MIDLAND, Mich. — No. 19-ranked Michigan Tech played a near-flawless second half to defeat Northwood 80-68 in women's basketball today at the Bennett Sports Center. The Huskies (4-1 overall) improved to 2-0 in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and handed the Timberwolves (4-1 overall, 1-1 GLIAC) their first loss of the year.

Trailing 35-31 at the half, Tech blistered the nets for 73 percent shooting in the second stanza to pull out the victory.

"I'm so proud of the team," said head coach John Barnes. "We said at halftime that if we cut out the mistakes on defense and made some shots we'd be in good shape. We were able to do that."

The first half was a see-saw affair. Tech led by as many as eight points and Tara Ferris and Danae Danen combined for 15 points in the first 10 minutes of the half. Northwood bounced back to grab the lead. NU's Megan Starnes went 5-of-5 from the field including a 3-pointer right at the end of the frame for the four-point advantage.

The hosts expanded their lead to 37-31 with the first bucket of the second frame before Michigan Tech went on a 9-0 run. The margin was still just one point until the Huskies used a 13-0 spurt fueled by Angela Guisfredi's 3-pointer.

Tech was able to make 7-of-8 free throws down the stretch for the 12-point triumph.

Danen led Tech in scoring with 17 points. Sarah Stream and Katie Wysocky each added 15 points with both players scoring 13 in the second half.

Tech's bench provided 17 points including nine from Lisa Staehlin, who also tallied six rebounds in just 15 minutes of work.

The Black and Gold finished the game at 53 percent from the field compared to 43 percent for Northwood. Nearly all other statistical categories were dead even.

After five straight road games, Michigan Tech will play its first home game next week. The Huskies will host Finlandia Wednesday (Dec. 10) at 5:30 p.m. at the SDC Gym.