The No. 5 Gannon Women's Basketball team nearly erased a 12-point fourth-quarter deficit, but Northern Michigan held on in the closing seconds to hand the Golden Knights a 60–58 setback on Saturday evening during Day 2 of the 2025 CCA Women's Division II Tip-Off Classic presented by AHN Sports Medicine and the AHN Pavilion.

The Wildcats controlled much of the middle stretch, pushing their lead to 12 at 56–44 with 8:34 remaining. The scoring surge began with a steal by Bri Claxon (South Webster, Ohio/South Webster), which led to two free throws from Maddy Wheatley (Canberra, Australia/UCSSC Lake Ginninderra), swinging momentum. 

The Golden Knights then put together stops and scored at the line and at the rim, cutting the deficit to 59–58 entering the final minute.

Gannon generated two opportunities to take the lead in the closing seconds, but a late Wildcat free throw and a contested look at the horn sealed the final margin.

The game featured just two lead changes, both in the first half, as Northern Michigan maintained the advantage for the majority of the final three quarters. 

The Golden Knights stayed within reach by converting 18 wildcat turnovers into 20 points, while Northern Michigan countered with a 15–7 edge in second-chance scoring behind 13 offensive rebounds.

Bri Claxon (South Webster, Ohio/South Webster) led Gannon with 14 points and five assists while driving the fourth-quarter push. Jordan Popyk (Novi, Mich./Novi) added 12 points, and Kate Ratliff (Canal Winchester, Ohio/Canal Winchester) knocked down three 3-pointers to finish with 10. Olivia Cernuto (Scottdale, Pa./Southmoreland) contributed nine points and four assists off the bench.

GAME FACTS
Score: Northern Michigan 60, No. 5 Gannon 58
Records: Northern Michigan (2–0), Gannon (1–1)
Location: Highmark Events Center (Erie, Pa.)
Date: Saturday, November 8, 2025
Event: 2025 CCA Women's Division II Tip-Off Classic presented by AHN Sports Medicine and the AHN Pavilion
 
THE KNIGHT CAP

• Both teams entered the matchup coming off season-opening wins  No. 5 Gannon defeated Union 66–51, while Northern Michigan topped California (Pa.) 66–57 on Friday.
• The Golden Knights erased a 12-point fourth-quarter deficit to make it a one-possession finish.
• Gannon held a 20–12 edge in points off turnovers.
• Northern Michigan owned a 15–7 advantage in second-chance points behind 13 offensive rebounds.
• Only two lead changes in the game, both in the first half.

 
UP NEXT
The Golden Knights wrap up the 2025 CCA Women's Division II Tip-Off Classic on Sunday, November 9, hosting No. 4 North Georgia in a Top-5 matchup at the Highmark Events Center. Tip-off is set for 4:00 PM.
This story was written with the support of AI.