Dec. 1, 2007

Box Score

Erie, Pa. - Mercyhurst matched Northern Michigan with 41 points in the second half, but the Lakers were unable to comeback from a 7-point halftime deficit in a 76-69 loss Saturday.The Lakers are currently on a five game slide since winning their season opener and are now 0-2 in the GLIAC. Northern Michigan improves to 1-1 in the conference and 2-4 overall.

In the first half, the Wildcats scored the first six points before the Lakers got on the board with a jumper from Stephanie Prischak. Northern Michigan never lost its advantage in the first half, leading by as many as ten with 3:40 remaining in the period. Mercyhurst shot 12-for-28 from the paint and were 3-8 from the arc in the first half. Northern Michigan exploded offensively, shooting 15-25 from the field and went 5-12 on three pointers.

In the second half, Mercyhurst locked down its shooting by hitting 16-of-27 opportunities from the field and finished 4-of-6 three pointers. Northern Michigan lost its touch, producing only 16 points from the field and hitting two three pointers. The Lakers matched the Wildcats' 41 point output in the second half, coming within five 11 times in the second half. With 21 seconds left, Mercyhurst closed within three points but Northern Michigan made free-throws down the stretch.

All-GLIAC South Player of the Week Amy Achesinski scored a career high 29 points to lead all scorers, banking 20 of those points in the second half. Prischak as contributed offensively, producing 18 points, seven rebounds, and three assists.

Northern Michigan's depth proved invaluable in the game, generating 31 points from the bench. Mercyhurst, in comparison, had just four points from its reserves. Twelve Wildcats earned playing time, while only nine Lakers saw the court.

Head coach Deanna Richard will prepare her team for a home match-up with Edinboro on Wednesday. Game time is set for 6 p.m.