January 20, 2008 - Throughout this season, the Hillsdale College women's basketball team has been able to count on its defense to help it to its excellent record. The defense was there as strongly Sunday as it has all season for the Chargers.

One day after allowing the most points it has in a game all season, Hillsdale set a new season-low in points allowed in an impressive 65-46 win over Northern Michigan University in Marquette Sunday afternoon. Hillsdale is now 13-3 overall and 6-2 in the GLIAC with the win, holding a one-game lead for first place in the GLIAC South Division. The Wildcats are now 7-10 overall and 2-7 in the GLIAC.

The Chargers allowed 38 fewer points to their opponents on Sunday, holding NMU to just 17 first-half points and 27 percent shooting for the game, both season-best marks for the Hillsdale defense.

On the offensive end of the court, the Chargers returned to their efficient ways, generating 20 assists on 26 field goals, while shooting 48 percent from the field for the game.

Hillsdale raced out to a 31-17 first-half lead, limiting the Wildcats to 6-for-32 shooting in the opening 20 minutes. Hillsdale led the game for the final 38 minutes, and led by as many as 25 points.

Junior forward Katie Cezat put together a powerful game inside, scoring 27 points to go along with 14 rebounds and a career-high five assists. She shot 12-for-17 from the field and had five rebounds on the offensive end.

Sophomore guard Janay Miller set a new career-high in scoring, picking up 14 points, making five of her nine shots from the floor. It was her first double-digit scoring game since Dec. 20, and the fifth of this season.

Senior Julie Slot popped in 13 points to go along with eight boards. Sophomore Brooke Knight had four points, six rebounds and five assists for the Chargers.

Hillsdale will begin a four-game, two-week homestand Thursday when it hosts Mercyhurst College. Game time is 6 p.m.

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