PHOENIX, AZ – Saginaw Valley State University jumped out to a big lead, then held on for a 64-60 victory over Western New Mexico University Tuesday night to win the Grand Canyon University New Year's Classic Tournament.
     Senior Jill Herbig (Hamilton) established a career-high for the second straight night, leading all-scorers with 30 points, to go with a game-high 12 rebounds. She scored 28 points in Monday's win and was named the tournament "Most Valuable Player."
     The Lady Cardinals quickly built a 20-6 lead after nine minutes of play, but the Mustangs pulled within one, 28-27 late in the half. The Cardinals scored the final seven points to lead 35-27 at intermission.
     SVSU's lead swelled to 11 points midway through the second half, 51-40, but a 10-1 scoring run by WNMU trimmed the lead to 52-50 with five minutes left.
     Sophomore Tania Fliter (Griffith, IN) staved off the comeback by answering with a three-pointer and hit three of four free throws down the stretch.
     Sophomore Jenny White (Oxford) came off the bench for the first time this season and chipped in 15 points, five rebounds, six assists and five steals in 22 minutes. White joined Herbig on the All-Tournament Team.
     Fliter, who had started, started the first 9 games, had a career-high 13 points off the bench.
     The Mustangs were led by Audrie Magdaleno with 15 points and Dulce Davidson with 13.
     SVSU dominated the backboards with a 43-29 edge, but still committed seven more turnovers than WNMU (24-17).
     The Cardinals improved to 5-6 overall, while the Mustangs fell to 3-6.
     Saginaw Valley resumes GLIAC play on Saturday at Westminster College.

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