WARRIORS WIN SECOND STRAIGHT ROAD GAME AT MICHIGAN-DEARBORN

DEARBORN, Mich. - In formidable fashion, the Warriors (10-10, 7-7) secured a second-straight road win, defeating the Michigan-Dearborn Wolverines (1-19, 0-14) 71-54. Rochester was all over the offensive glass in this one, pulling down 24 offensive boards creating 13 second-chance points for the Warriors.

Guard Celeste Meshimer continued her string of great performances, recording an 18-11-6 stat line. A significant impact came from forward Grace Lodes, who put up a 10-13 double-double while blocking four shots. Impressively, nine of Lodes' 13 rebounds were on the offensive end.

THE RUNDOWN

FIRST HALF

• Mershimer got the Warriors going with a big first quarter, logging 10 points on efficient shooting, while Lodes locked things down on the defensive end. Lodes dominated the paint, swatting four shots in the period and preventing any offensive rhythm for the Wolverines
• The Wolverines made a few adjustments that led them to cut the deficit to one by halftime. However, the Warriors got a major boost from guard Riley Place, who connected on all three of her three-point attempts in the quarter

SECOND HALF

• The third quarter was a defensive slugfest, with both teams shooting under 30% from the field. However, Rochester was able to capitalize on free throws to grow the lead by the end of the quarter. Lodes pulled down four offensive rebounds during the period
• Rochester dominated the offensive glass during the final quarter and locked down on defense to close out the home team. Guard Imari Martin made three big plays, setting up teammates for scores to help Rochester outscore the Wolverines 22-12

POSTGAME PRESSER

Head Coach Jared Ocampo had this to say on Lodes' defensive efforts:

"It was a great second-half team effort to secure the win. Grace was phenomenal for us today. It's good to have her back and healthy. She ended with a +20, and it was evident.

Her effort was rewarded, and her desire to grab every rebound made a big difference for us. She has proved that being resilient pays off."

STAT OF THE GAME

Lodes' rebound and block totals were both career highs. Additionally, her nine offensive rebounds are the most by any player in a single game this season.

UP NEXT

The Warriors will return home on Wednesday, Jan. 31, to face the Cleary Cougars at Garth Pleasant Arena.

Hussein Murray - RU Athletic Communications

Featured Image: Hanna Swanson - RU Athletics