Wildcat men edged by Hillsdale
HILLSDALE, Mich. – Northern Michigan University (6-12, 4-8 GLIAC) came back from an 11 point deficit at halftime but a last second score for Hillsdale gave the Chargers a 59-58 win. Senior guard Terry Nash scored a team-high 15 points with six rebounds, four assists and three steals, while senior forward Chavis Mattison added 11 points off the bench.
Hillsdale came out of the gates fast scoring 14 of the first 18 points to give the Chargers an early lead with 14:41 left in the half. NMU attempted to cut into the deficit by half but the Chargers were able to maintain their double digit lead for most of the half shooting 15-27 (.556) from the field in the half. Mattison would connect on a three-pointer in the final seconds of the half to set the halftime score at 36-25.
Northern Michigan was able to shoot 10-23 (.435) in the half with Mattison scoring nine to lead NMU in the first half.
The Wildcats came out shooting hot to start the second half scoring the first five points of the half as they started a 20-9 run that put the score at a 45-45 deadlock. Senior guard Larry Taylor scored seven unanswered points to cap off the run that put 9:53 left in the contest. Hillsdale then answered with a mini 7-2 run to give themselves a 52-47 advantage and 5:35 on the clock.
The Wildcats then were able to score the next 11 points for their first lead of the game at 58-52 with 59 ticks left on the clock. Freshmen guard Jordan Perez would hit a pair of threes during the run and freshman forward Alex Sorenson would also connect on a shot from beyond the arc.
The Chargers were able to score the final seven points of the game including a dunk from Darius Ware at the last second to take the 59-58 win.
Northern Michigan continued their hot shooting in the second half going 14-33 (.424), while holding Hillsdale to 9-28 (.321) shooting.
Hillsdale held the advantage in rebounds by a 39-28 margin, but NMU outscored Hillsdale in bench points 22-12.
Northern Michigan returns to the Berry Events Center next weekend hosting Lake Superior State at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 29 and Northwood Saturday, Jan. 31 at 1 p.m.
(Information Courtesy of NMU Athletics)