Tech Men Top Rivals on the Road

MARQUETTE, Mich. — Michigan Tech went to the free throw line 41 times and cashed in on 33 of those in a 69-56 victory over Northern Michigan tonight in GLIAC men's basketball. The Huskies improved to 8-11 overall and 7-8 in the GLIAC with the win.

Tech led 40-26 at halftime, and the margin grew to as many as 21 (48-27) with 15 minutes to play. NMU made a run by applying a full-court trap and scoring 11 points in a two minute span. The hosts would come as close as 54-48 as Tech made just two field goals in the final 15 minutes of the game.

Fortunately, the foul shots were falling at near-record pace. The Black and Gold made 19 freebies in that final 15 minutes to stay on top and earn the win.

"It's always good to get a win against your rivals," said Tech coach Kevin Luke. "I though we defended well and were getting the ball into the post, which is what we wanted. We missed too many shots around the basket, but shot free throws well and were able to hold them off."

Freshmen Kyle Monroe and Bryan Heath combined to go 23-of-24 at the foul line. Monroe scored a game-high 19 points while Heath added 14. Luke Heller posted a game-high 11 rebounds.

Both teams shot below 40 percent. Tech held a 46-35 rebounding advantage and outscored the hosts by 21 points at the charity stripe.

Tech's 33-make performance at the free throw line was three shy of the school record of 36 (vs. Roosevelt on Dec. 28, 1971).

Michigan Tech, which twice in three road games in the last week, will return home for its next two contests. Next up is Ferris State on Thursday (Feb. 4) at 7:30 p.m.