HOUGHTON, Mich. -- Free throws by Amanda Sieja and Catherine Rottier in the final 31 seconds provided the winning margin for Michigan Tech over arch rival Northern Michigan tonight at the SDC Gym. The Huskies defense held the Wildcats for the final 11 seconds to come away with a 58-56 GLIAC victory.

Timely three-point shooting aided the Michigan Tech cause -- especially in the second half. Rottier hit back-to-back triples midway through the second stanza to give the Huskies a two-point lead. Ashley Zehren banked one in with just under six minutes left to knot the score at 47. Maria Schneider drained a three at the 3:29 mark for a three-point MTU edge and Zehren netted another a minute later for a 55-51 score.

Northern Michigan scored a basket with 2:11 to play to get within 55-53 before each team got a defensive stop. With :31 remaining, Sieja was fouled after an offensive rebound and sank both free throws. The Wildcats made a three-pointer of their own with 24 seconds left to get within one (57-56). Rottier was then fouled and made one-of-two free throws with :11 left before the Huskies defense stepped up to hold on for the win.

NMU shot 50 percent from the field compared to 38 percent for the hosts. Tech grabbed 15 offensive rebounds and had a 31-24 rebounding advantage. The Wildcats committed 12 turnovers.

The first half saw Tech build a 23-11 lead over the first nine minutes before NMU answered with a 14-0 run. The Huskies held a 27-25 lead at the break.

Sieja finished with a team-high 22 points to go with five rebounds. Rottier added 15 points and four assists. Sarah Magee registered 10 points and eight rebounds.

Michigan Tech improved to 9-2 overall and 5-0 in the GLIAC with the win. The Huskies will remain at home to face Grand Valley State on Thursday (Jan. 5) at 5:30 p.m.