ESCANABA, MI – The Norse Men's Basketball Team (3-0) survived a late first half surge from the Gogebic Community College Samsons (2-4) and opened up a lead in the second half to remain undefeated on the young season, winning by a final score of 79-65.

With the game tied at nine, it would be the Norse that took the first advantage.  Defensively they would shut down Gogebic's offense, not allowing a field goal for an over five minute stretch, allowing Bay to go on a 14-1 run and take a double-digit lead midway through the first half.  The Norse would lead by 14 points when Adam Page (FR, Chicago, IL) nailed a three-pointer with just over eight minutes to play in the first half and push the score to 32-17 just under the six-minute mark when Ziad Abouali scored on a put back.  Bay took their biggest lead of the half with just under five minutes to play.  Abouali scored at the rim, putting Bay up 35-19.

Unfortunately for the Norse, it was their turn to go cold on offense.  Bay would connect on just one more basket in the half, allowing Gogebic to go on a 17-2 run to finish the half, and getting themselves back into the mix.  The Norse would cling to a slim 39-36 lead at intermission.

The Norse quickly changed the narrative in the second half.  It would take over six minutes for the Samsons to score, while Bay would put up 13 points in that stretch. 

That would end up being the difference in the game, as Gogebic would never really be able to cut into that deficit.  Bay would build their biggest lead of the game with just over four minutes left, as a pair of free throws from Page made it 72-51.  The Norse would end up with a 14-point victory on their home court.

Bay would shoot 41.5% for the game.  They outrebounded the Samsons 51-41.  Gogebic shot 36.8% for the game, but a big advantage for the Norse would come from the free throw line.  Bay would connect on 18 of 26 from the charity stripe, while Gogebic would only get 11 attempts, connecting on eight. 

Page led the Norse with 20 points and four steals.  Abouali had 16 points and eight rebounds.  Savion Johnson (SO, Milwaukee, WI) picked up a double-double, ending with 11 points and ten rebounds, while William Kelley (SO, Florence, WI) ended his night with 11 points and three steals.

Gogebic's Caden Luoma (FR, Ishpeming, MI) led all scorers with 24 points.  He also had six rebounds.  Owen Robinson (FR, Clearwater, FL) had 12 points and six rebounds, while Ben Salkauskas (SO, Calgary, AB) ended with 12 points and five rebounds.

The Norse will host Oakland Community College (3-0) on Friday evening.  That game is set for a 7 pm tip off. 

Photo courtesy of Scotty Bartley