ASHLAND, Ohio — The Northern Michigan men's basketball team fell short of upsetting No. 21 Ashland, dropping an 81-75 decision in its first overtime game of the season Thursday night at Kates Gymnasium.

In the first half, a Kenny Williams jump shot highlighted a five-point run that gave the Wildcats a 16-8 advantage with 11:57 to play. Ashland cut the Wildcat lead to two points, 21-19, by the 7:22 mark. Northern Michigan answered by scoring on back-to-back possessions to take a six-point, 25-19, edge.

Nick Bapst cut the Wildcat lead to three, 29-26, with a three pointer, but Terry Nash found Donnell Cegers on the perimeter to regain the six-point advantage with 3:04 to play in the half. Northern Michigan ultimately headed into the half with a 36-30 lead.

With 15:48 to play in the second half, the Wildcats held a nine-point, 43-34, edge following a 5-0 run highlighted by a Cegers jump shot. Following a Wendell Davis lay up, the Eagles pulled within one, 46-45, at the 10:56 mark. Northern Michigan responded with a 8-0 run highlighted by two Jordan Perez three pointers and a Cegers lay up that put the Wildcats in front, 54-45, with 9:25 remaining.

The Eagles showed composure and took their first lead of the contest after a couple of free throws, 57-56, with 6:02 on the clock. Perez came through once again, stealing back the lead with a jump shot that made it 58-57 Wildcats with 5:16 to play.

Northern Michigan went on a 7-0 run late in the second half, highlighted by a Marcus Hall jump shot to take a 65-58 lead with 1:16 to play. Ashland responded with a clutch free throw and a layup with 17 seconds remaining to send the game into overtime.

In bonus time, the teams traded baskets to tie the game at 70 with 3:29 on the clock. A Williams free throw with 28 seconds on the clock brought the Wildcats within three. Ashland went on to cash in three free throws in the final 27 seconds to put the upset bid out of reach.

Northern Michigan had three players reach the double figures in the points column. Cegers posted a team-high 25 points, his best mark as a Wildcat, while Perez added 22 and Nash contributed 11. Alex Mustert pulled down a team-best 10 rebounds.

With the loss, Northern Michigan moves to 4-7 (2-5 GLIAC) on the season. The Wildcats return the floor Saturday at Lake Erie with tip off set for 3 p.m.