ALLENDALE, Mich. – The Saginaw Valley State University football started fast in the annual Battle of the Valleys with Grand Valley State University, but the host Lakers took control in the second half to top the Cardinals in a top-25 matchup on Saturday night in Allendale, Mich.

The No. 17 Cardinals took their first drive of the game straight down the field for a touchdown to take an early 7-0 lead over the No. 2 Lakers. GVSU took control in the second quarter, as the home team outscored SVSU by 26 points the rest of the way for a 29-10 win.

The loss is the first of the season for the Cardinals, who drop to 4-1 overall and 0-1 in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

First Quarter:

• After a quick 3-and-out forced by the SVSU defense, the Cardinal offense took the field for the first time.
• Isaiah Malcome had the big play of the drive, sprinting for a 49-yard rush to the GVSU 10-yard line.
• Two plays later, SVSU got on the board first with an 8-yard pass from Andrew Brito to Jarius Grissom for a score.
• The next GVSU possession ended abruptly with a fumble forced by Micah Cretsinger that was recovered by Josh Fusco for SVSU at the Laker 28-yard line.
• The Cardinals were unable to get going on the ensuing drive, settling for a 45-yard field goal attempt by Connor Luksic that missed the mark.
• Later in the first, GVSU took advantage of good field position and punched it in with a 4-yard touchdown pass. The extra point failed, keeping SVSU in front 7-6.

Second Quarter:

• After the teams traded short drives, GVSU was able to get going on offense with a nine-play, 80-yard drive, resulting in a 20-yard rushing score from Avery Moore to move in front 13-7.
• The Lakers closed the half with a 39-yard field goal to take a 16-7 lead into the break.

Third Quarter:

• After a pair of failed SVSU drives to open the second half, the Lakers extended their lead with a 58-yard touchdown pass by Cade Peterson to Jacob Miller.
• The Cardinals were able to answer on the next drive with a 44-yard field goal by Luksic to cut the Laker lead to 22-10.
• At the end of the third, GVSU picked off a pass from Brito to set the home team up at the SVSU 36 to start the fourth.

Fourth Quarter:

• GVSU pulled away with a 15-yard rushing touchdown early in the fourth quarter.
• The Lakers used a 12-play, 67-yard drive to drain 7:42 off the clock to secure the win down the stretch.

Inside the Box Score:

• GVSU outgained SVSU 399-226 in total offense.
• Brito finished 17-of-33 through the air for 120 yards and one score, while tossing two interceptions.
• Malcome led the SVSU running game with nine carries for 74 yards.
• Casey Williams caught six passes for 48 yards.
• Michael Woolridge led the SVSU defense with 12 tackles, including one sack.
• Donte Small added seven tackles and an interception.

Up Next:

The Cardinals have no time to rest as No. 1 Ferris State University travels to town for a GLIAC matchup at 2 pm on Saturday at Wickes Stadium.