From the outset, it seemed that it would be a long night for
both teams as it took over three minutes for either team to score. The Lakers
of Silver Lake were able to break out of their slump a little quicker than the
Pioneers, and Northland was once again forced to play catch up. Strong defensive
pressure turned into some easy looks for Northland, but cold shooting in the
first half would make a comeback much more difficult. Northland would trail
43–27 at the half as they shot 26 percent (11 out of 42) from the floor and 14 percent (2 out of 14) from three-point range.
The Pioneers would show resolve in the second half as they
began to work their way back into the contest. Seth Quirey, who had a game-high
27 points, helped lead the charge for Northland. The Pioneers would cut the
deficit to four with eight minutes to go, but it seemed Silver Lake had an answer
at every turn. The Lakers were able to get big basket after big basket and,
despite shooting 65 percent from the line, still managed to get 28 points from the
stripe (28–43). The Pioneers, on the other hand, only had nine free throw
attempts on the night. The Lakers would regain their double-digit lead and pull away in the final two
minutes, giving them a 79–68
victory over the Pioneers. Also getting on the score sheet for the Pioneers was
freshman Josh Conover with 14 points and 4 assists, and Quirey led the way for
Northland with 11 rebounds.
Coach Wehry said, “I ask for three things as a coach: play hard,
play together, and play smart.” He continued, “We have done all three of these at times but
are struggling to put all three together at the same time. That falls on me as
the coach to have my guys better prepared. We will get there, but again, this
is a learning process.”
The Pioneers (1 and 6) will have a week off before they play their
next game on Tuesday, November 30, at home against UW-Marinette at
7:30 p.m.