Lee (40 Points) Carries Wayne State Past Northern

This story was written by NMU Sports Information. Click the AUDIO button to hear post-game comments from NMU Coach Matt Majkrzak.

MARQUETTE, Mich. - The Northern Michigan men's basketball team fell to the Wayne State Warriors 82-67 on Thursday night at Vandament Arena.

The Wildcats couldn't overcome a sizzling hot start from the Warriors, who started 7-7 from beyond the arc in the game's first seven minutes, and 8-9 overall from the field, to quickly jump ahead by double figures.

Northern's bench accounted for 34 of the 67 points, totaling over half of the Wildcat total for the second straight game. Gerald Gittens Jr. had a nice night for the 'Cats, leading the team with 17 points while Cal Klesmit scored 11 for the second straight game. Dylan Kuehl also added 16 and nine rebounds.

Wayne State's Rob Lee Jr. was the difference maker for the visitors, scoring a career-high 40 points to lift the Warriors to the road win. He shot 12-18 from the floor, 6-8 from three, and 10-10 at the free throw line. Carlos Paul III added 18 for the Warriors, accounting for all of their bench points.

Overall, the 'Cats shot 23-54 (42.6%) to the Warriors 26-49 (53.1%). On 20 attempts each, the Warriors made their difference beyond the arc by connecting on 12 to NMU's five, a 21-point advantage. Each side committed 11 turnovers while the Wildcats held a 14-10 edge in assists.

The hot start from the Warriors saw the 'Cats in a sizable hole just seven minutes in, trailing 25-10. A 13-0 run from NMU, with seven provided by a spark from Gittens Jr., cut the deficit to two with 8:40 before halftime, but the Warriors punched right back with the next 12 to lead 37-23 and would extend it to a 48-29 lead at halftime.

The first points out of intermission went to the Warriors and they held their largest lead of 21. The 'Cats chipped away a little at a time, cutting the deficit to 13 on a few occasions. A Cal Klesmit three finally trimmed the gap to single digits at 72-63 with 3:45 to play, but the Warriors seemed to have an answer each time and NMU was never able to put together the lengthy run that was needed to get back in it.

The defeat drops NMU to 11-4 overall and 5-2 in GLIAC play, while the Warriors bumped their record to 8-7 and 4-3 in conference clashes.

NMU will look to get it back on Saturday when they host the Saginaw Valley State Cardinals, who fell in a tight game at Michigan Tech 68-66 on Thursday.