ROMEOVILLE, Ill. – Lewis' women's basketball got off to a great start but couldn't overcome a rough second quarter in its 73-63 loss to Michigan Tech in the season opener for both teams on Saturday afternoon at Neil Carey Arena.
Rachel Hinders (Johnston, Iowa/Johnston) finished with game-highs in points (20) and rebounds (11).
The Flyers led by as many as four points in the opening quarter as they shot 56 percent (9-for-16) from the floor and was 2-of-4 from the three-point line. Hinders led the way with eight points while
Kaitlyn Williams (Homer Glen, Ill./Joliet Catholic) and
Dajae Black (Chicago, Ill./Marist) each chipped in with six in the stanza.
Lewis took a 20-18 lead in the second quarter but the Huskies dominated the second frame outscoring the Flyers 24-11 while shooting 59 percent from the floor and 67 percent from three. MTU closed the first half on a 12-4 run over the final 5:10 of the quarter to take a 42-31 lead into the locker room.
The Flyers were held to just 31 percent shooting in the stanza.
Lewis scored six of the first eight points to start the third quarter but was never able to cut the deficit under seven as the Huskies had an answer for every Flyer basket. Lewis shot 55 percent in the third quarter and outscored Tech 14-12 to cut the Huskie lead to 54-45 heading into the final 10 minutes.
The Huskies extended their lead to 12 early in the fourth quarter and were able to hold off a Flyer comeback as they hit 8-of-9 free throws down the stretch.
Lewis finished the game shooting 45 percent (25-for-66) from the floor but was just 3-of-12 from three and shot 71 percent at the foul line. Joining Hinders in double figures was Black with 14 while Williams added 12. Black also finished with a double-double with 12 rebounds.
Cassidy Trotter led three Tech players in double figures with 19 points while Abbie Botz added 15 and Sloane Zenner finished with 14.
The Flyers are back at home on Sunday hosting Northern Michigan at 3 p.m. The first game on Sunday features William Jewell and Michigan Tech at 1 p.m.
