Wayne State freshman forward
Matt Noll scored a game-high 22 points and the Wildcats shot 66 percent in the second half to cruise past the University of Mary 83-58 in a Northern Sun Conference men's basketball game played in Rice Auditorium Saturday evening. WSC is now 10-7 and 4-7 in the league while UMary is 4-15 and 2-8 in NSIC games.
The Marauders scored the first four points of the game, but WSC quickly responded and following back-to-back 3-pointers from sophomore
JJ Ferrin the Wildcats held a 12-6 lead.
The Wildcats held a pair of seven-point leads but could not shake the Marauders, who closed within two at 25-23 at the 6:09 mark of the opening half.
WSC then scored the next eight points – a pair of baskets by Ferrin, a layup by
Noah Erickson and two
Ryan Blum free throws – to give the Wildcats a 33-23 lead before closing the half with a 36-27 advantage.
The Wildcats opened the second half on a 12-2 run and took a 48-29 lead with 16:25 to play.
Wayne State never allowed the Marauders a chance to get back into the game, making 18 of 27 shots in the second half including 4 of 8 behind the arc, and the Wildcats saw 11 of 13 players score in the contest finishing with an 83-58 triumph.
Noll scored 22 points on 9 of 13 shooting to pace the Wildcats. Ferrin chipped in 14 with
Cody McCullough scoring 13.
Wayne State ended the contest making 30 of 54 shots for 55.6 percent. The 'Cats connected on 5 of 15 from the 3-point line and was 18 for 24 at the free throw stripe.
Ty Rogers had 16 points for UMary with Wylee Delorme also hitting double figures with 10.
The Marauders made 21 of 50 shots for 42 percent, including 3 of 18 from 3-point range. UMary was 13 of 23 at the charity stripe.
WSC held a slim 33-29 edge in rebounding over UMary with
Jay Saunders corralling eight boards. He also had a team-high four assists and four steals in the win.
WSC will be at home again Friday hosting #4 Minot State in a 5:30 p.m. contest.
