Tech Men Make Big Plays for 74-69 Win over Hillsdale
| Final | 1 | 2 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Hillsdale (11-4, 7-4 GLIAC) | 20 | 49 | 69 |
|
Michigan Tech (6-9, 5-6 GLIAC) | 34 | 40 | 74 |
Videos: Highlights | Coach Luke Interview | Heath & Monroe Interview
HOUGHTON, Mich. — Kyle Monroe scored a career-high 27 points to help Michigan Tech hold off Hillsdale 74-69 in GLIAC men's basketball at the SDC Gym tonight.
The visiting Chargers completely erased an 18-point deficit in the second half but never got the lead. HC made eight of its first nine 3-point attempts after halftime but missed three in the last minute.
Bryan Heath, Dillon Gordon and Jeff Gregory all hit critical 3-pointers to keep Tech on top down the stretch. Gregory's came with 50 seconds left to extend a 68-67 lead to 71-67.
Hillsdale made two free throws with 39 seconds left, then got the ball right back on a turnover. Stedman Lowry missed a triple, and Monroe split a pair of free throws for a 72-69 score.
Another 3-pointer that could have tied the game misfired, and Kyle Monroe added two free throws for the final margin.
"We made the plays to keep our heads above water," said Tech coach Kevin Luke. "Heath, Gordon and Gregory all made huge threes for us. I don't think we win this game early in the season, but the experience we've gained this season has given us confidence."
Tech's defense was strong in the first half as it held the Chargers to seven field goals and 20 points. The hosts led by 14 at the break and built the margin to 47-29 with 15:15 to play before HC made its run.
The GLIAC's leading scorer Kyle Cooper, who entered at 23.7 points per game, was limited to 14 points.
Monroe's career night came on 8-of-12 field goal shooting and 9-of-10 free throws. He added seven rebounds. Heath notched 13 points and five assists. Gordon scored 11 points.
The Black and Gold shot 49 percent from the floor, 57 percent from 3-point range and 85 percent at the foul line.
Hillsdale (11-4, 7-4 GLIAC) finished at 40 percent from the floor (11-of-26 from 3-point range).
Michigan Tech is now 6-9 overall and 5-6 in the GLIAC. The Huskies host GLIAC North-leading Saginaw Valley State on Saturday (Jan. 23) for a 3 p.m. tipoff.
