HILO, Hawai'i – The Saginaw Valley State University women's basketball team closed out its stay at the Big Island Classic on Tuesday afternoon, falling 59–53 to Gannon University at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium.

Gannon used a strong second quarter—outscoring SVSU 17–6—to build a halftime lead it would never surrender. The Cardinals (1-3) battled back with a 24-point third quarter and cut the deficit to as little as two late, but clutch free throws by the Golden Knights (6–1) sealed the result.

Lauren Borsenik (Hemlock, Mich. / Hemlock HS) paced the Cardinals with 13 points, adding three rebounds, an assist and a block. Megan McCalla (Chelsea, Mich. / Chelsea HS) was right behind with 12 points while tallying three steals and two boards. Lydia Meredith (Portland, Mich. / Portland St. Patrick's HS) stuffed the stat sheet with 10 points, eight rebounds, four steals, and two blocks, while Lainey Yater (McDonald, Pa. / South Fayette HS) added five points and four boards. Chloe Kilbride (Perrysburg, Ohio / Perrysburg HS) chipped in five points off the bench, including SVSU's first-quarter three.

SVSU opened the afternoon with great energy, pushing the pace early and getting easy looks in transition. A three from Kilbride helped the Cardinals take an 11–7 lead into the first break.

Gannon swung the momentum in the second quarter. The Golden Knights tightened up defensively, turned a handful of Cardinal turnovers into points, and slowly built a 24–17 advantage by halftime.

Coming out of the locker room, the Cardinals responded with their best stretch of the game. SVSU attacked the paint, got to the free-throw line, and put up 24 third-quarter points, trimming the deficit all the way down to 41–39 heading into the fourth.

The final period stayed tight throughout. SVSU continued to generate chances around the rim, but Gannon matched each push and made key free throws in the closing minute to keep the Cardinals just out of reach, sealing the 59–53 final.

SVSU shot 18-of-53 (34.0%) from the field and 15-of-19 (78.9%) at the free throw line. The Cardinals forced 21 turnovers and recorded 11 steals but were outrebounded 42–33. Gannon finished 19-of-55 (34.5%), including five makes from deep, while converting 16-of-20 at the line.

Up Next: Saginaw Valley continues the Big Island Holiday Classic tomorrow, Nov. 26, with a game against Wingate. The Cardinals and Bulldogs tip-off at 6:00 PM from the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium in Hilo, Hawai'i.