Great Lakes Wire

Northern Michigan University's men's basketball team has claimed the GLIAC Tournament Championship, defeating Lake Superior State University 78-63. This victory secures them an automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament. The Wildcats, led by head coach Matt Majkrzak, have now won the GLIAC title for the second time in three seasons.

The Wildcats entered the tournament with a 22-9 record and a six-game winning streak. Their path to victory required overcoming top-seeded Michigan Tech and second-seeded Lake Superior State, both of whom they had lost to twice during the regular season.

In their final game against LSSU, Northern Michigan dominated from the start, leading 40-18 at halftime. Despite losing All-GLIAC First Teamer Dylan Kuehl early in the game due to injury, the team put forth a collective effort. Jackson Dudek led with 19 points and nine rebounds, earning him GLIAC Tournament MVP honors.

Julien Smith contributed 15 points with key shots throughout the game. Brian Parzych added 12 points, Gerald Gittens scored 11, and Sam Privet had 10. Northern's defense held LSSU to just 37% shooting overall and only 15% from three-point range.

The Wildcats also excelled in rebounding, outmatching LSSU 44-30 and maintaining a significant lead in second-chance points. As they await their NCAA Tournament opponent announcement during tonight's Selection Show on NCAA.com, NMU looks forward to its third overall GLIAC Tournament title and its eleventh appearance in the NCAA Tournament.