CANTON, Ohio – The Northern Michigan University men’s basketball team was able to complete a weekend sweep Saturday when they defeated Malone, 68-65.

Thursday, coach Bill Sall’s wildcats beat Walsh University, 70-61.

Saturday, the Wildcats (4-4, 2-0 GLIAC) used some key scoring from their bench as well as some good shooting from the field to get the victory.

Chavis Mattison and Marcus Hall led NMU with 14 points apiece, while three other Wildcats finished in double figures – Alex Sorenson (13), Terry Nash (11) and Jordan Perez (10).

Mattison also picked up a double-double after swiping 10 rebounds.

NMU took an early 14-3 lead and stayed in front for the rest of the first half, although Malone (3-3, 1-1) made a late run to cut the Wildcats’ advantage down to three points at 33-30.

The second half was a see-saw battle until the Wildcats went on a 12-3 run to take a 52-43 lead.

Malone whittled the lead down to two at 57-55, but NMU was able to score eight straight points to clinch the win.

NMU next plays Findlay (Ohio) at home Saturday at the Berry Events Center.

Wildcat women tumble

The Northern women of coach Troy Mattson were able to come back from a halftime deficit, but were unable to come out with a victory as they fell to host Malone Saturday, 52-48.

Courtney Lemon led the Wildcats with 11 points. Alyssa Colla picked up a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds.

Turnovers were the story of the game as the Pioneers forced the Wildcats (3-2, 1-1 GLIAC) to make 18 of them. Malone then got 13 points off of those mistakes.

Malone took a 14-6 lead early in the first half and was able to stay ahead until the break.

NMU was able to take its first lead with 15 minutes to play in the second half thanks to a 10-0 run. The game then went back-and-forth the rest of the way.

The Wildcats were able to cut the Pioneers’ lead to two points at 50-48, but Malone sank its free throws down the stretch.

NMU next hosts Findlay (Ohio) Saturday at the BEC.

Information compiled by Journal Sports Writer Ryan Stieg. He can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 246. His email address is rstieg@miningjournal.net.