This story, photo are courtesy of NMU Sports Information. Click the AUDIO button to hear RRN's Casey Ford interview Coach Matt Majkrzak.
WISCONSIN DELLS, Wis. – In the first-ever meeting between the programs, the Northern Michigan men's basketball team snapped Northwest Missouri State's five-game winning streak with a commanding 69-51 victory on Sunday.
The Wildcats took control after halftime, outscoring the Bearcats 36-20 and using a decisive 14-2 run out of the break to build a double-digit lead they never relinquished.
It was another dominant performance for graduate forward Dylan Kuehl, who followed his career-high 35-point outburst against Northern State with an 18-point, 16-rebound double-double. His 16 boards left him just one shy of matching his career high. He also chipped in four assists, one block, and one steal.
Northern Michigan balanced its scoring once again, with Jackson Dudek posting 13 points, Cal Klesmit adding 12, and Sam Privet reaching double figures with 10. All eight Wildcats who saw the floor scored and grabbed at least one rebound, contributing to the team's steady production across the rotation. Only Trey Moala (10 points) broke double figures for the Bearcats.
The Wildcats controlled the interior throughout the game, doubling up the Bearcats 48-24 on the glass. That included a 15-4 edge in offensive rebounds, leading to an 18-6 advantage in second-chance points. NMU shot 44.6% (29-65) from the field and 36.4% (8-22) from three, while holding Northwest Missouri State to 35.2% (19-54) overall and 20.0% (3-15) from behind the arc.
NMU's win moves them to 3-1 on the season, as they now prepare for their home opener on Wednesday, November 26. The Bearcats fell to 5-2.
