Huskies fall short at Purdue Northwest

HAMMOND, Ind. – Michigan Tech led by nine at halftime but could not overcome Purdue Northwest in the final minutes and succumbed 73-68 Saturday afternoon at John Friend Court in conference play. The Huskies dropped to 0-2 in GLIAC, matchup, 2-7 overall as they concluded a six-game road trip. 

"Our competitive spirit was closer to what it needs to be this afternoon," said head coach Josh Buettner. "We still have to get rid of our unforced errors and missed assignments if we are going to start winning, especially on the road."

Mikell Cooper led PNW with 30 points and Alou Dillon added 20 points on an efficient 7-10 shooting, The Pride improved to 6-3 overall, 1-1 in the conference.

Despite the loss, Michigan Tech shot 50-percent from the field (25-50). Adam Hobson led the squad with 19 points, four rebounds, and four assists.

Tyler Robarge helped Tech to a positive start in the post and finished with 12 points after shooting 5-for-6. MTU bounded to an 18-12 edge to the midway point of the first half before Dillon helped PNW cut the margin to four with 5:13 to play. Tech wrapped up the half with momentum after Marcus Tomashek worked free at the 3-point line and rattled in a shot at the horn for a 42-31 advantage.

Eric Carl vaulted the Huskies ahead by 14 to begin the second half, but the Pride charged all the way back to take their first lead at 9:39 after Cooper's jumper made it 53-52. Trailing by one at the two-minute mark, Anthony Barnard converted a pair of free throws and after a miss on the offensive end, Brevin Jefferson found Dillon for a dunk with 1:12 remaining.

A turnover the next time up the floor forced Michigan Tech to foul late, behind 70-66. Cooper and Anthony Irvin kept the game out of reach at the line as the final seconds ticked off.

Purdue Northwest out-rebounded Michigan Tech 30-24 and committed 11 turnovers, compared to 15 for MTU. The Pride shot 44-percent from the floor, including 35-percent (8-23) from long range. Dillon led all players with seven rebounds.

Michigan Tech (2-7, 0-2) is back in Houghton for the first time since November 18 on Friday, December 9 to host Lake Superior State. The Huskies will also take on Ferris State on Sunday, December 11 at SDC Gymnasium.

Purdue Northwest (6-3, 1-1) continues at Wayne State next Friday.