Warriors bounce Wildcats 84-63
DETROIT – The No. 12 Northern Michigan Wildcats struggled Thursday evening in the Motor City, falling to the Wayne State Warriors 84-63.
NMU jumped ahead 5-0 and led 8-4 a few minutes into the game, but the Warriors went on a 10-0 run – one of four runs of eight points or more – to push ahead, and they never looked back.
The Wildcats tied a season high with 17 turnovers and finished just 26-72 (36.1%) from the field and 6-23 (26.1%) from three, not a good recipe for success. The Warriors shot an even 50% (31-of-62) and recorded 12 steals, leading to a commanding 24-5 advantage in fast-break points.
Northern put forth a collective effort on the glass, as nine Wildcats recorded at least four rebounds, leading to a 44-40 edge.
Sydney Whitehouse led the ‘Cats with 12 points, followed by CJ Romero with 10. Wayne State was paced by Taylor Thompson with 26 points, nine rebounds, and four steals, while McKenna Ferguson added 21.
The Wildcats are now 20-5 overall and 11-4 in conference play and sit fourth in the standings, one game behind the Warriors.
How it Happened
Northern struck first, with a triple by Jacy Weisbrod, to open a 5-0 lead, but Wayne State responded quickly. After Northern led 8-4, Wayne State went on a 10-0 run to take a 14-8 lead. The teams traded baskets through the remainder of a fast-paced opening quarter, with the Warriors carrying a 22-16 lead after one.
Wayne State seized control early in the second quarter with three quick baskets to stretch the margin to double digits. The Warriors continued to build separation, outscoring Northern 26-14 in the period to take a 48-30 lead into halftime.
The Wildcats opened the second half with urgency as CJ Romero and Sarah Newcomer each connected from deep during an 8-0 run to trim the deficit to 10. Wayne State answered with a 9-0 response to push its lead to a then game-high 19 at 63-44. Newcomer later buried a deep buzzer-beating triple to pull the Wildcats within 65-51 entering the fourth.
Northern was unable to sustain a run in the final period as the Warriors gradually extended their lead. The Warriors went on another 9-0 run late to lead 82-58, and NMU was never able to put together a run to get back in it.
Up Next
Northern will look to bounce back on Valentine’s Day when they head to Purdue Northwest to take on the Pride at 2 p.m. ET.
