The Basics
Score: Saginaw Valley 77, Wisconsin-Parkside 46
Records: SVSU (1-0) | UWP (0-1)
Location: James E. O'Neill Jr. Arena - University Center, Mich.
UNIVERSITY CENTER, Mich. - The Saginaw Valley State University women's basketball team opened its 2016-17 season at home on the floor of James E. O'Neill Jr. Arena on Saturday (Nov. 12) afternoon against the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. After holding just a narrow 18-17 edge after the opening quarter, the Cards increased the pressure after and separated, claiming a 31-point victory over the Rangers, 77-46.
The game got started with an early layup from Katelyn Carriere to get the home squad going. The Cards would lead by as much as four points twice in the opening quarter, once at 6-2 with 6:25 on the clock after an Emily Wendling layup and another when Grace Whelan connected on a jumper to make the score 12-8 with 2:35 left to play. The home team carried an 18-17 lead into the first quarter break after a Carriere triple while trailing by two.
A tight score would remain, but after trailing 25-24 with 6:39 showing in the second, the Cards went on a 12-0 run to grab the lead back and push it out to double-digits at 36-25 with 1:51 left in the first half. The run was capped by a pair of Wendling free throws while Abby Duffy, Whelan, Carriere and Anna Hall all scored as well. A late three in the half by the Rangers gave SVSU a 39-30 lead heading into halftime.
The third quarter is where the SV defense really buckled down and got more separation over Parkside. The Cardinals outscored the visitors 24-4 in the third frame, pushing the edge out to 63-34 after 30 minutes of basketball. Carriere led the way with seven points in the quarter while Duffy added six.
The ladies controlled the pace in the fourth and posted a 14-12 edge over the Rangers, closing-out for the 31-point victory of 77-46. Francesca Coury and Katie Schultz joined Duffy in registering their first points in an SVSU uniform in the fourth quarter.
Inside the Boxscore
- The victory marked the first season-opening win for SVSU since the 2010-11 season was started with a 75-70 decision over Lewis.
- Carriere led the way for SV, notching a game-best 19 points with three boards, two steals and an assist. She was named the Meijer Player of the Game for her play in the victory.
- Duffy added 14 points while grabbing a game-high eight boards. She added two assists and a steal.
- Wendling posted 12 points with seven rebounds, three assists and a block.
- Hall had 10 points, six boards, four assists and three steals in great all-around effort.
- Whelan posted 10 points as well for SVSU while grabbing five rebounds and helping out with three assists.
- The Cardinals shot 50.8% (31-61) from the floor and held the Rangers to a 28.8% (17-59) mark.
- SV out-rebounded UWP 48-30 and held a 40-20 edge in points in the paint.
- The Rangers held a slight 22-19 advantage in bench points.
Up Next for Saginaw Valley
Saginaw Valley returns the its home floor on Sunday (Nov. 13) against the St. Joseph's Pumas. Tip-off is set for 1:00 p.m. on the campus of SVSU. The Pumas are coming off a 64-58 loss at Northwood University on Saturday afternoon.
From Head Coach Jamie Pewinski
