MARQUETTE, Mich. — The Northern Michigan men's basketball team dropped a 69-56 decision to rival Michigan Tech Monday night at the Berry Events Center.

Jordan Perez and Marcus Hall recorded 16 and 11 points respectively, but the Wildcats couldn't overcome an early deficit to top their rivals.

Northern Michigan jumped out to an early 5-3 lead by the 17:57 mark after Terry Nash made a layup and a three-pointer on back-to-back possessions. The Huskies quickly built a 13-point edge by the 7:36 mark, using a 20-7 run, and never looked back. By the end of the half, during which Kyle Monroe scored 12 of his 19 points, Michigan Tech led, 40-26.

The Wildcats battled their way back into the game in the second half, going on a 14-7 run to cut the deficit to nine, at 59-50, by the 5:32 mark. Highlights of that surge included back-to-back three-point jump shots by Perez and a long three-pointer by Hall. 

Michigan Tech closed out Northern Michigan by making eight of its 10 free throw attempts and giving up only six points. Overall, the Huskies shot 80.5 percent (33-41) from the charity stripe.

Alex Mustert led the Wildcats with seven rebounds and two blocks. Naba Echols and Nash each recorded nine points.

With the loss, the Wildcats fall to 130-76 in the all-time series with the Huskies and 6-13 (4-11 in the GLIAC).

Northern Michigan returns to action Thursday, taking on Grand Valley State at 8 p.m. Fans can grab their free tickets at the Ramada Inn of Marquette as part of the Wildcats' new game-day host program.