Huskies stifle Wildcats 69-56

MARQUETTE, Mich. – Ellie Mackay posted 19 points and Sara Dax marked her first double-double of the season as Michigan Tech marched to its 12^th straight victory over Northern Michigan 69-56 Saturday afternoon at Berry Events Center.

Isabella Lenz also played important minutes and finished with 14 points and five assists. Michigan Tech improved to 14-3 overall, and 6-1 in GLIAC play. Makaylee Kuhn scored 24 points with eight rebounds and five assists for Northern Michigan.

"We competed hard from start to finish and defended well," said head coach Sam Clayton. "I thought we overcame a lot and everyone stepped up and created for us. It was important for us to get different people posting up because that gave us more looks at the basket and chances to pick up fouls as well."

Tech began on a 7-0 scoring run and Mackay ignited the offense with a deep three. The Huskies limited NMU to 18 first half points and Kuhn to four for a 30-18 edge at the break. Kuhn helped the Wildcats cut the margin in the third quarter and Mackenzie Holzwart's layup made it a two-possession game with under six minutes to play in the fourth.

Sara Dax stomped out the threat with a 3-point basket with 5:10 remaining and the Huskies made free throws down the stretch. Dax closed with 10 points and 10 rebounds.

"After Northern got back to within six, the play that really stood out was Sara's three," Clayton said. "We ran a baseline out of bounds and she got an open look. She didn't hesitate and knocked it down. It was just a huge sho and I felt the momentum shift at that point. Bella did a nice job getting to the rim late and then made free throws as well. I felt Ellie was just good from start to finish today."

Michigan Tech shot 48-percent (26-54) overall, including 33-percent (5-15) from beyond the arc. Tech also grabbed nine offensive rebounds for a total of 38, compared to 28 for NMU. Mackay went 6-for-13 from the floor and Lenz was an efficient 5-for-10. The two combined for 10 of 10 free throws and the Huskies shot 92-percent at the line.

Holzwart finished with 16 points but the Wildcats received eight points from the bench. NMU shot 38-percent (21-55) overall and 22-percent (4-18) from long range.

Michigan Tech (14-3, 6-1) concluded a five-game road trip and heads home to host Davenport on Thursday, January 19 at 5:30 p.m. Northern Michigan (10-6, 5-2) plays at home Thursday against No. 4 Grand Valley State.