Wildcats fall in close game vs. ODU

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Northern Michigan University men’s basketball (5-7, 3-3 GLIAC) fell on the road to Ohio Dominican by a final of 73-68.  The game saw nine ties to go with 24 lead changes with the largest lead for either team being seven points.  NMU shot 27-50 (.540) from the field in the game and outscored the Panthers 38-32 in the paint.

A three-point basket from sophomore guard Marcus Hall gave the Wildcats their first lead of the game at 9-7 with 15:27 left in the first half.  NMU was able to hold onto this lead until late in the half when Ohio Dominican used a 14-4 run to take the lead at 38-31 with 1:09 remaining in the half.  A tip in from junior guard Terry Nash in the final seconds of the half put the score at 39-35 in favor of Ohio Dominican.

Northern Michigan shot 16-31 (.516) from the field in the half but only managed to go 1-9 (.111) from the perimeter.  Ohio Dominican was able to match the hot shooting Wildcats going 15-28 (.536) from the floor.  Senior forward Chavis Mattison led all scorers in the half with his 12 points off the bench.

The Wildcats opened the half with a 7-2 run as they retook the lead with a 42-41 score and 17:19 left to play.  The remainder of the contest would prove to be a see saw battle with the largest lead being four and ultimately led up to a 67-67 score with 2:08 remaining in the game.  Ohio Dominican then finished the game on a 6-1 run scoring four points from the free throw line to give the Panthers a 73-68 victory.

Mattison finished the game with three blocks and his second double-double of the season with 19 points and 10 rebounds.  Hall and freshman forward Alex Sorenson each finished the game with double-figure points scoring 13 and 11, respectively.

Northern Michigan returns home next weekend when they host Ashland Thursday, Jan. 8 at 7:30 p.m. and Lake Erie Saturday, Jan. 10 at 3 p.m.

(Information Courtesy of NMU Athletics)