In a thrilling showdown that kept fans on the edge of their seats, the Michigan Tech Huskies women's basketball team delivered a stunning upset, halting the Missouri-St. Louis Tritons' seven-game winning streak with a hard-fought 68-62 victory in St. Louis on Saturday. This win not only marked the Huskies' third consecutive triumph but also solidified their position as a force to be reckoned with in the GLIAC, improving their overall record to 7-2 and conference standing to 2-0. Meanwhile, the Tritons, despite their impressive 7-2 overall record and 4-0 GLVC standing, were left reeling from this unexpected setback.
But here's where it gets controversial: Was this victory a testament to the Huskies' resilience, or did the Tritons simply underestimate their opponents? Michigan Tech head coach Sam Clayton praised her team's tenacity, stating, 'Our ability to force turnovers and convert them into points was the game-changer.' And indeed, the Huskies capitalized on 18 Triton turnovers, turning them into 17 crucial points.
Leading the charge for Michigan Tech was Ella Mason, who scored a team-high 18 points, including a stellar 7-9 performance from the free-throw line. Janie Tormanen and Soraya Timms also made significant contributions, with Tormanen adding 12 points and four rebounds, and Timms chipping in 10 points and a team-high four assists. Kloe Zentkowski dominated the boards, pulling down six rebounds in just 19 minutes of play.
The game was a rollercoaster from the start, with both teams trading leads seven times in the opening minutes. The Huskies gained a slight edge with 1:05 left in the first quarter, thanks to two free throws by Mason, and closed the quarter with a 9-0 run, leaving the Tritons scoreless for the final 2:07. Dani Nuest's 3-pointer and Mason's late scoring spree gave the Huskies a 23-17 lead after the first quarter.
And this is the part most people miss: Despite trailing at halftime, the Huskies managed to play a turnover-free first quarter while forcing eight Triton turnovers—a stat that highlights their defensive prowess. The Tritons briefly reclaimed the lead in the second quarter, outscoring the Huskies 19-10, with Mara Rieder and Lexi Hanna each contributing 10 points in the first half. However, the Huskies' ability to stay composed under pressure set the stage for their eventual comeback.
After falling behind midway through the third quarter, Michigan Tech mounted a 7-0 run, capped by Alyssa Wypych's layup, to tie the game at 40-all. Kaitlyn Maxwell provided a spark off the bench, scoring five points, including a crucial 3-pointer, to give the Huskies a 46-44 lead heading into the final quarter. The Huskies' 17-10 scoring advantage in the third quarter proved to be a turning point.
The fourth quarter was a nail-biter, with the Tritons clawing their way back to tie the game at 53-all with six minutes remaining. But the Huskies refused to yield, hitting timely shots and tightening their defense. A triple by Maxwell with 28 seconds left extended their lead to 67-57, and Tormanen's layups, along with Timms' paint shot, sealed the deal. The Tritons were forced to foul, but Mason's free throw ensured the Huskies' 68-62 victory.
Rieder led the Tritons with a game-high 20 points and 12 rebounds, while Hanna added 15 points. Despite their efforts, the Tritons couldn't overcome the Huskies' late-game surge.
As the Huskies prepare to close out their 2025 calendar and non-conference schedule at home against Northwood next Saturday, one question lingers: Can they maintain this momentum and emerge as serious contenders in the GLIAC? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain—this team has the heart and skill to make it happen. What do you think? Are the Huskies the real deal, or is this just a fleeting moment of glory? Let us know in the comments!
