The Northern Michigan University men’s basketball team fell in its first game of the weekend at the Fresh Coast Classic in Milwaukee, Wis. on Friday (Nov. 23). The ‘Cats were defeated by No. 15-ranked Winston-Salem State, 78-69.
The Rams were the first to go on the board on a jumper by Justin Glover in the opening seconds of the game, before NMU was able to take a four point lead with 15 minutes to go in the half. It was a back and forth battle for the entire half. There were nine different lead changes between the teams and the score was tied seven times, including to close out the half at 36.
In the second half, NMU led by as much as five until the midway point of the half when the Rams took the lead, and kept it for the remainder of the game. The ‘Cats would come within one point, and tied the game twice, but weren’t able to take away the victory.
NMU was led by freshman Stephen Pelkofer and junior Matthew Craggs with 15 points apiece. Freshman Terry Nash rounded out the double digits with 12 points on five field goals and was two-of-three from the free throw line. Junior Scooter Johnson led the boards with seven (three offensive and four defensive), and Craggs added five. The ‘Cats 49 percent on the afternoon after going 26-for-53 on field goals and 10-of-19 from the charity stripe for 52 percent.
Marcus Wells led WSSU with 17 points on five field goals, one three pointer and went four-for-seven from the free throw line. Glover was right behind with 16, and Wakfield Ellison and Tyre Desmore each had 12 points. Stephon Platt had led with four rebounds, and WyKevin Bazemore and Wells added three more.
The ‘Cats will continue play at the Fresh Coast Classic tomorrow (Nov. 24) as it faces Lincoln University at 5 p.m. in a consolation game. WSSU and Saint Leo will play in the championship game of the tournament at 7 p.m.
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