Oilers end first quarter with 12-0 run
FINDLAY, Ohio – The Lake Superior State (LSSU) women’s basketball team (0-1) fell on the road in their season opener to the Findlay Oilers (2-2) by a final score of 79-40 on Friday.
The Oilers got on the board first, but Grace Bradford (Maple City, Mich.) responded by getting to the rim for the bucket and the foul. Taylor Stacy (Toledo, Ohio) would then let it fly from beyond the arc for a pair of threes to draw the Lakers within one. A jumper from Breah Golden (Arcadia, Wis.) and a put back from Iara Navarro (Parana, Entre Rios, Argentina) had LSSU ahead 13-12, but the Oilers managed to go on a 12-0 run to end the opening quarter.
Gracey Metz (Hartland, Mich.) got involved early in the second quarter with a pair of baskets inside. However, despite a three from DeDe Smith (Flint, Mich.), Findlay was able to continue to pull ahead going into the break.
The Lakers kept fighting in the second half with a layup from Amanda Roach (Hartland, Mich.) and several trips to the free throw line. Smith was able to finish a crafty driving layup through traffic to continue to try and build momentum, but the Oilers still found themselves ahead after three.
Metz continued to attack to open the fourth quarter with a three and an and-one opportunity, and she would then find CeCe Hacker (Omaha, Neb.) on the fast break to cap off an 8-0 LSSU run. However, the Oilers were ultimately able to close out the game by a final score of 79-40.
Metz led the way offensively for the Lakers with 12 points and 6 rebounds. Meanwhile, Smith, Bradford, and Navarro each finished with a game-high 7 rebounds.
The Lakers will look to bounce back on Saturday, Nov. 9 when they take on the Northwood Timberwolves with tipoff scheduled for 4 p.m.
