Huskies Hold Off Storm Surge for 65-57 Win

Video: Coach Luke Interview

PAINESVILLE, Ohio — The Michigan Tech men's basketball team saw a 19-point lead trimmed to four with 1:53 to play but held on to earn a 65-57 victory at Lake Erie in GLIAC play tonight.

Kyle Monroe had 17 points and seven rebounds in the first half to help Tech to a 34-25 lead at the break.

The margin grew to as many as 19 as Bryan Heath knocked down his third 3-pointer of the game with 9:21 to play.

Lake Erie made its rally with four 3-pointers and three layups over the next seven minutes. LEC's Sean Howard pulled his team within 57-53 with a drive and layup at the 1:53 mark. Tech turned the ball over, giving the Storm a chance to further cut their deficit.

Dillon Gordon stripped Howard on his next drive to preserve the four-point cushion, and the Huskies went 8-of-8 at the foul line to ice the victory.

"We had a five-minute span there where we got soft and didn't execute," said Tech coach Kevin Luke. "We were able to hang on.

"Monroe put us on his back in the first half, and one of our other keys tonight was Jeff Gregory. His defensive effort was as good as any that I've had in my time at Tech."

Gregory matched up on Lake Erie's Andy Bosley, who entered the game with a scoring average of 17.3. Bosley scored just four points in the game on 2-of-6 shooting.

Tech (5-6, 4-3 GLIAC) shot 52.4 percent from the floor while holding the Storm to 39 percent. The Huskies also utilized a 34-26 rebounding edge.

Monroe finished with a game-high 23 points and nine rebounds. Heath (15 points) and Luke Heller (12) also scored in double figures. Gregory posted a game-high 10 rebounds.

Michigan Tech has won three straight games, holding all three opponents under 60 points. The Huskies will play at GLIAC South Division leader Ashland on Saturday (Jan. 9). Tipoff is set for 3 p.m.