Tiffin University battled throughout the game, but a dominating performance in the paint and a strong second half gave 16th-ranked Grand Valley State a close 84-72 victory. Tiffin falls to 5-1, 1-1 in the GLIAC while GVSU improves to 6-0, 2-0 in the GLIAC.

The game was a battle from the opening tip-off, when TU burst out to a 10-3 lead. The Lakers showed why they are nationally ranked, however, regrouping quickly and outscoring TU 20-8 over the next 10 minutes to take a 23-18 lead with 8:30 left in the first half.


Tiffin also bounced back, responding with a 10-4 run to retake the lead 28-27 with 6:00 remaining in the half. Both teams went back and forth before settling for a 40-40 halftime score.

The Dragons were living off the three point play, as Jennifer Johnston scored all of her 12 points in the first half as TU buried 6 of 9 three point shots. Grand Valley, meanwhile, was making its living in the paint, holding a 18-8 edge inside in the first 20 minutes.

The dominance inside continued into the second half, as GVSU put together a 18-8 burst to start the second half to lead 58-48 with 11:00 left. The Dragons cut the lead to 5 points on a couple occasions, but the clock was not in their favor and the Lakers hit free throws down the stretch to pad their lead at the end of regulation.

The battle inside proved to be the deciding edge, as GVSU held a 46-24 edge in rebounds, including 14-9 on the offensive glass. They outscored TU 36-16 in the paint. TU forced 13 turnovers while only committing 7, but only hit 40 percent of their field goals compared to Grand Valley's 52 percent.

Mandy Jaeb led the way with 16 points, while Jessica Harris had 15 points and 4 rebounds. Johnston finished with 12 points, Amanda Baute had 12 points, Karli Mast had 10, and Holly Focke had 7 points and 7 assists.