Third-Quarter Surge Lifts Siena Heights Past UM-Dearborn, 72–61
A decisive third quarter swung momentum away from the University of Michigan-Dearborn on Saturday afternoon, as Siena Heights outscored the Wolverines by 22 points in the period to secure a 72–61 victory.
DEARBORN, Mich. -- The University of Michigan-Dearborn opened the game with energy and control, building an early advantage behind efficient offense and solid defense. UM-Dearborn led 18–11 after the first quarter and carried that momentum into the second, matching Siena Heights point-for-point to take a 36–29 lead into halftime.
The game turned sharply after the break. Siena Heights dominated the third quarter, outscoring UM-Dearborn 26–4, capitalizing on turnovers and controlling the paint to erase the deficit and take a commanding lead. The Wolverines struggled to find rhythm offensively during the stretch, committing costly turnovers that fueled the Saints' run.
UM-Dearborn responded with renewed intensity in the fourth quarter, outscoring Siena Heights 21–17 and cutting into the margin behind strong individual performances. However, the third-quarter deficit proved too large to overcome, as Siena Heights closed out the game from the free-throw line.
Marissa Thomas led the Wolverines with 23 points on an efficient 8-of-10 shooting performance, adding seven free throws. Tamia Tounsel recorded a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds, while Lillian Golson contributed 10 points off the bench. As a team, UM-Dearborn shot 55 percent from the field but was undone by 22 turnovers and the decisive third-quarter lapse.
Siena Heights was led by Jam Thigpen's 21 points and 15 rebounds, with Lauren DeWolf and Ty'Veonna Davis adding 19 points apiece.
