ESCANABA, MI – The Bay College Men's Basketball Team (6-1) hosted the Milwaukee Area Technical College Stormers (8-2) on Saturday afternoon in what turned out to be a thrilling matchup.  Bay led for the majority of the matchup, but the defending national champions and number nine ranked visitors led when it mattered, escaping Escanaba with an 88-87 victory.

The game had all of the expectations of being an instant classic.  The Bay Norse finished last season with an incredible run, going undefeated in conference play and finishing just one game short of a national tournament berth.  The Stormers have been a step ahead of the Norse since the beginning however, having come out on top of the previous eight matchups, often times by double-digits.  That being said, it seemed as though it was finally the time for Bay, building off the success of the previous year and the additions to this year's roster gave this game a feel as though it would be a fantastic matchup.

This game quite easily lived up to its billing from the start.  Both teams came out shooting the ball well, with Bay knocking down 43.9% of their shots in the first half and MATC hitting at a 48.3% clip.  The Norse looked to be in control early and led by as many as ten mid way through the first period.  The Stormers showed why they are ranked and closed the gap, taking the lead with just over four minutes remaining in the half.  The back and forth continued with Bay clinging to a 41-35 lead at the half. 

The second half mimicked the first one, with Bay holding the lead through much of it.  The Norse led by as many as eight in the early stages of the final period, but true to form, the Stormers fought back.  MATC tied the game for the first time in the second half with just over seven minutes left in the game. 

Bay responded and quickly made it a five-point game.  The two teams spent the next period of time going back and forth, with the Norse formulating an answer to every basket, holding a two-possession lead until late. 

With just under two minutes to play, the Norse opened the door just a bit, and MATC took advantage.  With Bay up 86-83 the home team came up empty and ended up fouling on the ensuing possession.  The Stormers split a pair of free throws, cutting the lead to two, but on the miss on the second attempt, Ke'Varius Taylor (SO, Tallahassee, FL) pulled down the rebound and converted the putback attempt, tying the game at 86 with a minute left to play.

Bay's next possession ended in free throws, but they were only able to get one of the two to fall.  MATC attacked quickly.  Cyrus Little (FR, East Moline, IL) got a full head of steam to attack the rim from the right side after his defender gambled and missed on the pass he received at the wing.  Despite being contested on the block, Little was able to get an acrobatic shot high off the glass and in to give the Stormers an 88-87 lead with about 30 seconds to play.  It was the first time MATC had led in the contest since the 4:22 mark in the first half.

The Norse elected not to use a timeout and allow the Stormers a chance to set up their defense.  The result was a great look down low for the Norse, that rimmed out.  A putback attempt also fell short.  When the home team finally got a shot to fall, it was released just after the buzzer and did not count, resulting in a heartbreaking defeat for the home team.

Milwaukee Area Tech led in the game only four times, and all of them were short-lived leads, but ended up on top when the time ran out to steal an 88-87 victory.

Bay had all five starters finish in double figures scoring.  Joshua Ofori (FR, Shakopee, MN) was the leader for Bay with 21 points and seven rebounds.  Brian Gillespie (FR, Benton Harbor, MI) picked up a double-double with 16 points and ten rebounds.  Ryan Sweeney (FR, Green Bay, WI) also had 16 points and grabbed eight rebounds.  Nic Williams (FR, La Crosse, WI) added 14 points, while Baril Mawo (SO, Manchester, NH) added 13 points and six rebounds.

Jayquan Hickles (FR, Milwaukee, WI) led the Stormers with 21 points and five rebounds.  Taylor chipped in 18 points while Shamman Artis (SO, Charlotte, NC) added 11 points and five rebounds.  Brionne Williams (SO, Milwaukee, WI) finished with ten points.

After suffering their first loss of the season, the Norse will look to rebound next weekend in Illinois.  They visit Morton College on Friday evening for an 8 pm matchup.  On Saturday the Norse finish the trip with a matchup against Oakton Community College at 4 pm.