Wolverines Stumble in Second Half

DEARBORN, Mich. -- The University of Michigan-Dearborn women's basketball team took on a tough University of Northwestern Ohio basketball team on Saturday (Feb. 8) at the UM-Dearborn Fieldhouse. The Wolverines held strong in the opening 20 minutes, but a slow third quarter dictated the outcome for the Wolverines dropping an 81-58 decision to the Racers. 

UNOH came out strong, led by Alysia Lawson's 25 points and Olivia Thompson's 21. They built a solid lead in the first quarter, outscoring Michigan-Dearborn 20-12, with Thompson and Lawson combining for 11 points. The Wolverines slowed the Racer's momentum in the second quarter when they outscored the Racers 16-13 to trail by five going into the break. 

Northwestern Ohio stretched its lead in the second half, particularly in the third quarter, outscoring UM-Dearorn 25-11. The Wolverines, led by India Grissom's 13 points and Marissa Thomas' 9, couldn't keep pace with the Racers' attack, which saw Alycia Patterson contribute seven points and eight rebounds. In the final quarter, Michigan-Dearborn fought hard but could not close the gap, as Northwestern Ohio closed out the game with a 23-point fourth quarter.

Despite the defeat, UM-Dearborn was led by Grissom and Thomas, who provided key scoring contributions. The Wolverines struggled with shooting, finishing 24-66 (36.4%) from the field, including 5-18 (27.8%) from beyond the arc. Their free-throw shooting also hindered them, as they made only five of eight attempts (62.5%).

Northwestern Ohio had a standout performance. They shot 43.8% from the field and 90.9% from the free-throw line, finishing with 81 points in total. Their well-balanced offensive attack and strong rebounding (46 total rebounds) helped them secure the win.