Last week NMU traveled north to Houghton to face off against longtime rival Michigan Tech to wrap up the end of the season. The ‘Cats came away with a 65-57 win against them for the second time this season.

“Go as hard as you can to the rim and beat your guy one-on-one because we’re better individually than they are,” said Head Coach Matt Majkrzak. “I don’t like playing that way, I don’t think that’s our long-term formula for success, but in that game, I felt like we had no other choice.”

Wildcat Dylan Kuehl had 15 points and 15 rebounds for a double-double alongside guard Max Bjorklund who also added 15 points for NMU. Sophomore guard Brian Parzych was also back in the lineup for the ‘Cats giving them a huge boost before the tournament.

“It’s just different having him back out there,” Majkrzak said. “It changes our team. He’s special in all ways, basketball being one of them, but just having him back just gives us that edge back.”

Parzych ended up playing double the minutes Majkrzak had originally planned which was a great sign for NMU. Parzych had five points, two assists and two rebounds in just 14 minutes.

“When that kind of becomes a collective group thing, that’s when the beauty of basketball happens and we’re getting there,” Majkrzak said. “We’re getting closer. We have moments, but I still think that’s where we have a lot of room to improve.”

NMU has gone 6-1 in the last seven games down the stretch as they prepared for the GLIAC tournament. Majkrzak understands that the team is doing well but that they have room for improvement.

Majkrzak realized that the team was not able to look past Saginaw Valley and the team was prepared headed into the Wednesday night matchup between NMU and the Cardinals in the first round of the GLIAC tournament. The ‘Cats handled their business with a 75-66 win in the Berry to advance to the second round against Ferris State in Big Rapids this Saturday at 3 p.m.

Guard Max Bjorklund led the way for the ‘Cats with 23 points and Dylan Kuehl added another 19-point double-double with 10 rebounds. Guard Max Weisbrod also added 14 points and six rebounds for the ‘Cats in the nine-point win.