By Journal Sports Staff

HILLSDALE – Unable to contain Kyle Cooper, the Northern Michigan University men’s basketball team dropped an 85-70 GLIAC decision to host Hillsdale on Saturday.

Cooper poured in 40 points, which included 4 of 5 from 3-point range and 10 of 12 from the free throw line.

Teammate Ryan Badowski added 14 points and 10 rebounds as the Chargers improved to 14-9 overall and 10-9 in league play.

For NMU (6-17, 4-15), Naba Echols tossed in 20 points. Donnell Cegers netted 17 and Alex Mustert contributed 11.

Northern held an early 10-2 lead following an Echols triple at the 16:18 mark. The game was deadlocked at 13 apiece with 13:40 to play in the half.

Later, Hillsdale opened a 36-29 advantage and led at intermission, 39-33.

In the opening minutes of the second half, Mustert found Echols on the perimeter for a triple to bring the Wildcats to within three, 41-38.

Hillsdale went up 19 with 11:49 remaining before Northern trimmed the lead down to 14, at 63-49, following a Marcus Hall three and a Cegers jump shot.

But the Chargers then increased their lead to 21, at 74-53, with 6:33 to play.

The Wildcats made a late push, cutting the Chargers advantage to 79-67, after an Echols layup with 2:42 to play.

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.