MARQUETTE, Mich. – Northern Michigan University Men's Basketball returns to action this week and resumes Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference play as they host Ashland University Thursday night and Wayne State University Saturday afternoon in the Berry Events Center.

WEEKLY NOTES

FOLLOW ALONG

Fans can follow the action using video, live stats and audio.

Follow @NMU_Wildcats on Twitter for continued coverage throughout the week.

THURSDAY VS. ASHLAND, 5:30 P.M.

Live stats: http://nmuwildcats.com/sports/mbkb/2019-20/boxscores/20200102_izuj.xml

Video: https://portal.stretchinternet.com/nmu/

Audio: https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/ce/wupt

SATURDAY VS. WAYNE STATE, 1 P.M.

Live stats: http://nmuwildcats.com/sports/mbkb/2019-20/boxscores/20200104_7b9c.xml

Video: https://portal.stretchinternet.com/nmu/

Audio: https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/ce/wupt

LAST TIME OUT

The Wildcats ended the 2019 calendar year by hosting Hillsdale University and Ripon College but dropped both matchups. Two student-athletes recorded double digits against the Chargers but NMU fell to Hillsdale 70-52. Against Ripon, the Wildcats featured five with double figures, including two with 15 points each but it wasn't enough as Northern Michigan fell 80-75.

SCORING POINTS

While the Wildcats saw multiple players reach double figures in each of the last two games, three players averaged over 20 points in the two matchups. Sophomore Dolapo Olayinka (Chicago, Ill.) led the way with 11.5 points, scoring 10 points against Hillsdale and 15 against Ripon. Senior Sam Taylor (Chicago, Ill.) and freshman Noah Parcher (La Crosse, Wis.) both averaged 10 points over the week. Taylor tied Olayinka with 15 points and the team's lead against Ripon. Parcher tallied 11 points with Hillsdale and nine with Ripon.

CRASHING THE BOARDS

NMU outrebounded both opponents in their final week of action in 2019, grabbing 70 rebounds to their 68. On the offensive glass, the Wildcats held a 25-5 advantage, led by senior Myles Howard (Chicago, Ill.) and Olayinka who both snagged six each. Taylor aided the effort with five offensive rebounds. Against the Red Hawks in the final game of 2019, NMU took a 14-1 advantage and also led Hillsdale on the boards by an 11-4 advantage.

MAKING SHOTS

The men's team is averaging more made baskets a game than their opponents this season. The squad is averaging a total of 24.1 made shots per game while only allowing 23.3 made shots per outing. Behind the arc sees NMU boast 8.2 made three pointers with opponents making just 43.7. The Wildcats also are shooting a high percentage from deep as well since they boast a 35.2% average and opponents are making 34.1%.

NMU VERSUS ASHLAND

The Wildcats trail the all-time series 9-18 with the Eagles taking a 55-54 victory the last meeting in the Berry Events Center during the 2017-18 season. The Eagles come into the game at 7-4 in the season after defeating Penn State University Shenango on December 22. The win ended a four-game losing streak for Ashland who is 0-3 in the GLIAC.

NMU VERSUS WAYNE STATE

NMU comes into Saturday's game looking to narrow the all-time series as WSU holds a 40-36 lead after the Warriors have won the past two meetings. Wayne State is 4-3 on the season and 1-2 in the GLIAC after defeating Ashland 69-64 in the final game before the winter break. The Warriors visit Michigan Technological University Thursday before they come to Marquette for Saturday's meeting.

50 YEARS OF WOMEN'S SPORTS

Throughout the 2019-20 season, NMU will celebrate the history of Women's Sports at Northern Michigan. Fans are encouraged to contribute with their favorite and most memorable moments and athletes of NMU women's sports. Please go to THIS LINK to contribute your favorite or most memorable moment and athletes. More information on this year's celebration can be found HERE.