The No. 15-ranked Michigan Tech women's basketball team built up a 16-point lead by halftime en route to a 72-58 victory at Ohio Dominican tonight. The host Panthers got within seven points twice in the final 20 minutes, but the Huskies held on to improve to 5-1 overall and 2-0 in the GLIAC.

"We did a great job of fighting through the second half and getting the job done," said head coach Kim Cameron. "We need to do better at pounding the ball into the post when our shots aren't falling, but I'm happy to get out of here with the win."

Tech used a 12-0 run midway through the first half to take a 29-14 lead. The Huskies offense was balanced with five different players scoring five points or more in the opening stanza. Lynn Giesler's free throws made the margin 40-24 at the break.

ODU opened the second half on an 11-2 run as Tech didn't scored its first points until a Lindsey Lindstrom layup nearly four minutes into the frame. The hosts climbed to within 42-35 and had three possessions to further cut their deficit. Back-to-back jumpers from Lucy Dernovsek pushed the gap to 11 with 11:19 to play. Angela Guisfredi's third 3-pointer of the game made the score 53-39.

The Panthers would hang around the rest of the way but never get within eight points. The Huskies made their final eight free throws to ice the win.

Dernovsek finished with game highs of 15 points and 10 rebounds to go with three assists, two blocks and two steals. Sam Hoyt (12 points) and Lindstrom (11) also finished in double figures. Three others had at least eight points.

In a game where field goal shooting and rebounding were nearly equal, free throws and turnovers were big. Tech made 16-of-20 at the line compared to ODU's 7-of-12 mark. The Huskies also committed just 11 turnovers to the Panthers' 16.

Michigan Tech will return to action Saturday (Dec. 11) at Tiffin. Tipoff is slated for 3 p.m.