UNIVERSITY CENTER, Mich. – The Saginaw Valley State University women's basketball team opened the new year at home Friday afternoon, falling 77–39 to Wayne State University at James E. O'Neill Arena.

The Cardinals (3-8, 1–2 GLIAC) fell behind early, came out of the locker room with a response, but struggled to slow Wayne State's efficiency inside as the Warriors pulled away in the fourth quarter.

Meijer Player of the Game, Megan McCalla (Chelsea, Mich. / Chelsea HS) led all scorers with 20 points as she shot 6-14 from the floor and 6-7 from the charity stripe. She also had four rebounds, an assist, and two steals. Lauren Borsenik (Hemlock, Mich. / Hemlock HS) posted eight points on 4-4 shooting with four rebounds as well. Lydia Meredith (Portland, Mich. / Portland St. Patrick's HS) led the team with six rebounds and had two assists and five points as well.

SVSU fought early and had a slim lead in the first quarter. McCalla scored the first five points for the Cardinals as the team led 5-3. The Warriors (8-3, GLIAC 3-0) battled and used a 14-4 run to take the lead and never look back. A 19-9 second quarter for WSU put the Warriors ahead 36-18 at the half.

The Cardinals had their best quarter in the third, scoring 13 points but still falling behind as Wayne State put up 17. McCalla, Borsenik, and Meredith combined for all 13 points in the quarter for SVSU. The Warriors responded with their biggest quarter to finish the game. WSU scored 24 in the fourth as the Cardinals totaled eight in the final ten minutes of play.

SVSU was outrebounded 43-31 but showed excellent hustle on the offensive side, coming down with 13 offensive boards. The turnover difference was tight as the Cardinals had 15 and the Warriors had 13.

Up Next: Saginaw Valley continues GLIAC play at home as the Cardinals host the Purdue Northwest Pride on Sunday. Tip-off is set for 12:00 PM at James E. O'Neill Arena.