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Heise hits 1,000 points, Michigan Tech tops Davenport 60-44

Tech’s Brenna Heise (21) drives past Davenport’s Hannah Wilkerson Saturday at the Wood Gym. (David Archambeau/Daliy Mining Gazette)

HOUGHTON — In front of families and friends, each member of the Michigan Tech Huskies made the climb up the ladder to snip a piece of the net to commemorate their GLIAC North title following Tech’s 60-44 win over Davenport Saturday at the Wood Gym. 

Moments after capturing her own piece of nylon, Brenna Heise knew what she was going to do with hers. 

“Put it right next to the other ones,” she said. 

It’s Tech’s third GLIAC regular season title in the last four years and the 15th overall. For coach Kim Cameron, it’s her fifth championship, giving her the most of any women’s coach in program history.

“That is a feeling that you should never take for granted,” Cameron said of cutting down the nets. “It’s extremely special when you get to do it with people you enjoy being around and people who have enjoyed their experience here.”

The day was especially memorable for Heise, who reached the 1,000-point milestone on a free throw for a 44-32 lead with 47 seconds left in the third quarter. Heise missed Thursday’s game against Wayne State but managed to lead Tech with a team-high 12 points. 

It’s the second consecutive game a Husky has reached 1,000 points after senior Kelli Guy did it against Wayne State. 

“Her and Kelli both in back-to-back games is a heck of a feat,” Cameron said. “What a senior class. It’s awesome because she’s worked for all those and has been able to reach that goal in her senior year.” 

As for the game, both teams lacked any offensive flow early on. Davenport (8-19, 6-14) recorded 15 of its 23 turnovers in the first half, and Tech shot just 11 of 25 as the Huskies took a 27-20 lead after the first half. 

“I didn’t think our tempo was quick enough to start with,” Cameron said. “We talked at halftime about making a change and someone needed to step up. It seemed like everyone was going through the motions, besides Elisa Jurmu who I thought came out and played every minute as well as she could.”

For Tech, it was Heise who stepped up. The senior forward recorded eight points, seven rebounds and three blocks in the third quarter alone as Tech built a 47-32  lead going into the fourth. 

Guy also added eight points of her own and was 2 of 4 from 3. 

“The third quarter our entire offense was fueled by our defense,” Cameron said. “We started getting stops and creating separation. 

“I thought Brenna made a big change in the second half to spark us, especially defensively. Had a couple blocks, had a couple steals, really good plays and really got us going and everyone was a little more at ease after she changed the pace of the game.”

Tech (23-4, 17-3)  finished 23 of 49 from the field (47 percent) and scored 22 of its points off Davenport’s turnovers. The Huskies also held a 30-27 rebounding advantage.

The Panthers were 16 of 43 (37 percent) and just 1 of 11 from 3-point range. 

Next, Tech hosts Ferris State on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. in a GLIAC quarterfinal matchup.

– – – 

Davenport 7 13 12 12 — 44

Tech 12 15 20 13 — 60

Davenport — Severn 5, Gibbons 5, Wilkerson 6, Crockett 1, Austin 2, Smith 2, McInerney 2, Stiles 1. F: 19; Fouled out: None; Free throws: 11-18; 3-point field goals: Austin.

Tech — Stoll 4, Jurmu 7, Guy 9, LewAllen 2, Heise 12, Trotter 6, Botz 2, McGirk 8, Welsh 2, Kelliher 5, O’Brien 3. F: 16; Fouled out: None; Free throws: 11-15; 3-point field goals: Guy 2, Heise.

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