MTU Hockey, Hoops Complete Weekend Sweeps – Sunday Sports Wrap

College Hockey

The Michigan Tech hockey team finished strong, and closed out a weekend sweep at Alabama Huntsville with a 4-1 victory Saturday night. The Huskies picked up an early lead on a Trenton Bliss first period goal. The Chargers tied the game in the second frame. Justin Misiak’s goal early in the third period broke the tie, and tallies by Tristan Ashbrook and Alec Broetzman sealed the win. Blake Pietila made 18 saves, as Tech outshot UAH 41-19.

The Huskies will play at Ferris State Tuesday, to complete the series against the Bulldog that was postponed earlier this season because of COVID-19 positives on the Tech squad.

Lake Superior State University scored late in overtime to claim a 5-4 victory over Northern Michigan University Saturday. Ashton Calder’s shot with three seconds remaining was the game-winner. The Wildcats got two goals from Joseph Nardi.

Those teams face off at the Soo again today.

The Finlandia University men’s hockey team lost 6-2 at Marian University Saturday. As they did in Friday night’s game in Houghton, the Sabres opened quickly, scoring three timed before Sheldon Brett’s power play tally put the Lions on the board midway through the second period. Cooper Hoheisel found the net for Finlandia in the third period. Santeri Seppinen took the loss in goal, as Marian outshot the Lions 48-18.

Finlandia entertains Concordia-Wisconsin Thursday. Coverage will begin at 6:40 on 99.3 The Lift.

College Basketball

Both Michigan Tech basketball teams pulled out narrow victories to complete weekend sweeps of Saginaw Valley State University Saturday.

The men’s squad overcame a 12-point halftime deficit to earn a 65-63 win. Owen White led the Huekies with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Eric Carl added 17 points. Dawson Bilski finished with 14, and made a timely late steal to prevent the Cardinals from attempting a final shot.

The Tech women’s team took control of a close game in the second overtime, and downed SVSU 80-70. The Cardinals had a chance to win it in regulation, but Maddie Barrie’s last-second shot bounced off the rim. After matching shot-for-shot in the first extra period, the Huskies rolled up a 14-4 advantage in the second overtime. Ellie Mackay led MTU with 22 points, as the Tech win streak grew to eight games.

Both MTU teams face Davenport University next weekend.

The Northern women’s basketball team claimed a weekend split with a 55-53 victory at Northwood Saturday. Makaylee Kuhn scored 17 for the Wildcats.

The NMU men’s team dominated the second half, and earned an 84-72 win over Northwood Saturday. The Wildcats trailed by six at halftime, but took control early in the second half. Max Bjorklund led the attack with a career-best 30 points. Those teams play again today in Marquette.

The Finlandia University women’s basketball team opened its season with a 79-61 victory at Martin Luther College Saturday. Katie Lundeen led the Lions with 26 points, and Carsyn Osterman added 21.

A late rally by the Finlandia men’s team fell short, as they lost to Martin Luther 91-83. The Lions trailed by 13 midway through the second half. They closed the cap to one, but couldn’t complete the comeback. Dylan Underwood led Finlandia with 27 points.

NHL

The Detroit Red Wings visit the Florida Panthers this afternoon. Because of Super Bowl coverage on 99.3 The Lift, Wings coverage will start at 2:45 on KBear 102.3.

NBA

The Detroit Pistons fell 135-129 in double overtime to the Los Angeles Lakers Saturday night. Despite playing without Blake Griffin, Derrik Rose and Wayne Ellington, Detroit overcame a 17-point deficit to force extra time. Jerami Grant matched his career high of 32 points for Detroit. Mason Plumlee grabbed a dozen rebounds, while playing more than 47 minutes.

The Pistons return home to host the Nets on Tuesday. Coverage will begin at 6:35 on 99.3 The Lift.

MLB

With spring training about to begin, the Detroit Tigers released the list of non-roster minor league players who will be invited to major league camp. It includes top prospect Spencer Torkelson, who was last year’s number-one pick in the draft, but, because of COVID-19 cancellations, has never played in a professional game. The list also includes outfielder Riley Greene, catcher Dillon Dingler, second baseman Kody Clemens and pitcher Zack Hess.

Pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report to Lakeland February 17th, and the full team will begin workouts February 22nd.

NFL

The Kansas City Chiefs and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers meet in the Super Bowl today. Hear the broadcast on 99.3 The Lift.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been named this season’s Most Valuable Player. It’s his third MVP trophy, but the announcement was upstaged when Rodgers thanked his “fiancé” in his acceptance message. He didn’t specify to whom he is engaged, but rumors have been flying that he’s been dating “Big Little Lies” actress Shailene Woodley.

Rodgers becomes just the third player in NFL history to win the award three times. The others are Jim Brown, Johnny Unitas, Peyton Manning, Tom Brady and his predecessor at Green Bay, Brett Favre.

Detroit Lions receiver Calvin Johnson, former University of Michigan and Green Bay Packers cornerback Charles Woodson, and two-time Super Bowl champion quarterback Peyton Manning are among this year’s inductees into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Each was elected in their first year of eligibility. Safety John Lynch, offensive lineman Alan Faneca, wide receiver Drew Pearson, coach Tom Flores and contributor Bill Nunn round out this year’s class.

Our high school hockey coverage begins Tuesday, as Houghton visits Jeffers. The pregame show will begin at 6:40 on KBear 102.3.

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