NMU Falls To Grand Valley; Awaits NCAA Decision
This story was written by NMU Sports Information. Click the AUDIO button to hear comments from Wildcat Coach Matt Majkrzak. (NMU Photo)
MARQUETTE, Mich. - The Northern Michigan men's basketball team dropped a 92-77 decision to the Grand Valley State Lakers in the GLIAC semifinals on Saturday at the Berry Events Center. The Lakers advance to the championship tomorrow at 2 p.m.
Northern started, strong leading by double figures 31-21 at the ten-minute mark of the first half. The Lakers closed the gap to one several times in the opening 20, but the 'Cats managed the final six before halftime to lead 49-43 at intermission.
Each side went at least 50%, with the Lakers going 15-30 and NMU 21-36.
After strong offensive displays by both sides in the first half that saw each side shoot over, Grand Valley turned it up yet another notch in the second while Northern went cold. GV shot 16-26 (61.5%) over the final 20 while the 'Cats were 10-30 (33.3%). Northern also went just 2-12 (16.7%) from three in the second half to GV's 5-8 (62.5%).
The Lakers ended up outsourcing the Wildcats 50-28 in the second to run away with the win late. NMU hung around, trailing 78-75 with four minutes left, but a quick 10-0 run from the visitors while also running the clock down to 90 seconds left put the game away.
The Green and Gold were led by Max Weisbrod with 24 points, while Brian Parzych and Sam Schultz each contributed another 13.
Grand Valley got 24 points from William Dunn off the bench, with an impressive 5-7 mark from three. Britain Harris added a 20-point, 13-rebound double-double.
The Wildcats will await their NCAA Tournament fate with the NCAA Selection Show taking place at 11 p.m. on Sunday, March 10th on NCAA.com.
