This story was written by NMU Sports Information

MARQUETTE---The Northern Michigan men's basketball team fell to Lake Superior State, 83-74, Thursday night at the Berry Events Center.

Both teams found themselves tied at 4 in the opening minutes. The Wildcats then went on a 5-0 run highlighted by a Naba Echols triple and Jordan Perez jump shot to gain a 9-4 edge with 16:28 to play in the half. Later in the quarter, Donnell Cegers found Echols for three to give the Wildcats a 14-7 advantage with 15:28 to play.

Later in the half, Lake Superior State battled back to take their first lead of the game, 27-25, after a Josh Goldschmidt three at the 7:48 mark. The teams were deadlocked at 30 with 5:11 to play in half. Following missed shots by both teams, Cegers was able to cash in on an Isaiah Johnson steal with a layup and free throw to give the Wildcats a 33-30 edge.

Northern Michigan trailed at the half, 38-35.

The teams came out of the halftime locker rooms trading baskets until Lake Super State grew their largest lead of the game of nine points, 52-43, following a Jordan Dasuqi three pointer at the 14:06 mark of the half. The Wildcats responded with an 8-0 run of their own highlighted by Marcus Hall triple to cut the deficit to one, 52-51, with 12:51 remaining.  The teams would be locked at 58 heading into the final 9:36.

Northern Michigan was able to grow a four point, 68-64, following a Hall three pointer with 6:06 remaining. The Lakers answered by tying the game at 69 after an Akaemji Williams three pointer. Lake Superior State then went on to build a nine point, 81-72, lead to put the game out of reach with 45 seconds remaining.

The Wildcats had four players reach double figures: Cegers (20), Perez (17), Echols (16) and Hall (14).

With the loss, Northern Michigan moves to 6-18 (4-16 GLIAC) on the season. The Wildcats will return to the floor to close out their home schedule on Senior Day against Northwood with tip off set for 1 p.m.