North Michigan News

In a recent game, Northern Michigan University's head coach Matt Majkrzak achieved his 100th career win as the Wildcats defeated the Davenport Panthers with a score of 86-57. This victory marks Majkrzak's milestone in just his sixth season with NMU.

The Wildcats showcased an impressive offensive performance, setting a new season-high by scoring 86 points. They also maintained efficiency by shooting over 50% for the fourth time this season, making 33 out of 64 attempts (51.6%). The team was flawless from the free-throw line, converting all 13 attempts.

Julien Smith led NMU in scoring with 20 points. Derek Merwick contributed 15 points, Jackson Dudek added 13, and Dylan Kuehl scored 12. Merwick and Dudek combined for an efficient shooting night, going 13-14 from the field. Dudek narrowly missed a double-double by one rebound while Sam Privet led on rebounds with ten boards. Overall, NMU dominated in rebounding with a margin of 40-24.

The game began competitively but shifted when NMU went on a decisive 10-0 run to lead at halftime with a score of 35-31 after being tied at 25 each earlier in the first half.

In the second half, NMU extended their lead significantly when Dudek initiated a sequence that resulted in nine unanswered points, giving them a commanding advantage at 57-39 with just under thirteen minutes remaining. Following this stretch and another late run of sixteen to two, NMU secured their victory comfortably.

This win brings Northern Michigan University’s record to fourteen wins and six losses overall and eight wins against four losses within their conference play in GLIAC.

Looking ahead, NMU is set to face Saginaw Valley State on Thursday, February sixth.