Huskies Sink 34 Free Throws and Top Lakers 90-86
| Final | 1 | 2 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Grand Valley State (15-7, 9-7 GLIAC) | 28 | 58 | 86 |
|
Michigan Tech (8-12, 7-9 GLIAC) | 45 | 45 | 90 |
Videos: Highlights | Coach Luke Interview | Bryan Heath & Kyle Monroe Interview
HOUGHTON, Mich. — Michigan Tech didn't score a field goal for the final 9:10 of the game, but that didn't stop the Huskies from earning a 90-86 victory over Grand Valley State at the SDC Gym today. A combined 54 fouls were called in the contest, and the Huskies cashed in on 34-of-37 free throws (92 percent) to improve to 9-12 overall and 8-9 GLIAC.
Tech led 45-28 at halftime and by as many as 23 in the second half as the Black and Gold drained four 3-pointers in the opening 3:30 of the second stanza.
The margin remained at least 15 through the 10 minute mark, and was 67-50 when Tanner Uren knocked down a pull-up jumper.
Uren's basket was the last field goal for the Huskies in the game. Tech would make 23-of-24 free throw attempts the rest of the way while GVSU chipped away at their deficit.
GVSU (15-8, 9-8 GLIAC) pulled within seven points five straight possessions in the final two minutes. Tech answered with two foul shots the first four times, but turned the ball over the fifth time.
The Lakers hit a 3-pointer off the turnover to close within 88-84 with :26 remaining. Bryan Heath swished two free throws to help Tech reach 90 points for the first time this season. GVSU added a layup in the final seconds to account for the final margin.
"It was a hard-fought GLIAC game," said Tech coach Kevin Luke. "I feel fortunate to get a win. The first half was the best we've played all year. We played well in spots in the second half, but made our free throws and got it done."
Heath had a game-high 25 points, hitting five 3-pointers and all eight of his foul shots. Fellow freshman Kyle Monroe added 22 points—16 of those in the opening half.
Tech, which scored just 15 points against GVSU in Allendale three weeks ago, shot 56 percent in the opening 20 minutes, leading to 45 points. The Huskies' defense also limited GVSU to just one field goal through the first 10 minutes of play.
Final shooting percentages for Tech were 50 from the floor, 52 from 3-point range and 92 at the line. Grand Valley was 46, 29 and 67 percent, respectively.
Michigan Tech will travel to Hillsdale on Thursday (Feb. 11) for its next matchup. Tipoff is set for 8 p.m.
Notes: Tech was within two of a school record for free throw makes (36 vs. Roosevelt in 1971). It was the second game this week the Huskies flirted with the record as it made 33 foul shots at Northern Michigan on Monday (Feb. 1). Tech finished with 81 free throw makes in three games this week.
