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MARQUETTE -- It's a game players from both sides mark on their calendar at the beginning of every year, and the Miner's Cup this past Saturday between Northern Michigan and Michigan Tech was well worth the wait this year.

Tech came out on top, 21-18, with all 39 points coming in the second half.  Everyone thought it was over when NMU quarterback Carter Kopach's last second Hail Mary fell to the ground.

Thanks to a roughing the passer call on the play, Rockne Belmonte had a shot at a 52-yard game tying field goal, but it went just wide left with no time on the clock.

Both coaches say their collective breath was held like the 4,000 fans in attendance.  "You know he's kicked them from there," said Michigan Tech Coach Tome Kearly. "There was no question.  It wasn't a "has no chance."  We knew his leg was good from 55 (yards) so that was going to be a 52 yarder."

Northern Michigan coach Bernie Anderson said he had all the confidence in the world in his kicker.  "Really felt strongly that he could get it," said Anderson.  "Anytime you back that far up, there's not a lot of room for error, and you know he just pulled it a little left.  He's been kicking very accurately in the 30s, 40s and it's sure not a fault of his."

Michigan Tech finished the year at 7-4 and is not likely to receive a NCAA tournament at-large bid.  Northern ends the campaign 4-7.