LSSU Men upend NMU Basketball

Lakers get very good starts in each half

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In a high-intensity matchup at Vandament Arena on Saturday afternoon, the Lake Superior State Lakers used a 13-0 run in the first half and another 15-0 run in the second to edge the No. 16 Northern Michigan Wildcats 71-68, giving NMU its first home loss of the season.

Why it matters

This game was a key conference matchup between two top teams in the GLIAC, with Northern Michigan previously undefeated at home this season. The Lakers' ability to go on big runs in both halves proved to be the difference, handing the Wildcats their first home loss.

The details

NMU faced an early 17-4 deficit after a 13-0 Laker run, but battled back to take a 30-28 lead at halftime. The Lakers again went on a 15-0 run early in the second half and pushed their lead back to a dozen. NMU battled back to tie the game, but could never get over the hump, as LSSU came up with two timely blocks late and converted at the free-throw line to win the game.

  • On Saturday afternoon, February 8, 2026, the game was played at Vandament Arena.

The players

Dylan Kuehl

The Wildcats were led by Dylan Kuehl with a game-high 26 points.

Nino Carter-Smith

The Lakers had four in double figures, led by Nino Carter-Smith's 18 points.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Wildcats will look to bounce back on the road, heading to the Motor City to take on Wayne State on Thursday, Feb. 12, at 7:30 p.m.

The takeaway

This game highlighted the Lakers' ability to go on big runs and make timely plays down the stretch to hand the Wildcats their first home loss of the season in a key GLIAC matchup.