Big second half leads Warriors past NMU

MARQUETTE, Mich. – Northern Michigan University was outscored 40-23 in the second half in a 67-43 loss against Wayne State.  The loss snaps a three game winning streak for the Wildcats and puts their record at an even 5-5 with a 3-1 mark in Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference play.

NMU and Wayne State played to an even 10-10 score to open the game before the Warriors used an 11-2 run to take a comfortable lead at 21-12 with 5:49 left to play in the half.  Northern Michigan was able to cut the deficit to seven by halftime at a score of 27-20.

Freshman guard Jordan Perez led all scorers at the half with 11 points shooting 4-7 (.571) from the field and added a team-high four rebounds and two steals.

Wayne State was able to extend their lead at the beginning of the second half scoring 22 of the first 26 points to put the score at 49-24 with 11:25 remaining in the contest.  NMU was able to close out the game strong scoring 10 of the final 13 points to set the final score at 67-43.

Perez’ 11 led NMU in the outing as he was the only Wildcat to score in double-digits. Michael Lewis led the Warriors with 17.

“It wasn’t a good night defensively, offensively or rebounding,” commented Head Coach Bill Sall.  “Wayne State lives on how we defend the rebound and if you’re not ready to play physical basketball, not ready to step up to the challenge, you’re going to be in trouble.  For us, there were some shots in the first half that we normally have hit here in the past couple games and we never really adjusted.  Our inexperience and youth really showed in plenty of areas.  Hopefully we can learn from this, which we’re still trying to do.  This is a long season in our conference and every night you need to be ready to battle and we just didn’t do that tonight.”

Northern Michigan will next be in action Friday, January 2nd when they travel to Tiffin for an 8:30 p.m. tip and Ohio Dominican Sunday, January 4th at 3 p.m.

(Information Courtesy of NMU Athletics)