Tech Falls to UMD 74-68 in Men's Hoops Opener
| Final | 1 | 2 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Minnesota Duluth (3-1) | 33 | 41 | 74 |
|
Michigan Tech (0-1) | 36 | 32 | 68 |
VIDEO: Coach Luke Postgame Interview
VIDEO: Luke Heller and Kyle Monroe Postgame Interviews
HOUGHTON, Mich. — Minnesota Duluth earned a 74-68 victory at Michigan Tech in non-conference men's basketball tonight. Huskies' freshman Kyle Monroe had an open look at a 3-pointer to tie the game with 20 seconds left that misfired, and the Bulldogs iced the game at the foul line.
In a game that featured nine ties and nine lead changes, the teams came down the stretch never separated by more than five points in the second stanza.
A three-point play on an offensive rebound and put back with 57 ticks left gave the visitors the lead for good.
Monroe cut the Tech deficit to 69-68 with a layup at 49 seconds remaining, but a Huskies foul led to two foul shots for UMD and a 71-68 score with :27 showing.
Tech ran a set play, and Monroe had a great look at a game-tying triple from the right wing that he pushed just long. The visitors made 3-of-4 at the line to account for the final score.
"Giving up too many offensive rebounds and second-chance points was the reason why we lost this game," said Tech coach Kevin Luke. "I thought we played okay, but credit Duluth. Their senior guards got the job done."
UMD's Taylor Lavery notched a game-high 29 points while Pierre Newton added 14 more.
The Huskies were led by Monroe's 19 in his first official game as a college player. He also added eight rebounds.
Luke Heller had a double-double with 17 points and 11 assists. Bryan Heath scored 18 points.
Tech (0-1) held a 36-33 lead at halftime, shooting 41 percent from the floor. The Black and Gold finished at 39 percent for the game. Minnesota Duluth (3-1) connected on 42 percent including 46 percent in the second half.
The Bulldogs held a 43-35 rebounding edge, turning 13 offensive boards into 18 points.
Michigan Tech will have a week off before returning to action at the Kentucky Wesleyan Classic on Nov. 27-28. The Huskies' next game is against Southern Wesleyan on Nov. 27 at 2 p.m. ET.
