This story was produced by NMU Sports Information

DULUTH, Minn.---The Northern Michigan men's basketball team dropped the 2015-16 regular season opener, 79-67, to the Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs in non-conference action Tuesday evening at Romano Gymnasium.

Northern Michigan didn't waste time getting on the scoreboard as they were able to start on a 7-0 run highlighted by a Jordan Perez three pointer. The Wildcats would hold a one point lead at the 12:45 mark, 16-15. Northern Michigan would then hit back-to-back shots from downtown to expand their lead, 22-15.

The Wildcats would hold a six point lead at the 10:09 mark coming off of a Terry Nash three pointer. The Bulldogs would begin what would be a 13 point run to steal the lead. The Wildcats would head into halftime trailing the Bulldogs, 46-33.  

Northern Michigan would struggle to find rhythm on offense coming out of the half. Duluth would take advantage of the Wildcats struggles to grow an 11 point lead, 53-42, at the 15:23 mark.

The Wildcats would not roll over for the Bulldogs, a Marcus Hall lay-up and Perez three pointer would chip the Duluth lead down to single digits, 67-59, at the 5:43 mark of the second half. Northern Michigan would continue to drive to the basket and find themselves at the free throw line, Alex Mustert would knock down one of his free throws to cut the Bulldog lead to five, 64-69, with 3:33 remaining. Duluth would not let the Wildcats narrow the lead down any further and would go on to win, 79-67.  

Naba Echols and Perez would put in a full nights work for the Wildcats, logging 38 minutes each. Echols would post 16 points while Perez would add 12 points of his own. Nash would also contribute 13 points and 4 assists to the Wildcats effort.

Northern Michigan would score 34 points in the paint and score 16 points off of turnovers.

The Wildcats will return to action when they travel to Kentucky to participate in the Kentucky Wesleyan Classic. Northern Michigan will square off with Ky. Wesleyan Nov. 27 at 3:15 p.m.