Northern Michigan University’s John Kerr, right, takes a jump shot from the paint during the second half of a game against St. Cloud State on Nov. 27 at the Berry Events Center in Marquette. (Photo courtesy NMU)

DETROIT — Forward John Kerr had an emphatic double-double with game highs of 21 points and 17 rebounds to lead the Northern Michigan University men’s basketball team to an 88-78 victory at Wayne State on Saturday afternoon.

The Wildcats (7-8, 3-5 GLIAC) had particular success from long range in the first half, making 9 of 14 on 3-pointers to build a 48-32 halftime lead.

While NMU’s 3-point shooting went cold in the second half — 0 of 10 — the Wildcats finished strong shooting the ball overall, making 29 of 60 for 48 percent, along with 21 of 30 free throws for 70 percent.

The Warriors (2-9, 1-7) held their only lead for 17 seconds in the first minute of the game. NMU’s Nick Wagner made a layup 33 seconds in to tie it 2-2, then Brian Parzych made a steal and a layup off the ensuing fast break just 11 seconds later as Northern was off to the races.

When Justin Brookens hit a triple with 12:39 left in the first half, NMU had its first double-digit lead at 21-10. Wayne State cut its deficit to eight points on several occasions after that, but Northern still built its advantage to 16 points by halftime.

The Warriors didn’t give up, however. Kerr made a layup just 16 seconds into the second half for NMU’s biggest lead, 50-32, and the Wildcats still led 68-53 with 9:01 to go after a Kerr free throw.

Then Wayne State went on a 7-0 run to cut its deficit to eight points, 68-60, with 5:27 left. The Warriors got as close as seven, 76-69 with 1:52 left, before NMU’s Carson Smith made a layup then two free throws 21 seconds apart soon after to insure the Northern victory.

Kerr was efficient as a shooter, making 7 of 9 field goals and 6 of 7 free throws.

Coming off the bench, Brookens finished with 16 points, including a pair of 3s, and three assists. Smith followed up with 14 points and seven rebounds, while Wagner had 11 points, including three 3s.

Schultz added a game-high six assists and eight rebounds to go with nine points.

Brailen Neely paced the Warriors with 20 points and six assists, while teammate Antonio Marshall had 18 points, including 5 of 5 on triples, while adding seven rebounds and two steals.

Northern returns home this week to open a four-game homestand with Davenport at 7:45 p.m. Thursday and Grand Valley State at 3:15 p.m. Saturday.

After a Jan. 29 game entertaining Northwood, the Wildcats host Michigan Tech for their annual Upper Peninsula rivalry game at 7:45 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 31.

Information compiled by Journal Sports Editor Steve Brownlee. His email address is sbrownlee@miningjournal.net.