Saginaw Makes Late Plays in 80-72 Men's Win

Video: Coach Luke Interview

UNIVERSITY CENTER, Mich. — Michigan Tech led 68-67 with 4:30 to play but couldn't hang on in an 80-72 loss at Saginaw Valley State today. The Cardinals went on a 13-2 run started by three straight offensive putbacks to improve to 21-4 overall (17-2 GLIAC). The Huskies are now 9-14 overall (8-11 GLIAC).

Kyle Stankowski scored 12 first half points including a pair of 3-pointers to help Tech grab a 43-39 lead at halftime. The Black and Gold made 58 percent of their field goals including 8-of-12 3-pointers in the opening stanza.

SVSU never trailed by more than six in the game, but they didn't take their first lead until a 3-pointer with 8:20 to go made the score 59-58. Stankowski answered with a layup and the lead bounced back and forth for a while.

Kyle Monroe's three-point play—part of a 14-point half—gave Tech a 68-67 advantage with 4:30 to go. Saginaw then had tip-in baskets on three straight trips down the floor for a 73-68 score.

The Huskies missed five straight field goals during a 13-2 by the Cardinals that was capped by a steal and three-point play with 53 seconds to go. The made it 80-70. Jeff Gregory's free throws closed scoring with six ticks left.

"We keep falling into this same pattern," said Tech coach Kevin Luke. "We can't seem to get over the hump. Until we learn how to execute in crunch time situations, we're going to keep having the same results."

Tech shot 37 percent in the second half and finished the game at 47 percent. The Huskies were just 1-of-6 from 3-point range after halftime. SVSU shot 48 percent and held a 37-27 rebounding advantage. The hosts turned 13 offensive boards into 19 second-chance points.

Monroe tallied a team-high 18 points for Tech. Stankowski posted 16 points, five rebounds and four blocks in 20 minutes of action. Luke Heller also scored in double figures with all 10 of his points coming in the opening half.

Michigan Tech will be home for its final three regular season games starting Thursday (Feb. 13). Northwood comes to the SDC Gym for a 7:30 p.m. tipoff.