NMU Men’s Basketball loses a close game to Central Michigan
(Courtesy of NMU Athletics)
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich.- The Northern Michigan men’s basketball team put together a strong performance tonight (Nov. 5) in a 90-82 exhibition loss to Central Michigan.
Trailing by 13 points at the half, 49-36, the Wildcats came out with a
strong second half performance, outscoring the opposition 46-41 in the
second half.
The ‘Cats took advantage of the Chippewa’s foul trouble in the final 20
minutes, sinking all 16 free throw attempts. NMU finished the night
shooting 90 percent from the charity stripe, going 20-22.
Senior DeAndre Taylor led the ‘Cats in scoring, chipping in 16 points in
19 minutes off the bench. Taylor went 6-12 from the floor.
Starter’s sophomore Matthew Craggs and senior Jared Benson combined for 29 points, contributing 14 and 15 respectively. The two also combined for 13 rebounds, eight and five respectively. Freshman Haki Stumpley scored 10 points and contributed two assists and two steals in 15 minutes of play as a starter.
In all, four ‘Cats scored in double figures The NMU bench impressed as
well tonight, contributing 31 points. NMU finished the game hitting 40.6 percent from the field with 17 assists and 20 points off turnovers.
The ‘Cats open their regular season at 5 p.m. Saturday (Nov. 12) at the
Berry Events Center against UW-Superior.