North Michigan News

The Northern Michigan women's basketball team began their season with a narrow 48-46 overtime victory against the Thomas More Saints in Wisconsin Dells. The game was tied at 42-42 after regulation, but NMU secured the first four points of overtime and maintained their lead. A potential game-tying shot by the Saints at the buzzer was ruled late upon review, sealing the Wildcats' win.

Jacy Weisbrod led NMU with 11 points and eight rebounds, while Alyssa Hill contributed 10 points and nine rebounds. All ten Wildcats who played scored, including freshmen Madison Schroeder, Sydney Whitehouse, and Addison Pytleski who recorded their first collegiate points.

Both teams struggled offensively; NMU shot 17-61 (27.9%) from the field while Thomas More managed 19-63 (30.2%). However, NMU held a slight advantage in rebounding with a 48-44 edge and recorded nine blocks, four of which came from freshman Madison Schroeder.

The game began with Sarah Newcomer scoring a layup for NMU off the opening tip, followed by a basket from Weisbrod to give them an early 5-0 lead. The Saints responded with five consecutive points to tie the game. Trailing 10-6 late in the first quarter, NMU went on a decisive 15-0 run that extended into the second quarter, taking a commanding 21-10 lead as Thomas More went scoreless for nearly ten minutes.

At halftime, NMU led 24-16 despite both teams shooting below 30% in the second quarter. They also dominated rebounding in the first half with a margin of 29-18.

In the third quarter, NMU experienced their own scoring drought lasting almost ten minutes as they failed to make a field goal during an identical stretch where they went 0-13. This allowed Thomas More to go on a run of their own, leading briefly at 33-30.

NMU ended their dry spell by focusing on inside play with three consecutive layups from Schroeder and Hill. Despite falling behind again at 38-36 late in regulation, Weisbrod's crucial three-pointer tied it up at forty apiece before heading into overtime.

Hill scored four quick points for NMU in extra time while Newcomer's jumper sealed victory amidst strong defensive play from both sides.

The Wildcats will face Lewis Flyers next at Justagame Fieldhouse following Lewis' earlier win over Michigan Tech.