MARQUETTE, Mich. - The Northern Michigan University men's basketball team is preparing to open begin the defense of its GLIAC Tournament championship last season, as they'll open up conference play this weekend. The Wildcats will host the Wayne State Warriors on Thursday, December 7 at 7:30 p.m. and Saginaw Valley State Saturday, at 1:00 pm.
Both games will take place in the PEIF Gym and will be available to watch on FloHoops ($) and streamed on 100.3 The Point, with Casey Ford on the call.
Toy Drive on Saturday
The Northern Michigan Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) will be running a toy drive during Saturday's game. Bring new/unopened toys with all donations going to the Salvation Army!
Follow the Action
Follow @NMUMensBBALL and @NMU_Wildcats on Twitter for continuous updates throughout the week.
Thursday, December 7 - vs. Wayne State at 7:30 p.m. (PEIF Gym)
Watch |
Live Stats |
Listen
Saturday, December 9 - vs. SVSU at 1 p.m. (PEIF Gym)
Watch |
Live Stats |
Listen
A Word from Matt Majkrzak
"Offensively, we want to play fast. It's going to be important for us to shoot well to loosen up the defense. These two games are vital if you're going to try to compete for any championships or at-large bids, as they set the tone for the rest of the season."
Last Time Out
The 'Cats pounced on their last opponent ahead of GLIAC play, defeating the Viterbo V-Hawks 86-61.
Dylan Kuehl continued to lead the way offensively for the Cats' scoring 20 points on an efficient 8-9 shooting.
Brian Parzych reeled in nine assists, and
Sam Schultz continued to be a force on the glass, snagging eight rebounds on the night.
As a team, the 'Cats shot over 53.4% from the field (31-58) on the night.
Cat Nips
- Northern is averaging 84.9 ppg while allowing 79.3 ppg. The 84.9 points per game is the third most in the GLIAC. NMU is shooting 47.6% from the floor and 31.6% from downtown. The 'Cats are also averaging 7.4 more rebounds a contest than their opponents, good for 25th in the nation. NMU is only allowing 6.7 offensive rpg, the second best mark among conference teams. NMU's 1.48 assist/turnover ratio is 24th in Division II.
- Sam Schultz leads the GLIAC at 10.0 rebounds/game, which is good for 16th in the country. His 3.6 offensive rebounds/game is 20th across Division II.
- The Green and Gold offense is led by Dylan Kuehl (16.7) and Max Weisbrod (15.3). The two currently sit at fourth and seventh in the GLIAC in scoring. Sam Schultz (12.1), Carson Smith (11.5), and Brian Parzych (11.4), and Riley Brooks (10.6) are also averaging in double-figures.
- Kuehl, who made the All-GLIAC First Team and All-Defensive Team as a redshirt freshman, was named to the GLIAC Preseason First Team. Reigning GLIAC Freshman of the Year Max Weisbrod received Preseason Second Team honors after earning those same honors to end 2022-23.
- The Wildcats are currently 69-50 (.580) under 5th year head coach Matt Majkrzak.
Notes on Wayne State
The Warriors enter the week at 4-2, winning their last four games. Wayne State is 1-1 away from their home court, and have allowed opponents to score over 70 points per game (72.7.) this season while scoring 76.3 ppg themselves.
WSU shoots 49.7% from the field and 31.8% from three. The Warriors are led by senior forward Carmelo Harris who is averaging 15.3 ppg on 41.3% shooting. Sophomore Ray Williams is right behind at 11.7 ppg while leading the team on the glass, pulling down 8.5 boards a contest, good for third in the conference.
Bryan Smothers is at the helm for the Warriors in his 2nd season guiding the program.
Notes on Saginaw Valley State
The Cardinals enter the weekend at 4-2 winning their last four games. SVSU is 1-1 when playing on the road this year. Saginaw Valley averages 85.5 ppg, while holding their opponents to under 70 ppg (67.5).
SVSU shoots 49.5% from the field, and 30.9% from behind the arc. The Cardinals are led by Redshirt Junior guard Alijah Harrison averaging 18.8 ppg, shooting 53.0% from the field. Senior guard Tre Garrett is second on the team averaging 15.2 ppg, shooting 47.6% from the field. Curtis Jackson is second in the GLIAC in assists per game ( 4.3).
SVSU Head Coach Randy Baruth is in 12th season leading the Cardinals.
