was fueled by Baylei Johnson's game-high 32 points and 10 rebounds, along with 20 points from Kayla Johnson.
Lawrence Tech will aim to bounce back when they travel to Wilberforce University next Wednesday.
