MARQUETTE, Mich. – Northern Michigan University men's basketball led for most of the first half but ultimately fell to Hillsdale College 61-49 in Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference action.  Freshman guard Jordan Perez led the Wildcats with 13 points, while sophomore guard Marcus Hall added 12.  NMU falls to 9-16 on the year with a 7-12 conference record with the Chargers moving to 11-12 with a 9-10 GLIAC mark.

A Perez three-pointer gave NMU the early 13-8 lead with 11:26 remaining in the half in what was the largest lead of the game for Northern.  The Wildcats rode the small lead to a 24-22 score with 3:30 left before Hillsdale ended the half on a 10-3 run to take the halftime lead at 32-27.

The Chargers bench would outscore the NMU bench 16-2 in the half as the Chargers shot 12-22 (.545) from the field in the opening frame.

The Wildcats went 11-27 (.407) from the field in the half with 4-10 (.400) coming from beyond the arc.  Perez scored nine in the half with senior forward Chavis Mattison pulling down five rebounds.

Hillsdale jumped out in the second half to a 13-point lead at 44-31 with 14:26 remaining, their largest lead of the game.  Northern Michigan then answered scoring nine unanswered to bring the game to a 44-40 tally and 10:59 left to play.

The Chargers were able to hold onto the lead for the remainder of the game going 4-4 from the free-throw line in the final minute to ice the game at a 61-49 final.

Hillsdale outscored NMU 16-2 in the paint in the second half despite the Wildcat defense holding Hillsdale to 11-30 (.367) shooting.

The Chargers held a 39-24 advantage in rebounds for the game grabbing 10 offensive boards and 29 on the defensive end.

Northern Michigan hits the road for the final time this season traveling to Lake Superior State Thursday, Feb. 19 for a 7:30 p.m. tip and Northwood Saturday, Feb. 21 with a 3 p.m. start time.