The No. 11 Michigan Tech Huskies delivered a stunning performance, overpowering the UW-Stout Blue Devils in a decisive victory on Saturday! The final score? A resounding 79-41 in favor of the Huskies, a testament to their dominance at the SDC Gymnasium. But how did they achieve such a commanding lead?
Michigan Tech's impressive performance wasn't just a flash in the pan; it was the continuation of a winning streak. They've now clinched eight consecutive victories, boasting an outstanding overall record of 10-1 and a solid 2-0 standing in the GLIAC.
Leading the charge was Marcus Tomashek, who showcased his scoring prowess with over 20 points for the first time since the season's opening weekend. He was the top scorer with 22 points, hitting 8 of 16 shots, and contributing 3 rebounds and 3 assists. Gabe Smith also made a significant impact, reaching double figures with 14 points and nearly achieving a double-double with 9 rebounds, which led the team. Ty Fernholz was a key playmaker, leading the Huskies with 5 assists, while Jesse Napgezek shined defensively with 3 steals and 5 rebounds.
Coach Josh Buettner acknowledged UW-Stout's resilience, especially considering the challenges they faced. "I want to give a lot of credit to UW-Stout, that's a really good team that was in a tough situation today getting caught in the blizzard and getting in well after their estimated arrival–they had a good game plan and a couple of guys that are hard to guard," he said. He also noted the team's defensive efforts and the importance of regaining their offensive rhythm.
The game started slowly, with both teams combining for only 22 points halfway through the first half. Tomashek then ignited the Huskies' offense, scoring 13 consecutive points to put them ahead 19-16. Despite a close first half, with the Huskies leading 32-28 at halftime, the second half told a different story.
And this is the part most people miss... Michigan Tech's defense clamped down, holding UW-Stout to a mere 6 points in the first 7:40 minutes of the second half, while the Huskies surged with 37 points of their own. Their largest lead reached 38 points, with a final score of 79-41.
The Huskies' shooting accuracy improved dramatically in the second half, hitting 54.8 percent of their shots. They also dominated the boards, out-rebounding UW-Stout 46-37. The bench contributed significantly, scoring 34 points, with Fernholz, Matt Schmainda, and Layne Risdon each making valuable contributions.
For UW-Stout, Tyrel Creger led with 14 points, and Collin Vick grabbed a team-high 6 rebounds.
But here's where it gets controversial... While the Huskies celebrated their victory, some might argue that UW-Stout's travel difficulties impacted their performance. What do you think? Did the Huskies' superior skill and strategy truly overwhelm their opponents, or did external factors play a significant role?
Looking ahead, the Huskies are heading to the Florida Tech Winter Classic, where they'll face Florida Tech and Lynn. The games are scheduled for Friday at 5:00 p.m. and Saturday at 7:00 p.m., respectively. What are your expectations for the Huskies in these upcoming games? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
