The men’s basketball team won twice over the weekend, defeating both Northern Michigan and Michigan Tech at home.
The wins raise the Cardinals’ home record to 10-2 on the season, positioning them second in the GLIAC South Division.
On Thursday, the Cardinals hosted the Northern Michigan Wildcats, eventually winning 68-63. The Cardinals relied heavily on sophomore guard Myles Belyeu, as he led the Cardinals with 11 points in the first half. Belyeu was assisted by fellow guards Darnell Hoskins Jr. and Malik Ellison, as both hit two three-pointers in the first half, giving the Cardinals a 42-24 advantage at the midway point.
Belyeu and Ellison continued to handle the Wildcats offensively in the second half, combining for an additional 24 points between the two in the second half.
The Cardinals defeated Northern Michigan, and Belyeu was awarded SVSU player of the game for leading with 25 points and 13 assists.
Coming off of Thursday’s win, the Cardinals hosted the Michigan Tech Huskies on Saturday. With the second best record in the GLIAC North, the Huskies entered the game one win ahead of the Cardinals for the season. The Cardinals faced first half struggles offensively, as they made 12 of 28 shots and one of 10 three-pointers.
Heading into the locker room at halftime, the Cardinals trailed the Huskies 28-33.
“We were down at one point in the game,” Hoskins Jr. said. “(In the second half), we realized that we are as good if not better than any team in this league.”
During the second half, the team was able to put together a stronger second half on the back of Ellison’s 21 points.
Another component to the Cardinals’ second half surge was the success the team had at the free-throw line, as they made 15 of 17 shots.
Outscoring the Huskies 45-36 in the second half, the Cardinals were able to offset their slow first half start to narrowly fend off Northern Michigan 73-69.
“It was an amazing game against a really good team,” Belyeu said. “Without the huge turnout from the fans tonight, it definitely would’ve been a tougher comeback.”
Belyeu was quick to give credit to his teammates, who were able to take advantage of key moments in the second half.
“We had a few players get hot in the end,” Belyeu said. “(Ellison) and (Hoskins) hit huge shots. … We fed off of that. It was a gritty game from the jump.”
The Cardinals hit the road next weekend, as they travel to both Ferris State and Lake Superior State.
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