Men's Basketball Set to Open Season at UMD Saturday

THIS WEEK'S NOTES

STELZER NAMED GLIAC PRESEASON PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Ben Stelzer was named the GLIAC Preseason Player of the Year for 2014-15. The senior is Tech's second GLIAC Preseason Player of the Year in the last three years (Ali Haidar, 2012-13). Stelzer averaged 17.8 points per game a year ago and ranked fourth nationally in 3-pointers made. The 6-1 guard shot .426 from behind the arc to lead the GLIAC and rank third in the country in that category. He was named All-GLIAC Second Team in 2013-14.

HAWKE GOES FOR 27 AND 11 IN EXHIBITION
Sophomore Jason Hawke tallied 27 points and 11 rebounds in Tech's 88-49 win over Finlandia last week. The 6-5 guard knocked down 9-of-15 field goals including 6-of-8 3-pointers in the contest. Tech's defense limited the Lions to just eight points in the first 12 minutes of the second half to pull away.

SERIES VS. MINNESOTA DULUTH
Michigan Tech and Minnesota Duluth will continue their long-standing rivalry in men's basketball with Saturday's (Nov. 22) game at Romano Gym. The Bulldogs own a 31-28 lead in the series, which began in 1948. Tech snapped a four-game skid to UMD with a 78-58 victory in Houghton to open last season.

13 LETTERWINNERS BACK
Thirteen of Michigan Tech's 16 letterwinners from last season are back for the 2014-15 season. Ben Stelzer is Tech's top returning scorer (17.8 ppg). Jason Hawke (7.5) and Jordan Chartier (4.8) are the next two highest-scoring returners.

COMING OFF A REGIONAL FINAL
Michigan Tech's last official game was in the NCAA Midwest Regional final at Drury. The Huskies lost to the host Panthers by a 71-57 count. Tech's 2013-14 NCAA Tournament run was the best in school history. The Huskies had lost in the regional semifinal all seven previous trips to the postseason. Michigan Tech is 8-8 all-time in NCAA Tournament games.

REPLACING ARMGA
Michigan Tech will have to fill a big hole in their lineup with the departure of Austin Armga to graduation. The All-American and GLIAC Scholar-Athlete of the Year finished second in the nation in total points (736). He was a first team all-region and first team All-GLIAC selection, ending his career as Tech's leader in free throw percentage and ranking ninth in both field goal percentage and points.

QUICK HITTERS
• Tech led the nation in free throw percentage in 2013-14 at 80.8.
• Tech was fifth nationally in fewest turnovers per game in 2013-14 at 9.3.
• Tech was fifth in the country in 3-point shooting in 2013-14 with a 41.2 mark.

COACH LUKE
Head coach Kevin Luke is in his 21st season on the bench for the Huskies and has led Tech to five NCAA Tournament appearances and six GLIAC Titles. He has a 361-218 (.623) career record. He is a four-time GLIAC Coach of the Year and was the 2002-03 NABC National Coach of the Year. The Huskies have had seven 20-win seasons under Luke.

NEXT UP
Michigan Tech will travel to Marshall, Minn., for the Southwest Minnesota State Classic Nov. 28-29. The Huskies take on the host Mustangs Friday (Nov. 28), then face Wayne State College (Neb.) on Saturday (Nov. 29).