PORT HURON, Mich. – Macomb Women's Basketball wrapped up non-conference play on a high note, upending the Bay College Norse by an 80-69 final on Saturday (Jan. 3) at the Skippers New Year's Classic. The win lifted the Monarchs to 11-4 overall at the conclusion of non-conference play.
 
The Norse (10-3) entered Saturday's game receiving votes in the latest NJCAA Division II Rankings and were previously in the Top 25 this season.
 
Tied 12-12 after one quarter of play, the Monarchs broke the game open with a huge second quarter, shooting 61 percent in the frame to outscore the Norse, 28-14, and take a 40-26 lead at the halftime break.
 
The halftime lead ballooned to 19 midway through the third quarter before the Monarchs held off a late Norse rally to secure the 11-point victory.
 
The Monarchs shot 47 percent for the game, sparked by a 44-34 points in the paint edge and 19-7 points off turnovers advantage.
 
Asiyah Jihad posted another solid all-around game for the Monarchs with a game-high 22 points on 10-of-17 shooting. The sophomore forward continued to crash the glass, pulling down 13 rebounds one day after corralling a career-high 22 in a win over Grand Rapids Community College.
 
A'Liyah Forris recorded a balanced game of her own with 17 points, six rebounds and four assists, while MyKenzi Harris tallied 16 points and three assists and Janiya McWilliams checked in with 12 points, eight rebounds and five assists.
 
Vanessa Galovich followed four Monarchs in double figures scoring with nine points and added six rebounds.
 
The Monarchs open MCCAA Eastern Conference play on the road Jan. 10 against No. 7 Schoolcraft College. Tip-off against the undefeated Ocelots is set for 1 p.m. in Livonia.