Photo Credit: Michigan Tech

ALLENDALE, Mich. — Grand Valley State led wire to wire in a 59-42 GLIAC men’s basketball victory over Michigan Tech tonight. The Lakers shot 45 percent compared to Tech’s 34 percent in improving to 15-3 overall and a GLIAC-leading 11-2 in league play. The Huskies fell to 4-14 overall and 3-10 in GLIAC action.

GVSU built up an 18-6 lead in the first nine minutes by making nine of their its 15 shots. Erik Stephens, who started his first career game, gave Tech a spark with back-to-back 3-pointers and Mike Hojnacki added a free throw to pull the Huskies within 18-13 with 9:25 showing.

The Black and Gold had chances to further cut into the deficit, but committed three straight turnovers. GVSU then scored the next eight points and went into halftime with a 31-14 advantage.

Tech scored the first basket of the second half to pull within 15 points, but that’s as close as it would get. The Lakers pushed the margin to as many as 25 points—thanks in large part to 18-of-22 second-half free throw shooting—before the final margin of 17.

“We didn’t compete, defend or shoot free throws like we’re capable tonight,” said head coach Kevin Luke. “It was a big step backwards.

“Stephen’s play was one positive.”

The 5-9 true freshman notched career highs of eight points and four rebounds in the contest. Don Fowler was the only Husky in double figures with 10 points. Hojnacki and Matt Gaedke were held to a combined three points.

Tech posted a 32-22 rebounding advantage but turned the ball over 20 times compared to just nine for GVSU. The Lakers finished the game 23-of-30 from the foul line while the Huskies were 11-of-16 from the stripe.

Michigan Tech will finish off its four-game road trip with a tilt at Ferris State on Saturday (Jan. 30). Tipoff is set for 3 p.m.