Huskies to Take On Ferris State in GLIAC Final Four Saturday

Michigan Tech Game Notes (PDF)

Saturday 3 p.m. vs Ferris St. • Sunday TBD • Wink Arena

Michigan Tech (16-13) vs Ferris State (25-4)

HUSKIES OUTRUN WAYNE STATE IN GLIAC QUARTERFINALS

Michigan Tech is back in the GLIAC semifinals thanks to a 92-84 win over Wayne State University Tuesday night at the SDC in the quarterfinals. The Huskies fired in over 60 percent of their shots from the field and held off a late charge by the Warriors to secure the victory. In addition, sophomore forward Kyle Monroe eclipsed 1,000 career points in the contest. All five starters for Michigan Tech had 13 or more points in the game, led by Monroe with a game high 27 points on a 10 of 16 shooting night from the floor. Senior guard Chartier followed with 20 points thanks to a 6 for 8 effort, including five baskets that were successful behind the three-point line. Junior forward A.J. Grazulis and freshman guard Tommy Lucca tacked on 14 points each with sophomore forward Bryan Heath chipping in 13 points of his own. Monroe paced the Huskies on the glass with four rebounds and Lucca distributed seven assists in the win over the Warriors. Chartier also dealt out six assists and as a team Tech recorded 18 total handouts Tuesday evening.

Sophomore forward Kyle Monroe rolled past 1,000 career points by scoring 27 in Tuesday's GLIAC Tournament Quarterfinal game. Monroe needed 22 points going into the contest to reach 1,000. As a freshman in 2015-16, Monroe poured in 485 points on his way to being named the GLIAC Freshman of the Year. Monroe has 520 points this season going into the GLIAC Final Four this weekend at Ferris State. Monroe leads the Huskies in scoring at 20.0 points per game this year and his career scoring average currently stands at 19.3 ppg. Monroe became the 28th player in Tech history to record 1,000 or more points. Current members of the Husky Coaching staff Josh Buettner (2,061) and Ben Stelzer (1,755) are amongst the elite list of names.

GLIAC POSTSEASON ACCOLADES

Michigan Tech had three players earn Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference postseason honors, announced Monday by the league office. Tommy Lucca headlined the list by being named the GLIAC Freshman of the Year along with earning a spot on the All-GLIAC Second Team. Senior Jordan Chartier and sophomore Kyle Monroe joined Lucca in being honored by the GLIAC. Monroe was selected to the All-GLIAC First Team and Chartier was picked for a spot on the All-GLIAC Second Team and Defensive Team.

GLIAC STATISTICAL RANKINGS

Michigan Tech is in the top four in five categories of the GLIAC Statistical rankings going into the GLIAC Final Four. The Huskies turn the ball over only 8.7 times per game (1st), are third in the league at 9.8 triples per contest, are third in the conference in three-point shooting percentage (39.7%), and are the top free throw shooting team in regards to percentage at the charity stripe (81.4%). In addition, Tech is third in the GLIAC rankings in three point shots attempted per game (24.7). Monroe is currently fifth in the conference in scoring with his team leading 20.0 points per game average.

LAST TIME VERSUS FERRIS STATE

Michigan Tech and Ferris State last played not that long ago with the Bulldogs garnering an 81-76 win on February 18th in Big Rapids. Ferris State, ranked 17th in the latest NABC NCAA Division II Top 25 Poll, has won both games against the Huskies this season, but by a combined total of only six points. Tech nealry pulled off the upset in Houghton on January 28th, coming up just short 77-76 in the SDC. In the most recent battle, Monroe and Heath powered Michigan Tech with 22 points each followed by a season high 13 points from senior Jason Hawke, who went 6 of 10 from the field. Lucca had a team high nine assists and six rebounds to go along with nine points and four steals. Chartier had six points and chipped in with seven assists, helping the Huskies produce 23 total as a team.

SCOUTING THE OPPOSITION

Ferris State heads into the GLIAC Final Four with an overall record of 25-4 and is the No. 1 seed in this year's GLIAC Tournament. The Bulldogs finished first in the GLIAC North Division thanks to a conference mark of 18-3. The Bulldogs lead the GLIAC in scoring (88.0 ppg) and field goals made per game 32.1. They also sit atop the conference statistical rankings in rebounds per game (40.6).Ferris State limits opponents to 73.1 points per game through 29 contests. Sophomore center Zach Hankins powers the Bulldogs' offense with a 14.8 points per game scoring average and is converting 65.2 percent of his field goal attempts. He averages a double-double per game on the strength of 10.2 rebounds each time he takes the floor. On the perimeter, senior guard Quentin Ruff fires in 13.9 points per game and junior guard Drew Cushingberry adds in 11.6 points per contest. Ashland and Findlay are the other two teams to reach this year's GLIAC Final Four.

COACH LUKE

Kevin Luke, the winningest coach in Michigan Tech basketball history begins his 23rd season leading the Huskies in 2016-17. He has earned a plethora of accolades since his appointment as the program's 11th head coach in May of 1994. Luke has guided the Huskies to five Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference titles, earned eight NCAA Tournament berths and won his 300th game in a 74-72 victory over Grand Valley State on March 2, 2011. He reached the 400 win mark on January 19th with an 83-72 win over Northwood at home.

NEXT UP

If Tech wins, they will advance to the GLIAC Championship game on Sunday afternoon at 3 p.m.

Ticket information for this year's tournament can be viewed by clicking here.