North Michigan News

In a closely contested basketball game, Northern Michigan University (NMU) secured a 66-61 victory over Wayne State University (WSU) in Detroit. The match was marked by numerous ties and lead changes, with both teams vying for a higher position in the conference standings.

Entering the game, NMU and WSU were tied for third place in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC), each holding a 9-4 record. With this win and Ferris State's loss to Grand Valley State, NMU is now tied for second place with Ferris State at 10-4.

Throughout the game, neither team managed to gain more than a six-point advantage. More than three-quarters of the match remained within one possession. NMU capitalized on their free throw opportunities, converting 73.9% from the line compared to WSU's 60%. The Wildcats also committed fewer turnovers and scored more points off those turnovers than their opponents.

Abi Fraaza led NMU with a season-high 15 points on efficient shooting. Jacy Weisbrod contributed significantly with 12 points, while Alyssa Nimz and Mackenzie Holzwart added ten each. For WSU, Alyssa Leister led her team with 12 points.

The game began with NMU scoring the first six points before WSU's Annabel Ayrault hit a three-pointer to tie it at 17-17 by the end of the first quarter. The second quarter saw several lead changes and ties before NMU pulled within one point at halftime.

In the third quarter, after an initial three-pointer by WSU, NMU responded with a run that eventually saw them leading by two heading into the final period. Despite being briefly overtaken by WSU in the fourth quarter, NMU regained control to finish strong.

The win improves NMU's overall record to 16-6 and ends WSU's five-game winning streak, leaving them at 14-8 overall.

Looking ahead, Northern Michigan will host Lake Superior State on February 13th and Ferris State on February 15th as they conclude their regular-season home games.