Men's Basketball Falls At Northern Michigan 88-79 In Overtime

MARQUETTE, MICH. – The Northwood University men's basketball team dropped a tough 88-79 contest in overtime at Northern Michigan Saturday afternoon (January 31).

Northwood falls to 11-9 overall, 7-7 in the GLIAC. NMU improves to 7-13 overall, 5-9 in the GLIAC.

The Timberwolves scored the opening two points of the game but that proved to be their lone lead in the first half. Northern Michigan led by as many as 10 points in the half before taking a 40-33 lead to the locker room. NMU shot 68.2 percent from the floor in the first half (15-22) compared to NU at 38.7 percent (12-31). The Wildcats also out-rebounded the Timberwolves 18-7 in the half, but Northwood did not commit a turnover while NMU ended up with 11 giveaways.

NU chipped away at the lead in the second half and eventually took the lead at 57-56. Northwood eventually led by as many as six before the two teams traded big baskets in the final moments. Dylan Langkabel (Morristown, Ind.) knocked down two free throws with 22 seconds remaining in regulation to tie the game. The Timberwolves then got a turnover and fired up a shot from near halfcourt to try and win the game, but the attempt went off the back iron to send the game to overtime tied 70-70.

The Wildcats dominated overtime, scoring 13 of the first 15 points of the extra period.  Northern Michigan went 3-4 from the floor, 1-2 from 3-point range and 11-12 from the foul line in overtime to earn earn the win.

For the game, Northwood shot 45.3 percent overall (29-64). The Timberwolves went 5-20 from 3-point range (25.0 percent) and 16-26 from the foul line (61.5 percent). NMU finished up at 58.5 percent overall (31-53), 44.4 percent from the 3-point line (8-18) and 81.8 percent from the foul line (18-22). Northwood committed just five turnovers for the game, compared to 18 for the Wildcats. That gave NU a 21-6 edge in points off turnovers. The Wildcats ended up with a 39-22 advantage in rebounding for the game.

Northwood was led by senior Will Bowles (East Detroit, Mich./South Lake). He scored a season-high 28 points, going 13-19 from the floor. Dylan Langkabel (Morristown, Ind.) added 22 points, while Maurice Jones (Saginaw, Mich./USC) finished with eight points and 10 assists.

NU will travel to Lake Superior State Monday afternoon (February 2). Game time is set for 7:30 p.m.