The Ovid-Elsie Lady Marauders made the most out of their invitation to the Cadillac Showcase as OE downed the Northmen, 49-47.  In a game that saw six lead changes and Ovid-Elsie up by as many as 10 points, the game came down to some clutch free throw shooting in the final seconds.

"We didn't get to the line the entire game until the final minute," said Head Coach Ryan Cunningham.  "This game had a playoff-type atmosphere and it was everything that we wanted in a non-conference match-up."

Petoskey (8-4) took a slight 6-4 advantage after the first quarter but OE put together a 16-11 run in the second to lead 20-17 at the half.  After a 17-15 advantage in the third, the Northmen would battle back with a 15-12 fourth-quarter surge of their own including a buzzer-beating three-pointer to close out the game.

"We were able to build a pretty good lead but they just kept hitting shots," added Cunningham.  "Tokar and Bates were clutch down the stretch knocking down some key free throws."

Ava Bates was named "Player of the Game" after knocking down 14 points and grabbing 3 rebounds while Evalyn Cole added 13 points, 6 assists, and 3 steals.  Braeden Tokar had another all-around great game with 12 points, 5 rebounds, 3 steals, 2 assists, and two blocked shots.  Ellyanna Carman chipped in with 4 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists while Tava Kvalevog (2 steals), Hailee Campbell (5 rebounds. 3 assists, 2 steals), and Lily Bates each added 2 points.

Ovid-Elsie shot 51.3% from the floor including 60% from behind the arc while Petoskey shot 45% and 43.8%, respectively.  The Lady Marauders converted on 3 of 4 attempts from the foul line while the Northmen hit 4 of 6.  Ovid-Elsie was able to collect 13 steals on 19 turnovers and handed out 17 assists on 20 made baskets.  The Lady Marauders also won the rebound battle, 21-14.

"We were very intentional during practice this week and shifted our focus to taking better shots and hitting the glass," said Cunningham.  "The loss to St. Pat's caused us to rethink some things and I believe that we have 'righted the ship' so to speak.  If we continue to play this focused, we are going to be tough down the stretch."

Ovid-Elsie will host Montrose on Tuesday night before heading to New Lothrop on Friday.  Both games are slated for 5:30 p.m.