Abby Nylund (
Jr.-Crystal Falls, Mich.) set a new career-high with 18 points and the Lakeland University women's basketball team rode a quick start to a 60-44 win over Illinois Institute of Technology Saturday afternoon.
Nylund hit a career-best five three-pointers and carried a big offensive load as the Muskies never trailed in winning their third straight game. Lakeland staved off a stubborn effort by the Scarlet Hawks to improve to 3-6 overall and moved to 3-2 in the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference.
The Muskies built a 12-point lead after one quarter, hitting five three-pointers against the Illinois Tech zone. Nylund hit three triples and Lakeland finished the period with
Amanda Majewski (
Sr.-Peshtigo, Wis.) dropping in a three at the quarter buzzer.
The Scarlet Hawks (0-7 overall, 0-5 NACC) refused to go quietly and cut the deficit down to seven in the second quarter. Lakeland rebuilt the lead to 31-19 by halftime and then saw its margin ebb and flow in the second half.
The Muskies led by 11 late in the third quarter but then scored 12 straight points for their biggest lead at 53-30 early in the fourth. IIT fought back again, getting back within 14 twice late behind Erin Efimoff's 13 points and Shannon O'Donnell added 12 points plus a game-best 16 rebounds.
Nylund was the only Muskie to score in double figures but Lakeland received good contributions from its bench, which scored 32 of the team's 60 points.
Janai' Farr (
Jr.-Racine, Wis.) scored eight points and added six assists and
Hayley Walding (
So.-Bradenton, Fla.) also added eight points.
The Muskies shot 30.5% for the game, hitting 18 of 59 shots. Most of its shot attempts came from long distance (9-for-40). Lakeland also forced Tech into 29 turnovers, which it turned into a 32-12 advantage in points off turnovers.
Illinois Tech shot 12 of 42 (28.6%) and also won the rebounding battle 44-34.
Lakeland will take a break for final exams week and next will travel to take on nationally ranked UW-Platteville next Friday at 7 p.m. in Platteville.
