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HOUGHTON, Mich. - The Northern Michigan University Men's Basketball team prepares for their biggest game since 2000, as they clash with Davenport for the GLIAC title on Sunday (March 6) at 2:30 p.m. The game will be played in Houghton at Michigan Tech.
This is the first time since 2000 that the Wildcats have made it to the championship game, the last time they brought home the trophy. The Green and Gold will look to claim their second GLIAC title on Sunday.
Winners of nine in a row, NMU will match up with the GLIAC's second hottest team in Davenport. The Panthers have been victorious their last six outings, including a road win in the quarterfinals at Ferris State and a comeback win in the semifinals over Saginaw Valley State.
NMU comes into the game 18-11 on the season while Davenport is 16-13.
WEEKLY NOTES:
FOLLOW ALONG
Follow @NMU_Wildcats on Twitter for continued coverage throughout the week and during the games. Fans can follow the action live using the live stats and video links below.
Sunday vs Davenport
Live Stats: bit.ly/3BIee07
Video: bit.ly/3pudarJ
Radio: bit.ly/3vGPDHP (Max Stevens on the call)
2022 GLIAC TOURNAMENT
GLIAC Quarterfinals (March 2)
No. 8 Davenport 91, No. 1 Ferris State 90
No. 4 Saginaw Valley State 70, No. 5 Grand Valley State 58
No. 3 Northern Michigan 99, No. 6 Lake Superior State 94 (OT)
No. 2 Michigan Tech 66, No. 7 Parkside 53
GLIAC Semifinals (March 5)
No. 8 Davenport 98, No. 4 Saginaw Valley State 80
No. 3 Northern Michigan 78, No. 2 Michigan Tech 71
GLIAC Championship (March 6)
No. 8 Davenport vs No. 3 Northern Michigan at 2:30 p.m.
SEMIFINALS VS MICHIGAN TECH
NMU came up with a big road win in the GLIAC Semifinals, defeating Michigan Tech on their home court 78-71.
Max Bjorklund had another memorable game, recording 35 points on 13-23 shooting to power the 'Cats past the Huskies and the MTU faithful.
Max Bjorklund paced the 'Cats with 35 points on 13-23 shooting. He also shot 6-6 from the free-throw line.
Ben Wolf chipped in 14 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks.
Nick Wagner added 13 points, shooting 3-5 from downtown.
SCOUTING THE PANTHERS
Davenport is coming off a pair of impressive wins to reach the title game. In the semifinals vs. Saginaw Valley State, the Panthers stormed back after trailing 24-8 early and by eight at the half. DU dominated the second half for a 98-80 victory. Center Luke Maranka poured in 28 points while grabbing 10 boards. Jarrin Randall added 19 points for the Panthers.
In the quarterfinals, Davenport upset No. 1 Ferris State 91-90. Chris Rollins and Jarrin Randall combined for 45 points.
Davenport is winners of six straight, only second to NMU's nine straight in the conference.
STAT LEADERS
- Max Bjorklund leads the team in scoring, averaging 17.0 per game, good for 6th in the GLIAC. John Kerr (12.2) and Justin Brookens (11.3) are also averaging double-figures for the 'Cats.
- Max Bjorklund leads all GLIAC players shooting 46.5% from beyond the arc.
- John Kerr owns a 57.0 shooting percentage, good for 4th in the GLIAC.
- John Kerr, who owns 86 offensive rebounds and 147 on the defensive side, leads the Wildcats on the glass with 233 total boards.
- NMU averages over 80 PPG, good for second in the GLIAC.
MATCHUP HISTORY
Northern has won each game against the Panthers this season.
The Wildcats defeated DU 91-79 at home and 81-75 in Grand Rapids.
John Kerr is averaging a double-double against Davenport this season with 13.5 points and 10.5 rebounds.
WITH A WIN
With a win on Sunday, NMU will claim their first GLIAC title since 2000 and earn an automatic bid for the NCAA Tournament.
