Tech Tops NMU 85-75 in Season Finale
| Final | 1 | 2 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Northern Michigan (7-18, 5-16 GLIAC) | 41 | 34 | 75 |
|
Michigan Tech (10-15,9-12 GLIAC) | 39 | 46 | 85 |
HOUGHTON, Mich. — Kyle Monroe came alive with 21 second-half points to guide Michigan Tech to an 85-75 victory over Northern Michigan in both team's season finale. The Huskies shot 55 percent from the field to finish the year 11-15 overall and 10-12 in GLIAC play. NMU ended up 7-19 overall and 5-17 in league action.
"I'm extremely proud and happy that we ended on the proper note," said Tech coach Kevin Luke. "We executed our stuff in the second half, getting the ball inside and playing inside-out basketball."
Tech used a 14-2 run midway through the second half to turn a four-point deficit into a 63-55 lead. The Huskies' defense limited the Wildcats to 1-of-6 from the field and forced two turnovers during the run. Offensively, Kyle Stankowski started the spurt with four straight points and Monroe scored the final nine points of it.
NMU stayed within striking distance down the stretch. A 3-pointer by Jordan Perez closed the gap to five with 1:10 to go.
A 3-pointer by Monroe with :25 left pushed the margin back to eight and effectively iced the win. Monroe and Jeff Gregory both hit a pair of free throws to make the final differential 10.
Monroe scored a game-high 25 points on 9-of-15 shooting. He also had five rebounds and four assists. Heath scored 19 points with the help of 4-of-4 free throw shooting—pushing his season percentage to an NCAA-leading 93.3.
Both teams shot over 50 percent from the field. Tech was at 55 percent while the visitors were at 53 percent. The Huskies did not commit a second-half turnover and made 22-of-25 free throws in the contest.
NMU knocked down 10-of-17 first-half 3-pointers including a half-court shot at the buzzer to head into the intermission with a 41-39 lead.
Tech trailed until putting together the 14-2 run in the second half.
Michigan Tech's three seniors played their final games. Luke Heller had 16 points, a team-high seven rebounds and five assists. Stankowski posted seven points. Connor McLeod also saw the court.
"My heart goes out to our seniors and also to Northern's senior Terry Nash, who's been a class act during his career," said Luke. "I'm proud of what our three guys have done for our program and wish them all the best in the future."
Michigan Tech's 2015-16 season is complete.