Michigan Tech Men Knock Off Ferris State 68-60

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BIG RAPIDS, Mich. — Michigan Tech outscored Ferris State 41-26 in the second half to hand the Bulldogs just their second GLIAC loss of the season 68-60 tonight at Wink Arena. The Huskies had four players in double figures to earn the season split with FSU.

Tech turned a 34-27 halftime deficit into a 39-38 lead less than six minutes into the second half as Phil Romback had five points and two assists during a 12-4 run.

Jordan Chartier's 3-pointer put the Huskies up 44-40 at the 11:09 mark. Four minutes later, Romback drained his second 3-pointer of the game for a seven-point lead.

Tech maintained the lead through the rest of the game as it defended and rebounded very well in the half court.

Ferris pulled within three twice down the stretch, but the Huskies had the answer each time. Chartier hit a trey for a six-point lead at the 5:36 mark. Stelzer pushed the margin to 60-54 with a three at the 2:57 mark.

The hosts clawed back within four with 2:05 to go, then didn't have possession again until under a minute as the Huskies grabbed three consecutive offensive rebounds and ended up with a pair of free throws from Stelzer.

Chartier when 6-for-6 at the foul line in the final minute to ice the Tech win.

"This one's a tribute to our players," said Tech coach Kevin Luke. "When we come to play and do things the Tech way, we're pretty good. I'm proud the team every night, but especially tonight because we beat a good club on their floor."

Tech made 11-of-22 field goals in the second half including 6-of-11 from 3-point range while holding the Bulldogs to 9-of-28 and 1-of-10, respectively.

The Huskies also utilized a 33-31 advantage in rebounding.

FSU's Drew Lehman led all scorers with 23 points, but had just six in the second half on 3-of-10 shooting.

Chartier had a great game against a tough defense which used a full-court press for long periods. The junior point guard posted 20 points, five rebounds and six assists without a turnover.

Romback finished with 10 points, six boards and four assists. Luke Heller (14 points) and Stelzer (13) also reached double figures.

Sophomore Jeff Gregory also had his best game as a Husky with three points, four rebounds and two assists in 18 minutes of action.

Tech opened the game with a 13-3 lead, but five turnovers in the final 10 minutes of the first half led to 13 Bulldogs points. The hosts were able to hold their largest lead of the game at the half (34-27).

The Huskies played well the entire second half and kept the crowd of 1,200 quiet.

Michigan Tech now has road wins at each of the top two teams in the GLIAC North Division (Saginaw Valley State was the other). The Huskies will look to stay in the win column with a game at Grand Valley State on Saturday (Feb. 7). Tipoff is set for 3 p.m.