MIDLAND, Mich. – DeAndre Taylor nailed a jumper with a second left go give the Northern Michigan University men’s basketball team its second win in a row and second win of the season over the Northwood Timberwolves. Five Wildcats were in double figures as NMU defeated Northwoood, 73-71, from the Bennett Center on Thursday (Feb. 24) evening.

Both teams had three opportunities to take the lead but Benson grabbed a Darvin Ham miss and Doug Lewis called a 30 second timeout to draw up the game-winning jumper by Taylor.

NMU (9-16, 4-14 GLIAC) led by five (69-64) with 3:49 left after Mylan Murphy’s 3-pointer. The Timberwolves tied the score at 71 after Ham had a 3-point play, Bobby Gibson a layup and two free throws by Booker Stoudmire. Matthew Craggs added a pair of free throws for the ‘Cats in the stretch.

NMU was led in scoring by Murphy’s career-high 17 points. Martin Gross added 14, while Jared Benson had a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Taylor and Craggs each scored 10 points for the green and gold. All of Taylor’s points came in the second half.

The Wildcats shot 44 percent from the floor and made 22-of-28 free throws.

Northwood (10-17, 7-11 GLIAC) shot 41 percent and was led in scoring by Cameron Joyce with 17. Gibson ended up with 16.

NMU looks to finish the season on a high note at Saginaw Valley State on Saturday (Feb. 26). Game time is set for 6 p.m. Ryan Beckman brings you all the action from University Center on 94.9 FM "The Bay".

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