Rottier Scores Five Points in Final 25 Seconds to Beat
Wisconsin-Parkside
ROMEOVILLE, Ill. -- Catherine Rottier hit a three-pointer and two
free throws inside of 25 seconds to lift Michigan Tech to a 66-63
victory over Wisconsin-Parkside in the Huskies season opener at the
GLVC/GLIAC Challenge. The Rangers overcame a nine-point deficit to
take the lead, 62-61, before Rottier swayed things Tech's
direction.
"I thought Parkside played a very good game against us," said
third-year MTU coach John Barnes. "We made the key plays down the
stretch and I'm happy to get the win."
Michigan Tech had good balance in scoring as four players tallied
double figures. Sarah Stream scored 19 points to go with five
assists and three steals -- all team highs. Sarah Magee added 15
points on six-of-seven shooting. Rottier finished 12 points and a
team-high seven rebounds, and Amanda Sieja recorded 10 points.
Tech built a 10-point lead, 26-16, with 8:35 to play in the first
half before UWP made a 14-4 run to tie it at 30. The Rangers held a
37-34 advantage with 1:28 on the first-half clock, but MTU scored
the final four points of the half for a 38-37 halftime edge.
Like the first half, Michigan Tech built a comfortable margin
(59-50) by the eight minute mark. Again, Wisconsin-Parkside made a
run to get back on top. It hit a jumper with 3:40 remaining to grab
a 60-59 lead.
Three minutes later, Rottier drilled the three-pointer that gave
MTU a 64-62 advantage. Following a timeout, UWP's leading scorer
Mackenzie Heise was fouled on a shot attempt. She made the first
free throw, but missed the second, keeping Tech on top, 64-63.
Rottier grabbed the rebound and was fouled immediately. She nailed
both of her foul shots to expand the margin to 66-63. Sarah Stream
made a steal on the ensuing UWP possession to put the game
away.
Tech held a 32-27 margin in rebounding and also a slight edge in
field goal percentage (45.5 to 43.1).
Michigan Tech will face GLVC/GLIAC Challenge host Lewis tomorrow.
Tipoff is slated for 6:30 p.m. (ET).
