Stelzer leads Huskies in win vs. ODU
COLUMBUS, Ohio — All five starters scored in double figures to lead Michigan Tech to an 84-72 victory at Ohio Dominican tonight in GLIAC men’s basketball. Despite some big momentum swings, the Huskies outscored the Panthers in both halves to improve to 6-3 overall and 3-2 in the GLIAC.
Tech led by as many as 21 in the opening half after Luke Heller set the tone. The junior forward scored Tech’s first 10 points on 5-of-5 shooting. The Huskies’ defense limited ODU to just nine points through the first 15 minutes and held a 30-9 advantage.
The hosts turned the tide by making a 3-pointer and completing a pair of three-point plays. The were within 34-30 in the final minute before Jason Hawke‘s triple sent Tech into the locker room up by seven.
Ben Stelzer had just four points at halftime, but got going early in the second.
He hit three 3-pointers in the first five minutes after halftime to help Tech push their advantage back to double digits. The margin hovered around 10 points the rest of the game. ODU pulled within eight (75-67) with 1:35 to play, but Tech went 9-of-10 at the foul line to seal the victory.
Heller finished with a career-high 17 points on 8-of-10 shooting. He played just 16 minutes due to foul trouble. Kyle Stankowski added 12 points and 11 rebounds for his first career double-double.
“Hats off our bigs,” said Tech coach Kevin Luke. “Our guards handled their pressure and our post play was good.
“Having five guys in double figures is awesome. Credit should go to ODU as well. They played hard and gave us their best shot.”
Stelzer had a game-high 20 points to go with eight assists. Jason Hawke (16 points) and Jordan Chartier (11) also reached double figures.
Tech shot 58 percent in the second half and 48 percent for the game. They also cashed in on 19-of-24 free throw attempts.
ODU made 45 percent of its field goals.
Michigan Tech, which has played seven of its first nine games on the road, will play an eighth road game on Sunday (Jan. 4). Tipoff at Tiffin is set for 3 p.m.
(Information/Photo Courtesy of MTU Athletics)