MARQUETTE, Mich. - After a week off, the Northern Michigan men's basketball team returns to the hardwood on Tuesday, December 19th at 3 p.m. as they'll welcome the Northwood Timberwolves to town for a non-conference matchup in the PEIF Gym. 


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Tuesday, December 19 - vs. Northwood at 3 p.m. (PEIF Gym)
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Last Time Out
Northern was last in action on December 7th and 9th. After a 71-56 win to start GLIAC play against Wayne State that saw Dylan Kuehl and Brian Parzych each score 24 points, the Wildcats finished the weekend with a 71-56 victory over Saginaw Valley State.

NMU's win over Saginaw Valley was highlighted by Kuehl once again, as he threw down six dunks in a career-performance. He dropped a career high 30 points, added 10 rebounds, and a career-best six blocks to lead the Wildcats just over a week ago. He was named GLIAC Defensive Player of the Week last Monday following his stellar performance.


Cat Nips

• Northern is averaging 82.9 ppg while allowing 76.5 ppg. The 82.9 points per game is second in the GLIAC. NMU is shooting 47.3% from the floor and 33.0% from downtown. The 'Cats are also averaging 6.8 more rebounds a contest than their opponents, good for 26th in the nation. NMU is only allowing 6.9 offensive rpg, the best mark among conference teams. NMU's 1.49 assist/turnover ratio is 18th in Division II. 
• The Green and Gold offense is led by Dylan Kuehl (18.5 ppg), who is second in the GLIAC in scoring. He is shooting an efficient 55.2% this season. Over the last four, he is averaging 24 points a game on an outstanding 66.1% (37-56) field goal percentage with a 77.5% (31-40) two-point FG% in that span. 
• Four other Wildcats are averaging in double figures: Max Weisbrod (13.7), Brian Parzych (12.3), Carson Smith (11.7), and Schultz (10.6). Northern and Ferris State are the only conference teams to have five in double figures. 
• Sam Schultz leads the GLIAC at 10.0 rebounds/game, which is good for 17th in the country. Averaging 10.6 points/game, he is one of 17 in DII to be averaging a double-double. 
• Kuehl was named the GLIAC Defensive Player of the Week on December 11. He made the All-GLIAC First Team and All-Defensive Team as a redshirt freshman, and was named to the GLIAC Preseason First Team this season. Reigning GLIAC Freshman of the Year Max Weisbrod received Preseason Second Team honors after earning those same honors to end 2022-23.
• Northern has played some of the stiffest competition so far this season, with MSU Moorhead (10-0) ranked No. 2 nationally, Minnesota Duluth (8-2) ranked No. 21, and Hillsdale (7-2) receiving votes.
• The Wildcats are currently 71-50 (.587) under 5th year head coach Matt Majkrzak.

Notes on Northwood
The Timberwolves enter the contest at 3-7 overall and 0-3 within the GMAC. They have only played one true road game this season, a 84-77 loss at Saginaw Valley State. 

Northwood shoots 42.2% from the field and 29.5% from three. Of 287 DII teams, Northwood is near the bottom in three point field goal defense (40.2, 281st), rebound margin (-6.0, 271st), and scoring margin (-12.5, 276th). The offense is led by sophomore wing Collin Albert, averaging 16.3/game. Jaylen Hodges (12.4) and Richard Lowe (10.5) are also in double figures. 

NMU pulled off a 81-52 win last year in Midland. Weisbrod had 21, while Kuehl added 16, Najashi Tolefree scored 15, and Jackson Dudek chipped in 13.

Coach Lonnie Griffin is in his fourth season leading the Northwood program.