Keil Ganz Assistant Coach | Northern Michigan University Athletics Website
Keil Ganz Assistant Coach | Northern Michigan University Athletics Website
Northern Michigan University's men's basketball team is set to host a four-game homestand, beginning with a match against rival Michigan Tech on Thursday, January 9, at Vandament Arena. The Wildcats enter the game with a seven-game winning streak and an overall record of 10-2, including 4-0 in conference play. Their opponents, the Michigan Tech Huskies, have an 8-4 record and are coming off a narrow overtime loss to Davenport.
The game will be broadcast on Fox-UP with commentary from Mark Evans and Dave Ellis. Fans can also watch via FloHoops or listen on 100.3 The Point with Casey Ford providing coverage.
The Wildcats recently secured road victories over Davenport and Grand Valley State to kick off the new year. Northern's defense has been formidable, allowing just 64.6 points per game overall and 59.5 in conference games. They lead the league in opponent rebounds allowed per game and maintain a strong rebounding margin against GLIAC teams.
Dylan Kuehl was named GLIAC Offensive Player of the Week after averaging 20 points per game last weekend. He has consistently scored in double figures in recent games and surpassed the 1,000 career-points milestone earlier this season.
Julien Smith follows Kuehl in scoring for NMU, averaging 12.9 points per game and excelling during crucial moments late in games.
Head coach Matt Majkrzak has guided NMU to impressive performances since taking charge six seasons ago. Under his leadership, NMU won its first GLIAC Tournament title since 2000 last season and made consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances.
Michigan Tech's Marcus Tomashek leads his team as one of the top scorers nationally with an average of 23.5 points per game. Freshman Ty Fernholz contributes significantly with a high three-point shooting percentage.
Historically, Northern holds a significant advantage over Michigan Tech with a record of 139-86 across their meetings.
In October, NMU hosted Michigan State for an exhibition match attended by over 11,500 fans at Superior Dome Showdown—the largest indoor event ever held in Upper Peninsula history—where they put up a strong fight but ultimately lost to the Spartans.
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