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
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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 AT PURDUE NORTHWEST
Live stats: Not Currently Available
Video: https://www.wjobnetwork.com/pnw-athletics.html
Audio: https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/ce/wupt
SATURDAY AT PARKSIDE
Live stats: http://nmuwildcats.com/sports/mbkb/2019-20/boxscores/20200111_wpt7.xml
Video: https://portal.stretchinternet.com/nmu/
Audio: https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/ce/wupt
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LAST TIME OUT
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The Wildcats opened 2020 with two GLIAC wins as they defeated Ashland University and Wayne State University. In Thursday win over Ashland, the Wildcats made a season-high 14 three-pointers on their way to a 74-61 victory. They then made 11 threes Saturday against the Warriors and held strong against the WSU second half rally to win 58-55.
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BEHIND THE LINE
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In the team's victory over Ashland, NMU made 14 threes for the most this season. They then added 11 more in Saturday's win over Ashland. Senior Marcus Matelski (Boyne Falls, Mich.) and junior Alec Fruin (Beloit, Wis.) led the way with eight each. Senior Sam Taylor (Chicago, Ill.) aided the effort with four.
As a team, the Wildcats finished the week shooting 40.3% from beyond the arc as seven players made a three.
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A DEFENSIVE STRENGTH
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Senior Myles Howard (Chicago, Ill.) was pivotal to the team's wins, especially on the defensive end. Against Ashland, the two-time GLIAC All-Defensive team selection kept the Eagles' best player to just four points, holding him well below his season average of 20 points a game. He also posted two blocks and eight offensive rebounds. He then followed it by notching three blocks against Wayne State.
The star defender also added 8.5 points per game and 9.5 rebounds per game. Against WSU he tallied his second double-double of the season with 10 points and 10 rebounds. For his career, he has 188 total blocks and is just 24 blocks away from tying the school record.
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GLIAC RANKINGS
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The Wildcats currently lead the Wildcats in defense as they allow the fewest points per game in the GLIAC, allowing their opponent 65.5 points per game. They allow the other team to shoot just 33.1% from the three-point line which is third in the league. They are also helped by the second-fewest turnovers per game as they commit just 10.5 turnovers per contest.
Matelski is ranked third from the three-point line as he is shooting 48.8% and has also made the third most threes in the league with 40. His 40 makes is the most among players shooting over 40%.
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NMU VERSUS PNW
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NMU is 4-0 against PNW all-time which includes a 108-69 victory last season in Marquette, Michigan. The Pride is 6-7 this season but just 1-4 in the GLIAC, getting their first conference win against Northwood University Saturday.
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NMU VERSUS PARKSIDE
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NMU comes into the weekend holding a 3-1 lead in the series after they split last season's meetings. The Rangers dropped both games this past week as they fell to Northwood and Saginaw Valley State University. Parkside will host Michigan Technological University Thursday night.
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50 YEARS OF WOMEN'S SPORTS
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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.
