Finlandia University’s Dylan Underwood works his way past Gogebic’s Louis Bogda on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2020, in Hancock, Mich. (Paul Peterson/For the Gazette)

HANCOCK — The longest losing streak in Finlandia University men’s basketball history came to an end Wednesday night.

The Lions (1-20) scored a 91-77 victory over Gogebic Community College at Paavo Nurmi Center to end a 42-game losing streak.

FU coach Sam Casey said he was happiest for his team.

“These kids come in every day and work their fannies off in practice,” the first-year coach said. “I’m just happy they have something to show for that effort.”

The win over GGC didn’t come easily, particularly in the opening 20 minutes of play.

But the hot shooting of junior guards of Tristan Johnston and Dylan Underwood carried the locals in the second half.

Samsons’ coach Dennis Mackey said the Lions shot the ball “very well in the second half.”

“They (Lions) were hitting everything they put up,” Mackey said. “Especially Tristan Johnston — he was on fire.”

For the record, Johnson finished with a game-leading 30 points — 21 of those in the second half. He knocked down a sharp 10 of 15 from long range.

“We know that Tristan was capable of that kind of shooting,” Casey said. “He does it all the time in practice.”

Underwood was his usual reliable self with 18 points. He also handed out a game-best 11 assists.

Sparked by the outside shooting of Raquentez Woodley and some good work by Mitchell Borseth, the Samsons led a good part of the first half.

But a pair of free throws and a slam dunk by Devin Moultrie of FU put his team ahead by a 40-39 margin at halftime.

With Joe Heinonen and Johnston showing the way, Finlandia surged into a 60-49 lead early in the second half and was never headed.

Any doubts about the outcome were squelched when Heinonen hit back-to-back baskets and Johnston connected on three straight treys to help turn a 80-72 lead into an 85-74 cushion with three minutes left.

In addition to the big games by Johnston and Underwood, the Lions received 15 points from Heinonen and 13 points and 10 rebounds from Moultrie.

Gogebic was led by 25 points from Woodley, but only eight of those came in the second half.

Borseth, the former Ontonagon High standout, collected 20 points, seven points and five assists in a solid showing.

Lyle Dachau and Jared Janczak each had 14 points for GCC.

Casey feels the win could pay dividends in the future.

“They know now they can win games,” he said. “You have to have that confidence.”

The Lions travel to Family Home Christian on Saturday.

Gogebic 39 38 — 77

Finlandia 40 51 — 91

GOGEBIC (77): Dachau 14, Borseth 20, Woodley 25, Janczak 14, Ige 1, Khan 3. FG:29-58. FT: 9-14. Rebounds: 49 (Janczak 8) Fouls: 17. Fouled out: None. 3-point FG: Borseth 4, Woodley 4, Khan 1, Dachau 1.

FINLANDIA (91): Heinonen 15, Johnston 30, Moultrie 13, Underwood 18, Hendrickson 6, Oom 2, Kirksey 7. FG: 32-79. FT: 7-13. Rebounds: 43 (Moultrie 10). Fouls: 17. Fouled out: None. 3-point FG: Johnston 10, Underwood 5, Heinonen 2, Hendrickson 2, Kirksey 1.