ESCANABA, MI - The Bay College Norse (16-6) won their third straight game on Saturday afternoon, cruising to a 69-34 win over the UW-Green Bay, Marinette Buccaneers (7-2).

The Buccaneers would grab an early lead because of a scoring drought by the Norse to start the game.  Bay College would go over five minutes before scoring, and find themselves down by six at that point.  The home team would finish the quarter off on a 15-2 run to gain control of the matchup.  Sixteen first half turnovers by the Buccaneers would allow the Norse to build a 30-20 lead at the half.

The Norse would pull away in the second half.  Offensively they would improve their efficiency, hitting on 50% of their opportunities from the floor.  Meanwhile the Bay College defense would step up their game as well.  The Buccaneers would not convert a single field goal in the third quarter, and shoot just seven times in the fourth.  The Norse would outscore Marinette 39-14 in the second half, and wind up with a 35-point win. 

Bay College would create 35 Buccaneer turnovers in the matchup.  They would also outrebound their opponent 42-23.  The Norse would shoot 45.8% for the game, although they would struggle from deep, hitting just three of 22 attempts from behind the three-point arc.  Marinette would hit on 32.4% of their shots, and would also shoot poorly from three-point, hitting just two of 14 attempts.

"I believe that our team's cohesiveness off the court is helping drive our team defense," said Head Coach Rob Robinson.  "After giving up the first six points of the game the team buckled down and forced 35 turnovers and held them to just 28 points for the last 36 minutes.  They are a fun group to watch and coach because they all contribute day in and day out, from all players in different ways."

Bay College would be led by JuliAnn Wickman (FR, Felch, MI), who would score 15 points off the bench.  Paige Welch (SO, Bark River, MI) added 11 points, eight rebounds, and two steals.  Jordan Kraemer (SO, Norway, MI) would score eight points and grab nine rebounds.

The Buccaneers were led by Jenna Thill (SO, Peshtigo, WI) who scored eight points.  Sarah Pettit (JR, Marinette, WI) and Brianne Burnett (FR, Menominee, MI) would both score six points.

The Norse will meet Marinette one more time this season, as they look to sweep the three game series.  That game is scheduled for January 28.