Slow start by the NMU Mens Basketball team costs them at GVSU

ALLENDALE, Mich.- Despite a strong second half performance by freshman
guard Haki Stampley, the Northern Michigan men’s basketball team was
unable to erase an early deficit, falling 67-60 to Grand Valley State on
Sunday (Dec. 18).

With the loss, NMU falls to 4-5 on the season and 2-2 in the Great Lakes
Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, while GVSU improves to 6-2 and 3-1 in
the GLIAC. The loss also ends the Wildcats two-game conference win
streak.

NMU was unable to grab a lead from GVSU and managed to tie the contest
only once.

GVSU jumped out to an early nine-point, 15-6 lead at the 15:59 mark in the
first half with a layup from Mike Przydzial. The ‘Cats would play catch
up from there, cutting the lead to just three points, 21-18, at the 6:30
mark with a three-pointer from sophomore forward Matthew Craggs. The
Lakers would enter the half up by nine, 33-24.

The second half was much of the same as the first for NMU, as the ‘Cats
attempted to chase down the Lakers. NMU managed to tie the game for the
first time at the 4:36 mark with a pair of made free throws from Stampley.
That would be as close at NMU would get for the remainder of the contest,
as turnovers and fouls on four consecutive possessions squashed out the
‘Cats comeback.

The ‘Cats were led by freshman guard Haki Stampley with 16 points and
three steals. Stampley scored 14 of his 16 points down the second half
stretch. Senior guard DeAndre Taylor also netted 15 points and seven
rebounds for NMU.

The Lakers were led by Nick Waddell with 21 points and 10 boards.

NMU shot only 37.8 percent (17-45) from the field and 26.7 percent (4-15)
from beyond the arc.

The Lakers won the battle of the boards, outrebounding the ‘Cats 35-31.

NMU travels to Ferris State on Monday, Dec. 19 for a 7 p.m. tipoff.