MARINETTE, WI – The Bay College Norse (16-7) would hold on to survive a late comeback attempt from the UW-Marinette Buccaneers on the road Wednesday evening.  The Norse would hold on to take an 83-76 victory.

The Norse looked to be in full control of this matchup early, as they would build a lead in the first half.  After a steal and a basket would get the Buccaneers to within three, Bay College would go on a 12-0 run to open up their biggest lead of the game.  With 5:44 remaining in the first half, the score stood at 28-13 in favor of the Norse.  The offense would go cold at that point, and score just once more as time expired, allowing UW-Marinette to close the gap considerably.  The two teams would go into intermission with Bay leading by a score of 30-23.

Both teams would come out and shoot it well in the second half.  The Norse would be outstanding, hitting 58.1% of their shots.  Meanwhile, Marinette would keep pace, knocking down 42.9% of their opportunities, which included seven of 14 from behind the three-point arc.  Anytime it looked as though their guests would pull away, the Buccaneers were able to hit a big shot to keep them in the game.  A quick 7-0 run by the home team would make the game interesting, as the Norse would cling to a 58-56 lead with 8:16 left to play.  Bay College would take advantage of Buccaneer fouls, and convert seven free throws over the next four minutes.  A 13-5 run over that timeframe would give the Norse back a ten-point lead.

Bay was not able to put the game away just yet.  Marinette would remain in striking distance and with 1:06 remaining Levi Kempka (FR, Menominee, MI) would hit a three that would make it a three-point game.  The Norse would respond.  A drawn out possession would give them exactly what they needed, as it ended with a Dre Tuominen (FR, Negaunee, MI) layup.  A foul with 20 seconds remaining would put the Buccaneers on the line with a chance to get it back to a one-possession game, but they could only convert one of the two attempts.  The Norse would convert their free throw opportunities down the stretch and hold on for the seven-point victory.

Tuominen would lead all scorers with 19 points.  He would also collect four rebounds, five assists, and four steals.  Kobi Barnes (FR, Milwaukee, WI) ended the game with a double-double, scoring 18 points, grabbing 15 rebounds, and blocking five shots.  Alonzo Fields (FR, Milwaukee, WI) added 18 points, five rebounds, five steals, and two blocks, while Marcus McKenney would score 17 points, collect four rebounds, and be credited with two steals and three blocks.

Bay College is at home this weekend.  On Friday night they will welcome Silver Lake College onto campus for an 8 pm tip.  On Saturday afternoon UW-Fox Valley is in town.  That game is scheduled for 3 pm.