Armga leads MTU Men’s B-Ball to victory
Courtesy of MTU Athletics
HOUGHTON, Mich. – Junior Austin Armga <http://www.michigantechhuskies.com/sports/mbkb/2012-13/bios/armga%20austin00.html> scored a season-high 26 points to lead the Michigan Tech men’s basketball team to an 81-69 GLIAC win over Ashland Saturday (Jan. 5). Tech’s 81 points are the most this season since the team poured in 86 at home against Bemidji State.
“I thought we did a nice job offensively,” said head coach Kevin Luke. “Austin’s ability to penetrate and make free throws make him a very dynamic player.”
The Huskies shot a game-high 58-percent (18-31), and recorded seven of their nine 3-pointers in the first half. Tech closed the first half on a 16-3 run to lead 46-29 at the break.
Tech’s defense took over in the second, holding Ashland to 32-percent (10-31) from the field.
Following a 3-pointer by Will Evans at 7:31, Austin Armga started a 15-4 run for the Huskies to close out the game. Armga’s seven consecutive points started with a field goal and free throw and concluded with two more field goals. He shot 11-of-14 from the field, made his only 3-point attempt and converted all three free throws. Armga also had four rebounds and four assists.
Senior Ali Haidar<http://www.michigantechhuskies.com/sports/mbkb/2012-13/bios/haidar%20ali00.html> recorded his sixth double-double of the season with 24 points and 10 rebounds. He blocked four shots, tying his career-high, and dished out three assists. Haidar held Ashland’s Evan Yates, who entered the contest averaging nearly 16 points per game, to only five points.
Coach Luke praised the play of Haidar not only offensively on the post, but also his work on defense.
Junior Alex Culy<http://www.michigantechhuskies.com/sports/mbkb/2012-13/bios/culy%20alex00.html> and sophomore Ben Stelzer <http://www.michigantechhuskies.com/sports/mbkb/2012-13 /bios/stelzer%20ben00.html> each finished nine points a piece.
Will Evans led four AU players in double digits with 14 points. He completed the double-double with 10 rebounds.
Both teams struggled at the free throw line. Ashland shot 44-percent (8-18), including 4-13 in the second half. Tech did not fair much better shooting 8-16.
Tech finished with a 26-18 advantage in points in the paint.
Tech (10-2, 7-1), who has won seven games in a row, will open GLIAC North Division play at Ferris State Jan. 10.