By Journal Sports Staff

MARQUETTE – The Northern Michigan University men’s basketball team started off well Saturday, but was left brokenhearted as Hillsdale came from behind to win, 61-49, at the Berry Events Center in Marquette.

Freshman guard Jordan Perez led the Wildcats with 13 points, while sophomore guard Marcus Hall added 12.

NMU falls to 9-16 overall on the year and 7-12 in the GLIAC. The Chargers are now 11-12 and 9-10, respectively.

A Perez 3-pointer gave NMU a 13-8 lead with 11:26 remaining in the half in what ended up being the largest lead of the game for the Wildcats.

Northern maintained a small lead until there was 3:30 left when Hillsdale ended the half on a 10-3 run to take the halftime lead at 32-27.

The Chargers’ bench then outscored the NMU bench 16-2 in the half as the Chargers shot 12 of 22 (.545) from the field in the opening frame.

Hillsdale jumped out in the second half to a 13-point lead at 44-31 with 14:26 remaining, its largest lead of the contest.

NMU then answered by scoring nine unanswered points to bring the game to a 44-40 tally with 10:59 left to play.

However, the Chargers held onto their lead for the remainder of the game, going 4-for-4 from the free-throw line in the final minute to ice the game at a 61-49 final.

NMU hits the road Thursday when it takes on Lake Superior State.

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.