GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Panthers held the lead against the Cardinals at halftime, but Davenport struggled to score the ball in the second half. The lead flip-flopped and Saginaw took over in the second and Davenport remains searching for their first conference win of the season. Madison Jones, Toni Grace, Jenna Falkenberg, and Scout Nelson all scored in double digits for the Panthers.
 
THE BASICS
Final Score: Davenport-69 | Saginaw Valley State-78
Location: University Center, Mich.
 
POINTS PER HALF
First Quarter: DU-23 | SVSU-23
Second Quarter: DU-18 | SVSU-16
Third Quarter: DU-17 | SVSU-22
Fourth Quarter: DU-11 | SVSU-17
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
Davenport started the game on a great note and in the blink of an eye held a 12-2 lead over the Cardinals. After the scorching hot start, the Panthers started to cool off and SVSU took advantage. By the time the final seconds ticked off in the quarter, the score was tied 23-23.
 
The Panthers didn't waiver in the second quarter, going blow for blow with the Cardinals. Heading into halftime, Davenport held a 41-39 lead. Three different players had two fouls for DU in the first half, but the team was able to navigate those turbulent waters and none of them was whistled for their third foul.
 
The second half has been the Panthers Achilles heel thus far and this game proved to be no different. Davenport was outscored in the two quarters by a score of 28-39. Despite the second half woes, the Panthers found themselves down just three points with 2:36 on the clock. An 8-2 run by the Cardinals in the last 2:30 of the game sealed the deal.

STAT LEADERS
Points: Jones (17)
Rebounds: Courtney McInerney (6)
Assists: Elise Scaggs & Grace (3)
Steals: Jones & McInerney (3)
Blocks: Scaggs (1)

UP NEXT
Davenport will travel to Midland on Saturday to face Northwood. The contest will be at 4 pm inside the Riepma Arena.
 
Story by: Devin Steiner
 
Picture credit: Walter Cronk