Bay Norse Top Alpena Lumberjacks For Third Time
The Norse survived a stiff challenge from a Lumberjack team that had won only two games all season, but had played against several of the nations’ top 20 teams during their league season.
The game was filled with fouls, with the Norse being whistled for ten fouls in the first eleven minutes, putting the Lumberjacks into the double bonus. But Alpena shot poorly from the perimeter, and on defense, they had no answer for Bay center Christian Alexander.
The British import poured in ten points in the first half, playing extra minutes with Kobi Barnes in foul trouble and Tyler Willette back home with the flu. Alexander dominated in the second half, with twelve more points, including a two-handed slam dunk that helped the Norse build a 18-point lead.
Logan Hardwick also gave the Norse a boost inside with eleven points, seven of those in the first half.
The Norse struggled defensively in the second half, giving up three triples to guard Garrett Miller, and fouling him twice while shooting three’s. He made the free throws on both occasions. Miller also sank two free throws when Bay’s Alfonzo Fields was called for a technical foul, and wound up making all eleven of his free throws.
The Norse got 14 points from Ryan Robinette, including three triples, and Fields chipped in 12 points with a pair of three-pointers.
Bay College led, 40-27, at halftime, and never had the lead fall below eight points the rest of the way.
The Norse improved to 17-9 on the season, with a big regional game Wednesday night at home against Gogebic Community College, which lost to UW-Marathon Monday night in overtime.
The Norse need a win Wednesday night to guarantee a first-round playoff home game, and would also stay alive for a possible first round bye. Wednesday’s game starts at 8:00 and will be broadcast live on Maverick 106.3 FM.
