Jordan Sweeney Assistant Coach | Northern Michigan University Athletics Website
Jordan Sweeney Assistant Coach | Northern Michigan University Athletics Website
Alyssa Nimz led Northern Michigan to a narrow victory over Minnesota Duluth with a career-high 17 points and nine rebounds. Alyssa Hill contributed 13 points and nine rebounds, helping the Wildcats secure a 65-63 win on Saturday afternoon at Romano Gymnasium. The team remains unbeaten this season with a 5-0 record.
Both Nimz and Hill were efficient from the field, shooting 66.7%. Jacy Weisbrod also scored in double figures with 12 points. The game remained close throughout, with Northern Michigan taking its first lead in the final minutes.
The match was evenly contested, as both teams shot similarly from the floor and committed an equal number of turnovers. NMU had a slight advantage in rebounding, leading 40-32.
Northern Michigan struggled initially, missing their first six shots before Nimz scored three minutes into the game. Despite an early deficit due to a Bulldogs' run, NMU closed the gap to 15-9 by the end of the first quarter.
In the second quarter, Weisbrod's scoring run brought NMU closer before an exchange of baskets between Hill and Nimz tied the game at 17. Duluth then extended their lead to double digits with an 11-0 run. However, NMU responded with crucial three-pointers from Weisbrod and Mackenzie Holzwart before halftime.
The second half saw both teams trading runs again. Duluth initially increased their lead, but Nimz countered with seven straight points for NMU. A series of exchanges kept the game tight into the fourth quarter.
Mackenzie Holzwart opened scoring in the fourth quarter with a three-pointer that narrowed Duluth's lead to two points. Hill later tied it at 49 each before Northern Michigan took their first lead late in the game.
With seconds remaining, Hill regained a one-point advantage for NMU after her jumper made it 63-62. Although Duluth managed to tie it again at the free throw line, Sarah Newcomer's offensive rebound and subsequent free throws sealed Northern Michigan's victory.
Northern Michigan will next face St. Cloud State on Sunday, November 24 at noon ET.
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