Story, photo courtesy of NMU Sports Information. Click the AUDIO button to hear post-game comments from NMU Coach Matt Majkrzak.
MARQUETTE, Mich. – In a high-intensity matchup at Vandament Arena on Saturday afternoon, the Lake Superior State Lakers used a 13-0 run in the first half and another 15-0 run in the second to edge the No. 16 Northern Michigan Wildcats 71-68, giving NMU its first home loss of the season.
NMU faced an early 17-4 deficit after a 13-0 Laker run, but battled back to take a 30-28 lead at halftime. The Lakers again went on a 15-0 run early in the second half and pushed their lead back to a dozen. NMU battled back to tie the game, but could never get over the hump, as LSSU came up with two timely blocks late and converted at the free-throw line to win the game.
The Wildcats were led by Dylan Kuehl with a game-high 26 points. He shot 10-15 from the floor and tied Jackson Dudek with eight boards. Bennett Basich followed with 13 while no other Wildcat reached double figures. The Lakers had four in double figures, led by Nino Carter-Smith's 18.
In a game that was balanced across much of the box score, the Lakers made their strides on the fastbreak, outscoring NMU 18-4. They also turned 12 NMU turnovers into 18 points.
The Wildcats are now 20-4 overall and 11-3 in GLIAC play, tied with Michigan Tech and Grand Valley State in a three-way tie atop the conference.
