SAULT STE. MARIE — The Northern Michigan University men’s basketball team lost for the fourth time in five games after suffering an 82-68 setback at Lake Superior State on Thursday night.

The defeat tightened things up in the GLIAC standings, with five teams now at 8-8 — the Wildcats, LSSU, Ashland, Saginaw Valley State and Northwood. They tied for fifth place behind Michigan Tech, Davenport, Ferris State and Grand Valley State. Four of the five 8-8 teams would make the conference tournament if it started today.

The Wildcats found themselves in a three-point deficit at halftime with the Lakers holding a 37-34 advantage.

LSSU quickly increased its lead after that, getting its margin up to 13 points at 55-42 barely 4 1/2 minutes into the second half.

Marcus Matelski led Northern with 17 points while Myles Howard finished with 11.

NMU shot 39 percent from the field, going 24 of 61. LSSU was 30 of 54 for 55 percent.

The Lakers were much better from beyond the arc, sinking 13 triples on 21 attempts for nearly 62 percent. NMU was just 30 percent from range, with 12 of 40 attempts going through the hoop.

The Wildcats visit No. 23 Ferris State (23-5, 12-4 GLIAC) at 1 p.m. Saturday.

Information compiled by Journal Sports Writer Ryan Spitza. Email him at sports@miningjournal.net.