SAULT STE. MARIE — Despite the double-double efforts of Baraga sophomore Carsyn Osterman, the Finlandia women’s basketball team wasn’t quite able to pull off the role of giant killers as NCAA Division II member Lake Superior State prevailed 60-52.

Osterman scored 15 points, pulled down 11 rebounds and had two steals and an assist as she made 5 of 6 at the free-throw line.

L’Anse junior Bailey Froberg added 10 points, making 5 of 5 free throws, and a steal in just 17 minutes, while Ishpeming sophomore Mariah Austin had five points and five rebounds. Another former Hematite, FU sophomore Katie Loman, scored three points and made three rebounds.

LSSU (3-2) was led by Claire Radtke with 14 points as teammates Jenna Gregory and Lexie Khon added 13 apiece.

“I thought we competed really well today,” Finlandia head coach Mariah Dunham said in a news release from the university. “I still believe our mistakes and missed layups are hindering our success. When we figure that out, we will be a very scary team.”

While the Lakers made five more shots than Finlandia (1-5), the Lions shot better at the free-throw line, making 74 percent (17 of 23) to just 52 percent (16 of 31) for LSSU.

Finlandia held a lead as late as 10-8 when Loman made a free throw with 3:09 left in the first quarter.

After falling behind 30-18 at halftime, the Lions scored 21 points in the third quarter and got within four points when Froberg bombed in a triple with 19 seconds remaining. Finlandia trailed 45-39 at the end of the quarter.

FU was still within five, 55-50, with 2:08 left when Loman made a layup before the Lakers pulled away a bit at the end.

Finlandia travels to Lansing for a 2 p.m. game today at Great Lakes Christian.

Information compiled by Journal Sports Editor Steve Brownlee. His email address is sbrownlee@miningjournal.net.