MARQUETTE, Mich. - The Northern Michigan University men's basketball team played host to the University of Minnesota Duluth in a Sunday afternoon game, Nov. 28. 

After a physical game between the two foes, NMU fell to 3-3 on the year, by a final score of 76-63. 

STAT LEADERS

Senior guard Max Bjorklund led the 'Cats with a total of 23 points, shooting 66-percent from the free throw line. 

Sophomore Sam Schultz dominated the glass with a team-high six rebounds, and seven other Wildcats had at least three or more boards as well.

FIRST HALF 

Junior Ben Wolf got NMU started defensively, controlling the glass early. 

After UMD got off to a quick start, NMU answered back, knocking down shots from mid-range. 

The Wildcats and the Bulldogs, grabbed a majority of their points off the charity stripe, 10 minutes through the first. 

The two teams battled, as both teams continued to swap the lead as the first quarter reached the seven minute mark for a score of 19-16 in favor of NMU.

Bjorklund energized the NMU bench with a driving layup bringing the 'Cats lead to 25-18. 

The Bulldogs had the ball in the final seconds of the half, knocking one down in the paint to knot the game up at 31-31.

AT THE HALF

Bjorklund led the 'Cats with eight points, shooting 50 percent from the line, and tallying three rebounds to boot. 

Schultz had a team-high five rebounds, three on defense, and two on offense. 

NMU shot 71.4 percent from the free throw line for a total of 10 points. 

The Wildcats edged out the Bulldogs with 25 rebounds to their 18.

 SECOND HALF

UMD came out on fire, knocking down three-point shots from all over to push the lead to 47-39 in favor of the Bulldogs. 

The visiting team continued to carry their energy through the halfway point of the second half, leading 63-54 with just over eight minutes to play. 
 
The Wildcats started to answer back after senior Tre Harvey drained a three-pointer, bringing the game within 10. 

After a late push from the NMU offense, the Bulldogs came away with victory by a score of 76-63.

UP NEXT

After Sunday's matchup, NMU men's basketball takes I-75 down to Midland, Mich. for a weekday matchup against Northwood University. Northern is set to open up GLIAC conference play against the Timberwolves on Thursday, Dec. 2nd.