Third-Quarter Drought Costs UM-Dearborn in 70–60 Road Loss at Lawrence Tech
A four-point third quarter proved to be the difference for the University of Michigan-Dearborn women’s basketball team, as the Wolverines were unable to recover from an offensive lull in a 70–60 setback at Lawrence Tech on Wednesday night.
SOUTHFIELD, Mich. -- The University of Michigan-Dearborn women's basketball team fell on the road Wednesday night, dropping a 70–60 decision to Lawrence Tech on January 21.
UM-Dearborn kept the contest close through the first half, trading runs with the Blue Devils and going into the locker room down just one, 39–38. The Wolverines were led offensively in the opening 20 minutes by Bailey Stimac and Marissa Thomas, who combined to score 17 points as UM-Dearborn shot 43.5 percent from the field before halftime.
The game turned in the third quarter, as the Wolverines struggled to find an offensive rhythm. UM-Dearborn was limited to just four points in the period, allowing Lawrence Tech to open up a double-digit advantage. Despite holding the Blue Devils to 16 points in the quarter, the scoring drought proved costly.
UM-Dearborn responded in the fourth quarter, outscoring Lawrence Tech 18–15 and cutting the deficit to single digits late, but the comeback attempt fell short. The Wolverines finished the night shooting 37.3 percent from the field and 25.0 percent from three-point range.
Stimac paced UM-Dearborn with 13 points and five rebounds, while Thomas added 12 points and seven rebounds, going a perfect 8-for-8 from the free-throw line. Alicia Ortiz contributed 10 points off the bench, and Tamia Tounsel posted a double-double with eight points and a game-high 10 rebounds. Lillian Golson chipped in eight points, including two three-pointers.
Defensively, the Wolverines forced 16 Lawrence Tech turnovers and recorded eight steals, but were outrebounded 38–34 and gave up eight made three-pointers, which proved to be a difference-maker.
