Wisconsin Lutheran College scored 42 second half points to break free in a close game and defeat the Lakeland College women's basketball team 70-56 Wednesday night at Woltzen Gymnasium.

In a rugged, ugly game in which both teams struggled to score for much of the night, the final 20 minutes was the difference as the Warriors heated up to improve to 2-3 overall and 1-1 in the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference. Lakeland dropped to 2-3 overall and also is now 1-1 in the NACC.

The Muskies showed well much of the way against a Wisconsin Lutheran team that is the three-time defending conference champion. Lakeland got off to a good start and trailed by just three at halftime, and also out-rebounded the taller Warriors 42-40.

Unfortunately, the Muskies were unable to capitalize on a good start, struggling offensively in the second half. Lakeland finished shooting just 33.9%, making 20 of 59 from the field.

Lakeland showed promise early on, making eight of its first 16 shots to take an early 18-12 lead midway through the first half. Even after slowing down their scoring pace, the Muskies still trailed just 28-25 at halftime.

The Warriors slowly asserted control in the second half, though, becoming the more efficient offensive team. WLC shot 46.4% in the second half (13 of 28) and also made 13 of 19 from the free throw line.

Lakeland still trailed by just five when Lexie Greenheck (So.-Oostburg, Wis.) hit a three-pointer to make it 40-35 with 12:09 to play. Wisconsin Lutheran scored inside on its next three possessions, though, taking an 11-point lead, and the Muskies never got closer than nine the rest of the game.

Vashia Gordon (Sr.-Green Bay, Wis.) and Leah Eisner (Sr.-Stevens Point, Wis.) both led Lakeland with 11 points each, and Kayla Clark (Fr.-West Bend, Wis.) added 10 points, all in the first half. Eisner also added 10 rebounds for a double-double.

Kristen Schulz led WLC with 20 points, 11 rebounds and six blocked shots, and Rachel Hoft added 17 points, including five three-pointers. The Warriors finished the game making 24 of 61 shots (39.3%).

The Muskies are back in action Saturday when they travel to face Dominican (Ill.) University at 4:15 p.m. in River Forest, Ill.