SAULT STE. MARIE – Naba Echols and Donnell Cegers scored in double figures, but the Northern Michigan University men’s basketball team lost to host and GLIAC foe Lake Superior State 65-56 on Thursday night.

Echols tossed in 13 points to go with five steals, while Cegers scored 10 points for NMU (5-12 overall, 3-10 GLIAC). Alex Mustert chipped in nine points and seven rebounds.

For LSSU (14-5, 9-4), Devin Daly notched 16 points. Teammate Akaemji Williams and Jordan Dasuqi added 10 apiece.

The Lakers jumped out to a quick 13-6 lead.

Cegers scored four straight points to pull the Wildcats to within three at 13-10 by the 10:36 mark.

Following an Alex Mustert defensive rebound, Echols beat the buzzer with a half-court shot to send Northern to the dressing room trailing, 25-15.

Lake Superior State added to their lead early in the second half, bringing the score to 29-15 following two made lay ups.

In the second half, Echols knocked down a pair of free throws to cut the Laker lead to eight, at 35-27, with 14:12 remaining.

But the Lakers took advantage of Wildcat missed shots to grow a 55-38 lead with 6:50 to play.

Kenny Williams gave the Wildcats some late energy by rattling off eight-straight points, highlighted by two 3-point jumpers to cut the difference back to 11, at 61-50, with 2:36 to play.

Mustert rounded out the top three with his nine points and seven rebounds.

The Wildcats return to the floor at 3 p.m. Saturday at Northwood.

Information compiled by Senior Sports Writer Craig Remsburg. He can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 251, or via email at cremsburg@miningjournal.net.