BIG RAPIDS, MI -- Courtesy: NMU
A 17-point halftime deficit proved to be too much for the Northern Michigan men’s basketball team to overcome, as it fell 57-49 to Ferris State on Monday (Dec. 19).
With the loss, NMU falls to 4-6 on the season and 2-3 in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, while FSU improves to 7-4 and 4-1 in the GLIAC. The Wildcats have now dropped two straight in conference play.
NMU jumped out to an early six point, 9-3 lead at the 16:31 mark of the first half with a layup from senior guard DeAndre Taylor. From there, the Bulldogs went on a 32-9 run to take the lead for good, extending their lead to 11 points at the 4:25 mark with a layup from Dontae Molden. FSU took a 17-point, 35-18 lead at the half.
NMU attempted to claw its way back into the game in the second half, trimming the FSU lead to a two-position ball game at the 1:01 mark with a three-pointer from freshman Haki Stampley to make it a 55-49 contest. The ‘Cats were unable to get any closer, as missed layups on consecutive possessions proved costly.
The ‘Cats outscored the Bulldogs in the second half 31-22.
The ‘Cats were led by senior center Jared Benson with 15 points and nine rebounds. Benson was 5-6 from the field and a perfect 5-5 from the charity stripe. Senior guard DeAndre Taylor also chipped in 11 points and five boards.
The Bulldogs were Kenny Brown with 15 points and four rebounds.
NMU shot only 38.8 percent (19-49) from the field and 27.3 percent (3-11) from beyond the arc.
The Bulldogs won the battle of the boards, outrebounding the ‘Cats 38-30.
NMU is off for the holiday break, returning to the hardwood on Dec. 29 for a non-conference matchup against Finlandia at the Berry Events Center.
Tipoff is set for 7 p.m.
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