Yellowjackets 92, Northland 83
The Yellowjacket men's basketball team was in action Saturday afternoon, finishing up the first half of their season with UMAC foe Northland College. Riding a two game win streak, the Yellowjackets looked to push it to three against a winless Northland team.
While the Lumberjacks did not make it easy, the Yellowjackets were able to pull away with a victory, to go into the semester break on a high note.
This matchup was a back and forth affair, with neither team able to generate any separation from the other. It appeared as though the Yellowjackets were finally going to break away with just over 12 minutes left in the first half, as they built a 21-13 lead following a Nate Kalien 3-pointer.
Northland went on a run over the next six minutes, slowly chipping away at the Yellowjacket lead, before building a five point lead at 33-28 with 6:08 remaining in the first half. This time the Yellowjackets fought back, tying the game up at 37-37 with 2:36 remaining in the half on a Zach Schradle layup. The hotly contested game went into the half with the Yellowjackets leading 42-41.
The Yellowjackets came out in a flurry the second half, building a 51-41 lead following a Vid Milenkovic layup and free throw. Northland fought their way back again, tying the game up at 71-71 with 5:37 remaining in regulation. Northland then briefly took the lead, before the Yellowjackets went on a run to take an 86-75 lead with 0:54 remaining. The Yellowjackets capitalized on their free throws to end the game, as they defeated Northland 92-83.
As they have all season, Brian Lindblom and Schradle dominated in this matchup. Lindblom followed up a career night Friday with another brilliant performance, finishing with 29 points, seven rebounds, and four assists.
Schradle finished the night with his eight career double-double, finishing with 24 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists.
Milenkovic had 11 points and six rebounds off the bench, while Kalien chipped in 10 points.
Northland was paced by Dan Campion, who finished with 29 points. Rijo Jackson added 19 points, while Bryshaun Brown chipped in 16.
The Yellowjackets shot 56.5% from the field, going 5-8 from beyond the 3-point arc, while hitting 35-46 from the free throw line.
Northland shot 45.3% from the field, going 10-26 from beyond the 3-point arc, while hitting 15-17 from the free throw line.
The Yellowjackets committed six turnovers. Northland committed 10.
Next up for the Yellowjackets (4-4, 2-1 UMAC) is a trip to UW-Green Bay Sunday, December 20 for an exhibition game against the Phoenix. Game time is set for 12:00 p.m.