Tech Men's B-Ball Program wins GLIAC North Title
Courtesy of MTU Athletics
HOUGHTON, Mich. – The Michigan Tech men’s basketball team won the GLIAC North Division for the first time since the 2002-03 season thanks to a 77-67 GLIAC win over Northwood in the final regular season game of the season Saturday (Feb. 25).
“This means a lot to the program,” said head coach Kevin Luke. “We are getting the program back to where it needs to be.”
Tech, who tied a school-record with three turnovers in the game, improves to 15-11 overall and 13-6 in the GLIAC.
The Huskies trailed by eight at halftime, 30-22, but used an 11-2 run early in the second half to regain the lead for good.
The game turned into a battle between Tech’s free throw shooting and Northwood’s ability to shoot the three with just five minutes remaining.
The Black and Gold made 14 consecutive free throws, but the Timberwolves countered with a pair of 3-pointers and a tip-in.
Tech’s lead ballooned to a game-high 14 points following a pair of free throws by junior Ali Haidar with 1:23 remaining.
NU made four 3-pointers in the final 90 seconds of play, but Tech made nine free throws for the 77-67 win.
The Huskies finished 31-of-37 (84-percent) from the free throw line compared to 7-of-12 (58-percent) for the Timberwolves.
Tech out-scored Northwood 55-37 in the second half.
“Our free throw shooting down the stretch was unbelievable,” said Luke in reference to the team shooting 31-of-37 from the line.
Haidar scored a game-high 30 points for the Huskies shooting 13-of-15 from the field.
Sophomore Austin Armga chipped in 13 points for the Huskies after making all six free throws. Junior Matt Esters scored all nine of his points from the free throw line.
Bobby Lewis led NU with 15 points, and Wes Wilcox contributed 13.
Tech will host a GLIAC first round tournament game Wednesday (Feb. 29).
Posted by Jerry Taylor