×

Michigan Tech ready for challenge of first GLIAC games

HOUGHTON — Michigan Tech’s men’s basketball coach Kevin Luke liked what he saw in his team and their play over the Thanksgiving weekend. The Huskies defeated Alderson Broaddus Friday night, 78-69, and then had a 50-43 come-from-behind win against Gannon University on Sunday.

Both games were part of the Gary Miller Classic in Eerie, Pennsylvania, which the Huskies won.

“Our games are going to be pressure-packed and close throughout the season,” Luke said. “I thought our guys made some strides in regards to executing down the stretch and we progressed defensively as a team.

“We are making big strides. Just in the past two weeks, I can see a difference. We are a much better team.”

In the Alderson Broaddus game, the Huskies held an opponent to under 70 points for the third time this season while the offense came through with some timely shots down the stretch to secure the victory.

Dawson Bilski powered the Huskies’ offense with a career-high 22 points in Friday night’s victory. Bilski was successful on 8-of-16 attempts from the field and 6-of-11 chances from beyong the three-point line.

Heath followed Bilski with 21 points, going 5-of -0 from long distance. Heath also added five rebounds and a pair of assists.

In Saturday’s contest against Gannon, Heath led all-scorers with 18 points in the win, drilling three triples while sinking 7-of-7 attempts at the free throw line. Heath grabbed five rebounds and also dished out three assists.

He combined for 39 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists in the two games Thanksgiving weekend on the way to being named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player.

Owen White followed with a season-high 10 points, a team-best six rebounds, and two blocked shots against Gannon off the bench.

As a team, the Huskies were 18-of-48 from the field (37.5 percent), 6-for-21 from three-point range (28.6 percent), and 8-of-12 at the free throw line (66.7 percent). Tech players combined to deliver 14 assists and the defense blocked four shots.

The Huskies nearly tied a school record for fewest points allowed in a game which stands at 41. That has been accomplished three times by Tech defenses in the history of the program. The most recent occurred against Saginaw Valley State on Dec. 10, 2005. It also happened on Dec. 29, 1976, against Brandon and Dec. 10, 1959, against Northland.

“We’ve been working hard all year long and it is starting to pay off. Good things are starting to happen,” said Luke. Our guys are playing hard and we will back down to no one.”

Coming off the tournament, Luke said that they are working on their offense this week in practice.

“I want our guys to attack the basket,” he said. ” We are missing too many easy shots.”

Luke cannot help but praise the work of Heath, Bilski and sophomore Isaac Appleby.

“These are my team leaders,” said Luke. “So far they have done a fabulous job as they lead by example and communicate well.”

The Huskies will need that leadership and communication as they head into conference play tonight against Saginaw Valley State University (2-2) and Northwood (5-3) on Saturday. Both games are on the road.

“There is not a lot of difference between the teams we’ve played so far and our conference teams. Everybody is tough,” said Luke. “Saginaw has some very good young players as does Northwood. We will have our work cut out for us.”

GAME TIMES

The Huskies and Cardinals tip-off tonight at 8 p.m. On Saturday, the Huskies and Timberwolves take the floor at 3 p.m.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today