Holland Reporter

The Grand Valley State men's basketball team secured a spot in the GLIAC Championship game after defeating Northern Michigan with a score of 92-77. The victory on Saturday, March 9th, improved the Lakers' season record to 16-14.

William Dunn led the scoring for the Lakers with 23 points, hitting seven out of ten shots and five out of seven from beyond the arc. Britain Harris contributed significantly with his first double-double of the season, scoring 20 points and grabbing 13 rebounds. Harris also made two three-pointers and provided three assists. Marius Grazulis added 14 points, while Trevor Smith scored 13 points, making five out of six free throws.

The Lakers displayed strong shooting performance, achieving a field goal percentage of 55% and making 12 out of their 21 three-point attempts for a rate of 57%. They were also efficient from the free throw line, converting 18 out of their 21 attempts. In addition to their shooting prowess, GVSU outrebounded Northern Michigan by a margin of six (34-28) and blocked six shots compared to none by their opponents.

Both teams shot well in the first half, with Northern Michigan leading at halftime with a scoreline of 49-42. The Wildcats had shot at an impressive rate of 58% from the field and made nearly half (46%) of their three-point attempts during this period. Meanwhile, GVSU shot at rates of 50% from both overall field goals and beyond the arc.

In the second half, GVSU started strong with a quick run that gave them a lead they would not relinquish for long stretches. Dunn's eight early points helped establish momentum which was carried forward by Harris who scored eight consecutive points himself. Despite Northern Michigan's efforts to regain control through runs like their own late-game surge that brought them within three points, key plays such as Smith's crucial three-pointer kept GVSU ahead.

Ultimately, GVSU closed out the game decisively with a final four-minute stretch where they went on a dominant run to secure victory. Mason Docks' timely three-pointer in these closing moments ensured that GVSU maintained its lead into double digits.

With this win under their belt, GVSU moves forward to compete in tomorrow’s GLIAC Championship game scheduled for March 10th at Marquette against either Ferris State or Wayne State.