Wildcats pull away in second half for 33-point win over Davenport
CALEDONIA, Mich. – Saturday marked a historic day for the Northern Michigan Wildcats, as Jacy Weisbrod became the program’s all-time three-point leader in a 95-62 thrashing of Davenport.
Late in the first half, Sarah Newcomer drove and drew two defenders, leaving Weisbrod wide open behind the arc. Weisbrod caught, fired, and converted the 248th triple of her career, breaking Marissa DellAngelo’s program record that had stood since 2002.
Weisbrod delivered a dominant performance to go along with her historic moment, scoring a game-high 25 points while going 6-7 (85.7%) from three-point range. It marked the ninth time this season she has knocked down five or more triples. The senior also added five rebounds and three assists.
Weisbrod wasn’t alone in the offensive onslaught, as Newcomer followed closely behind with 24 points of her own, also connecting on six three-pointers. Newcomer set the tone early with 16 first-half points, including 10 in the second quarter, and added three assists and two blocks.
Northern was scorching from beyond the arc throughout the afternoon. Weisbrod and Newcomer combined for 12 of the Wildcats’ season-high 16 made threes, just two shy of the program record. NMU shot 16-29 (55.2%) from deep and 35-62 (56.5%) overall, both season highs. The 95 points marked the second time the Wildcats reached that total this season and the fourth time eclipsing 90.
Northern also controlled the glass, outrebounding Davenport 45-22. Jordyn Schmittdiel led the way with eight rebounds, while 11 Wildcats recorded at least one board. NMU finished with 21 assists, its second-highest total of the season.
With the win, Northern remains in second place in the GLIAC standings at 9-3 and improves to 18-4 overall.
How it Happened
Sarah Newcomer set the tone early by knocking down an opening three, a much-needed response after Thursday’s struggles. Northern opened the game on a 6-0 run. Jacy Weisbrod then buried back-to-back triples to tie the program’s career three-point record (247), helping the Wildcats surge to a double-digit lead at 14-4 just four minutes in.
The outside shooting barrage continued as Newcomer added another three, followed by two more from Sydney Whitehouse. NMU connected on six triples in the opening quarter. Overall, the Wildcats put together three separate scoring runs of six points or more, including a late 11-0 spurt, and took a commanding 29-10 advantage into the second quarter.
Davenport responded to open the second, outscoring NMU 18-9 to trim the margin to 10. Newcomer remained hot from beyond the arc, drilling two more three-pointers to keep the Wildcats comfortably in front by double figures.
Weisbrod followed with another triple, the 248th of her career, officially making her the program’s all-time leader in three-pointers and pushing the lead back to 15. Northern carried a 51-37 advantage into halftime.
Newcomer poured in 10 points in the quarter and had 16 at the break, while Weisbrod added 14. The duo combined for seven three-pointers as the Wildcats shot an impressive 9-14 from beyond the arc in the first half.
NMU took full control coming out of the break, scoring the first 14 points of the third quarter behind continued three-point shooting from Newcomer and Weisbrod to balloon the lead to 65-37. Davenport struggled to find rhythm, opening the half 0-9 from the floor before finally getting on the board at the 4:27 mark.
The Wildcats never let up, closing the quarter with Weisbrod knocking down yet another triple. NMU dominated the frame 25-10 and headed to the fourth holding a commanding 76-47 advantage.
Weisbrod and Addison Pytleski opened the fourth with back-to-back threes, pushing Northern Michigan’s total to 16 made triples on the night, a season high. With the outcome well in hand, the Wildcats stayed in control the rest of the way, outscoring Davenport 19-15 over the final 10 minutes to close out the win.
Up Next
The Wildcats will return home for two next week, starting with a matchup against the Cardinals of Saginaw Valley State on Thursday, Feb. 5.
