Michigan Tech junior Carter Johnston (15) shoots against Saginaw Valley State on Feb. 6, 2021, in Houghton, Mich. (David Archambeau/For the Gazette)

HOUGHTON — The Michigan Tech men’s basketball program will take their 8-3 record south this weekend to face the Davenport University Panthers.

It will be the first time the Huskies will be on the road after being at home the last two weeks.

Tip off is set for 5 p.m. on Friday and 1 p.m. on Saturday.

According to Tech head coach Kevin Luke, this year’s road trips are a mixed blessing.

“On the one hand, it is a challenge to be back on the road. It is a long trip to Davenport,” he said.

“However, given the nature of this pandemic year there are some advantages. We are all together. We are a tight-knit group and that allows us to focus well.”

Luke said this year has caused some interesting team dynamics given the sped-up nature of the season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“There are only a couple of weekends left,” he said. “We are really focused on taking care of ourselves. We have a lot to accomplish in a short period of time, and it has been a challenging season in that regard. We still got guys who are vying for starting spots during our practices, and that is strange at this point in the season.”

As for the Panthers, Luke said that their losing record does not tell the whole story.

“They really have a nice club, and I think they are playing better basketball than where they started off.”

Davenport (3-8) is averaging 68 points per game. From the field, they are shooting 40 percent and from three-point range they are at 32 percent. Chris Rollins is their top scorer averaging 17 points per game.

The Huskies will head into this weekend averaging 66 points per game. They are shooting 46 percent from the floor and 40 percent with the three pointer. Owen White continues to lead the Huskies at 20 points per game.

Luke noted “We will continue to do the little things this weekend as they add up to big things on the court.”