Winning a rivalry game is a tough task. Winning a rivalry game down most of the match is an even tougher task. Winning a rivalry game down most of the match conceding two combined runs of 28-0 is nearly impossible. For the No. 16 Northern Michigan Wildcats, two separate runs at the start of the first and second halves hampered NMU’s ability to keep pace with LSSU, who walked away with an upset win on the road for a big GLIAC win.

Even with Northern striking first with a Dylan Keuhl slam to open the game, the Lakers would proceed to score 13 in a row to put the Wildcats in an early 17-4 hole. The ‘Cats were able to scratch and claw their way back into it, holding a 30-28 advantage heading into the locker room at the half. Old habits die hard however, as Lake Superior State came out swinging once again with a 15-0 run to open up half number two. The Lakers managed to build just enough of a cushion to put the game out of reach, leading 50-38 with under twelve minutes of action left. Even with a late run that tied the game at 59, the Wildcats were exhausted from the comeback and couldn’t quite complete the heroics.

“I’ve gone through it in the rankings, I decided it’s the second worst day of my life,” said Head Coach Matt Majkrzak. “I’m extremely disappointed with how we played, extremely disappointed with officiating, extremely disappointed with the outcome.”

A particularly rough day from the three-point line contributed to the Wildcats’ woes, as Keuhl was the only NMU shooter  with more than two attempts to post better than 33% from downtown. Despite the L, Keuhl had one of his best offensive games of the season, leading all players with 26 points on 66% shooting and eight boards. Keuhl would finish the night with seven turnovers, contributing to 12 as a team and giving the Lakers 18 total points off turnovers. Bennett Basich was the only other ‘Cat to post double digits in the scoring column, adding 13 and six rebounds in 29 minutes.

Thankfully, all hope is not lost for a regular season title for NMU. There is now a three-way tie for the top spot in the conference, still competing with Michigan Tech and now Grand Valley State finds themselves in the mix. With only six regular season contests left for the Wildcats, every one of them is critical. The Wildcats will be on the road against Wayne State on Thursday, Feb. 12 at 7:30 p.m. The road trip will continue to Hammond, Ind. for a clash with the Purdue Northwest Pride for a pride-filled Valentine’s Day tilt at 4 p.m.