Eastern Wayne Today

The Wayne State University women's basketball team achieved a 73-64 victory over Northwood University at the WSU Fieldhouse. The game marked Wayne State's first win of the season, bringing both teams to a 1-2 overall record.

In the opening quarter, Wayne State established an early lead with junior Taylor Thompson scoring twice. Sophomore McKenna Ferguson and freshman Koko Sylvester contributed to an 8-2 advantage. Despite efforts from Northwood, Wayne State maintained a 15-8 lead after ten minutes.

During the second quarter, Northwood attempted to close the gap with a three-pointer by Maeve St. John, but Wayne State extended their lead through lay-ups by Sylvester and Thompson. Senior Shea Tripp added six consecutive points for Wayne State, helping them achieve a nine-point run that led to their largest advantage of 17 points in the game. At halftime, Wayne State led 41-28 despite Northwood having more free throw opportunities.

In the third quarter, senior Alyssa Leister helped extend Wayne State's lead to as much as 15 points with a successful three-pointer. Although Northwood reduced their deficit to seven later in the period, lay-ups from Thompson and Leister secured a ten-point margin for Wayne State heading into the final quarter.

The fourth quarter saw Ferguson extend Wayne State's lead with another three-pointer before Northwood responded with an eight-point spurt that brought them within four points of tying. Ferguson tied her career-best with her third three-pointer of the game and added two free throws in the closing seconds to ensure victory for Wayne State.

Wayne State shot 43 percent from the floor compared to Northwood's 33 percent. They also dominated rebounds with a 52-35 edge and scored more points in the paint than their opponents.

Shea Tripp recorded her second double-double this season with 14 points and 12 rebounds, while Taylor Thompson achieved her first double-double of her career with 11 points and a personal best of 15 rebounds. McKenna Ferguson matched her career-high by making three triples while leading all scorers with 21 points.

For Northwood, Maeve St. John scored team-high totals of 18 points and grabbed nine rebounds. Lea Holmes added 17 points along with five blocks but struggled from the field shooting just three out of fourteen attempts.

Wayne State will next face Hillsdale on November 20th in their only road game before exams begin.