ALBION, Mich. – The Northern Michigan University men's basketball was defeated by Albion College on Saturday (Nov. 16) in the championship game of the Mike Turner Tip-Off Classic. The Britons took the non-conference game, 83-76 to put NMU at 1-1 on the season.

In the first half, the Wildcats trailed for the first six minutes, when a free throw by freshman forward Dorrell Foster gave NMU a 9-7 lead, its first of the game. From there, the Wildcats led until nine minutes remaining in the half. A made three point jumper by Albion's Lawrence Ridgell gave the Briton's a 17-16 lead. The game remained within four points for the half as Albion led 38-36 at halftime.

The second half opened on a pair of free throws by Albion's Jordan Herron. However, NMU answered back on the next play on a jumper by freshman guard Marcus Hall to keep the score within two points as Albion led 40-38. Though Albion led for the rest of the game, the Wildcats stayed within reach for much of the second half, trailing by 12 points or less.

Hall led NMU with 24 points on seven two-pointers, a three-pointer and was 7-for-8 at the free throw line. Junior guard Ethan Blackwell entered the double digits with 12 points off the bench. The Wildcats shot 29-for-57 (50.9 percent) and were 15-for-29 (51.7 percent) from the free throw line. Junior forward Justin Newell, freshman forward Brett Branstrom and Foster each pulled down five rebounds on the evening.

For Albion, Eric Evans scored 25 points off the bench, while Lawrence added 19 and Herron had 14. The Britons shot 28-for-58 (48.3 percent) from the floor and were 22-for-33 (66.7 percent) at the charity stripe.

The Wildcats continue non-conference play on Monday (Nov. 18) by hosting Grace Bible College at 7:30 p.m. from the Berry Events Center. Grace College is 2-4 on the season after an 85-70 win over Great Lakes Christian College on Tuesday (Nov. 12). Monday's game will be the first meeting between the two teams.

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