Latest news, weather, high school sports for Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

ALLENDALE, MI -- Courtesy:  MTU

The Michigan Tech men’s basketball team suffered its first GLIAC loss of the season falling 70-68 in overtime at Grand Valley Monday (Dec. 19).

"This was a disappointing loss," said head coach Kevin Luke. "We look forward to having another chance down the road."

The Huskies (6-5, 4-1) got off to a slow start trailing 10-2 early. Tech would claw back and eventually took its first lead of the game with one minute remaining to enter halftime with a slim 32-31 lead.

The two teams continued to battle in the second half with Tech holding the largest lead at seven points.

The Huskies led by four points with under two minutes remaining but were whistled for a technical foul at the 1:51 mark.

James Thomas, who finished with a team-high 14 points, made the two free throws to close the Tech lead to two points. The Huskies were able to get the defensive stop on the ensuing Laker possession.

GVSU played tough defense and forced a tough 3-point attempt by senior Ali Haidar as the shot clock wound down with 47 seconds remaining in the half.

Breeland Hogan drained a 3-pointer with 43 seconds remaining to tie the game at 62.

Grand Valley’s defense created a turnover by the Huskies, but the Lakers could not score on the following possession sending the two teams to overtime.

Each team opened overtime with a 3-pointer. Sophomore Austin Armga followed up with a lay-up and a free throw for the three point play.

With Tech up one, Tyrone Lee blocked a shot by Austin Armga off the backboard with 20 seconds remaining. Thomas then drained a 3-pointer with 12 seconds left.

Sophomore Alex Culy attempted two 3-pointers in the remaining seconds but both were blocked by the Lakers.

Junior Ali Haidar recorded his seventh straight double-double with a game-high 16 points and 10 rebounds.

Sophomore Austin Armga added 15 points off the bench, and freshman Ben Stelzer finished with 11.

Tech shot 17-of-22 from the free throw, while Grand Valley was 8-of-10.

GVSU finished with a 24-10 advantage in points in the paint and a 31-20 advantage in bench points.

Tech will play its final non-conference game of the season at home against St. Joseph’s on Dec. 30.