The Lakeland College women's basketball team won their third consecutive game on Saturday with an 86-69 victory over visiting Northern Athletics South division leading Milwaukee School of Engineering.
The Muskies (12-6, 7-5 NAC) got off to a fast start for the second straight game and built a lead they wouldn't relinquish.
The team's traded baskets early before Lakeland went on a 16-3 run to turn a three point lead into 17 points, 31-14, at the 5:59 mark. The Muskies shot well in the half and the defense limited the Raiders opportunities, enabling Lakeland to take a 15 point, 41-26, lead into halftime.
Lakeland shot 42.9 percent (15-for-35) from the field, 23.1 percent (3-for-13) from the 3-point line and 80 percent (8-for-10) from the free throw line. The Muskies defense held MSOE to just 18 shots, as the Raiders shot 44.4 percent (8-for-18) from the field, 75 percent (3-for-4) from the 3-point arc and 70 percent (7-for-10) from the charity stripe.
Sophomore Aimee Thrune (Prairie Du Sac, Wis.) led the Muskies with seven points, while sophomore Jessica Genke (Kiel, Wis.) led the team with four boards.
The Muskies continued to dominate in the second half, not allowing the Raiders to get to within less than 10 points. Both teams were in the bonus with 10 minutes to play and the Muskies hit 19-0f-20 second half free throws to maintain their double-digit lead.
Lakeland shot 40 percent (11-for-27) from the field and 44.4 percent (4-for-9) from behind the arc. MSOE had a little more offense in the second half, but couldn't shoot out of their 15 point halftime deficit.
Thrune scored a career-high 20 points, making a career-high four 3-pointers. Sophomore Leah Eisner (Stevens Point, Wis.) added 14 points and six rebounds, while senior Becca Tilleman (Green Bay, Wis.) had seven assists, giving her 100 for the season.
Lakeland returns to action on Wednesday, Feb. 1, as the Muskies travel to Milwaukee, Wis. to face NAC North division leading Wisconsin Lutheran College. Tip is 7 p.m.
To see what Aimee had to say about her big day, click here.
To see what Leah thought about the win, click here.