ESCANABA, MI – The Bay College Norse (13-6) would build a big first half lead and hold on to take an 86-77 win over Sault College (0-11) on Wednesday night.

The Norse started the game strong, shooting 50% from the floor in the first half, and using defensive pressure to create 12 turnovers to build a lead.  With eight minutes remaining until halftime, the Cougars would trail by just three, but a 24-5 run for Bay College would put them up big heading to the locker room at intermission. 

Down by 22 points to start the second half, Sault College cut into the deficit with an 8-0 run.  The Cougars would flip the script and shoot 52.6% from the floor in the second frame, while the Norse would connect on just 28.6% of their attempts.  The Cougars would cut the lead to just ten with 13 minutes to play, and get as close as seven points down with just over a minute to play.  Sault College was forced to try and extend the game by putting the Norse on the free throw line, and the home team delivered, converting on five of six attempts from the charity stripe down the stretch to seal the win. 

The Norse were led by Tyler Willette (FR, Escanaba, MI), who would score 24 points and grab nine rebounds.  Marcus McKenney (FR, Menominee, MI) scored 14 points, collected six rebounds, and was credited with four assists, while Alfonzo Fields (FR, Milwaukee, WI) and Kobi Barnes (FR, Milwaukee, WI) would score 13 apiece.

Sault College would get a 24 point, seven rebound effort from Fafa Ceesay (SO, Toronto, ON) off the bench.  Declan Stockdale (FR, Australia) added 19 points, nine rebounds, and three assists, while Nate Kwofie (SO, Toronto, ON) would hit three of five from three-point and score 17 points and grab six rebounds.