Click the thumbnails to see photos and video highlights, and to hear comments from NMU Coach Casey Thousand with RRN's Casey Ford. (NMU Photo, RRN Video)
DETROIT – The No. 12 Northern Michigan Wildcats struggled Thursday evening in the Motor City, falling to the Wayne State Warriors 84-63.
NMU jumped ahead 5-0 and led 8-4 a few minutes into the game, but the Warriors went on a 10-0 run — one of four runs of eight points or more — to push ahead, and they never looked back.
The Wildcats tied a season high with 17 turnovers and finished just 26-72 (36.1%) from the field and 6-23 (26.1%) from three, not a good recipe for success. The Warriors shot an even 50% (31-of-62) and recorded 12 steals, leading to a commanding 24-5 advantage in fast-break points.
Northern put forth a collective effort on the glass, as nine Wildcats recorded at least four rebounds, leading to a 44-40 edge.
Sydney Whitehouse led the 'Cats with 12 points, followed by CJ Romero with 10. Wayne State was paced by Taylor Thompson with 26 points, nine rebounds, and four steals, while McKenna Ferguson added 21. The Wildcats are now 20-5 overall and 11-4 in conference play and sit fourth in the standings, one game behind the Warriors.
