BLOOMFIELD HILLS, MI – After trailing for large portion of the game, the Bay College Men's Basketball Team (8-2) finished strong, claiming a 65-59 victory over the Oakland Community College Raiders (2-2).

The Norse came out sluggish but found themselves in a battle with their host.  Bay hit on just 28% of their shots in the first half, including two of nine from three. 

Oakland didn't prove to be much better, hitting on 32% of their attempts from the field.  Despite that they would go on a run late in the half, pounding the ball inside, and the Norse trailed by eight at halftime.

The Norse entered the second half in offensive lull.  The Raiders took advantage and built a 21-point lead midway through the second half. 

The Norse would have to grind it out to get back in the game, but slowly closed the gap.  After a big defensive stop, thanks in part to Marcus Harris (SO, Brimley, MI).  Harris would make that stop count moments later, draining a three-pointer to give the Norse their first lead of the game since early in the first half.

Oakland regained the lead and used some pressure to slow the Norse momentum.  With time winding down, Bay grabbed the proverbial bull by the horns and took control of the matchup.

A pair of free throws gave the Norse a 56-55 lead.  After a stop, Jaylen Falniken (FR, Troy, MI), making his first college appearance in his hometown area, received a pass and finished at the rim after being fouled.  He connected on the ensuing free throw attempt, making the score 59-55.

After yet another stop, Bay would look to the paint again.  This time Aloung Kang (SO, Apple Valley, MN) got the basket as a whistle blew.  The call was for a flop, the second of the game on that player, and Jacquez Overstreet hit the free throw to finish off the second consecutive three-point possession for Bay, making the score 62-55.

The Norse continued their defensive effort, forcing tough looks for Oakland.  They would finally hit a jumper with just over 20 seconds left to pull within six, but Bay hit their free throws in the waning minutes to hold the lead.  The Raiders hit a buzzer-beating meaningless shot to make the final a six-point spread in favor of the Norse.

"The guys battled," commented Head Coach Matt Johnson.  "It shows a lot about our character and grit.  We fought hard last night and make a run, but it was too little, too late.  Then tonight we got down by 21, it would have been easy to roll over and die, but our kids dug deep and worked their tails off.  This a great team win, I am very proud of the effort."

Bay's offense found its footing in the second half.  They finished shooting 38% from the floor. 

Flaniken finished with 16 points and four rebounds to lead the Norse.  Harris was three of six from behind the three-point arc on his way to 11 points.  Dian Gatluak (SO, Sioux Falls, SD) earned a double-double, scoring ten points and grabbing 11 rebounds.

Muhammed Zoure (SO, Troy, MI) led the Raider attack with 13 points, six rebounds, and nine blocked shots.  Clifford Barrow (FR, Dearborn, MI) finished with ten points and five rebounds.

The Norse will welcome Alpena Community College into town on Wednesday evening.  That game is scheduled for a 7 pm tip.