Warriors push past Huskies in overtime

DETROIT – Nate Abel gave the Huskies the lead with four seconds left in regulation but Antonio Marshall answered with his own triple at the final horn and Wayne State drew separation in overtime to win 72-65 at Wayne State Fieldhouse Saturday afternoon in conference men's basketball.

Michigan Tech led 31-24 at halftime. Freshman Dan Gherezgher provided an offensive spark and Abel received a pair of charges on defense. Tyler Robarge earned a 3-point play opportunity in the lane to help Tech to an 11-point edge. Then Marshall cut the deficit back to three with baskets on three consecutive possessions.

The margin stayed within five for the remaining 16 minutes of the second half, with the teams' taking turns in the lead. Wayne State back on top 58-55 after Avery Lewis's layup at the 2:06 mark but Marcus Tomashek posted a three to tie it again on the Huskies' next possession.

Pete Calcaterra's steal allowed Abel a 3-point attempt with four ticks on the clock from beyond the left wing and the Warriors called timeout following the make. Marshall pulled up from the right side in space and rattled in a three as time expired.

Gherezgher hit a jump shot to strike first in overtime. Then multiple turnovers slowed the pace. Marshall's three with 54 seconds left made it 67-65 Wayne State and the Warriors held on with five made free throws to close it out.

"This one hurts. We played well enough to win and I am proud of the effort and urgency we played with," commented head coach Josh Buettner. "The responsibility falls on my shoulders to make sure our young team is better prepared in late-game situations."

Lewis led all players with 25 points (8-14) and Antonio Marshall finished with 18, including 4-for-6 from beyond the arc. Marcus Tomashek paced the Huskies with 17 points (7-15) with Gherezgher (14 pts) and Abel (11 pts) also made it to double-figures.

WSU outscored Tech 11-4 in overtime to improve to 5-7, 2-3 GLIAC. Michigan Tech dropped to 3-11, 1-5 GLIAC as they continue the search for their first road win.

The Huskies shot 35-percent from the field (26-74), including 36-percent (9-25) from long range. Wayne State won the boards battle 47-45 but Tech committed nine turnovers, compared to WSU's 11. Abel played a season high 52 minutes off the bench and was an efficient shooter (4-7) with five rebounds and a pair of assists.

The Warriors put up 32 points in the paint with MTU at 28. Wayne State made 34 trips to the free throw line and converted 22 (65-percent). The Huskies managed 4 of 6 free throws.

Michigan Tech returns to Houghton to play Finlandia Wednesday, January 11 at 6 p.m. Wayne State plays at Grand Valley State in Allendale on Thursday.