Tech Hockey Claims Mason Cup, Heads to NCAA Tournament – Saturday Sports Wrap

Click on the highlighted scores for more game details.

College Hockey

The Michigan Tech hockey team is headed to the NCAA tournament, after defeating Bemidji State 2-1 in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association tournament final Friday night. The Beavers grabbed an early lead when Kasper Magnussen scored 14 minutes into the first period. Chase Pietila tied the contest 52 seconds later, with assists from Alex Nordstrom and Henry Bartle. Ryland Mosely’s goal midway through the second period was the game-winner. Matthew Campbell got the assist. Blake Pietila made 35 saves, as the Huskies claimed their first Mason Cup, and advanced to the NCAA tournament for the third straight year. Tournament pairings will be announced tomorrow, and regional competition will take place next weekend.

High School

Only one Upper Peninsula team remains in the high school girls basketball tournament. On Friday, Negaunee fell to Detroit Edison 63-46 in a Division Two semifinal game. Ella Mason, who became the Miners’ all-time leading scorer this season, led Negaunee with 25 points. The Miners close their season with a record of 25-2.

The pairings are set for today’s championship matches at the Breslin Center in East Lansing:
• In Division Four, Ishpeming will face Kingston this morning at 10:00. Both teams have records of 27-1. Hear the broadcast on KBear 102.3.
• In Division Three, Niles Brandywine and Ypsilanti Arbor Prep will play at 4:00.
• In Division Two, Detroit Edison will meet Ann Arbor Father Gabriel Richard at 6:15. Hear the broadcast on KBear 102.3.
• In Division One, Grand Blanc will meet West Bloomfield at 12:15.

GLHL

The Portage Lake Pioneers edged the Calumet Wolverines 6-5 in a shootout last night.

The Wolverines will welcome the DePere Deacons tonight, with face-off at 6:00 at the Colosseum. The Pioneers will host the Deacons tomorrow at 1:00 at the Dee.

NHL

The Red Wings visit the Predators today. Coverage will begin at 4:45 on 99.3 The Lift.

NBA

The Pistons dropped a 129-102 decision to the Celtics last night. James Wiseman led Detroit with 24 points.

The Pistons host the Pelicans tomorrow, with coverage at 2:35 on 99.3 The Lift.

Yet another Detroit player has been ruled out for the rest of the season. Stanley Umude suffered a hairline fracture in his right ankle in Wednesday’s loss to the Pacers. Ausar Thompson and Isaiah Stewart are also out for the duration, and Simone Fontecchio, Quinten Grimes and Taj Gibson are also on the Detroit injury list.

MLB Spring Training

The Tigers edged the Phillies 4-3 yesterday. Tarik Skubal gave up a run on three hits over five innings in his final preseason start. All of Detroit’s runs came in the ninth inning, on homers by Jake Rogers and Ryan Vilade, and a double by Gio Urshela.

The Tigers will play the Yankees today. Brant Hurter will start.

Detroit manager A.J. Hinch has announced his pitching rotation for the opening of the season. Skubal will start on Opening Day, followed by Kenta Maeda, Jack Flaherty, Casey Mize and Reese Olson. The odd man out is Matt Manning, who has been assigned to Toledo. Mize returns after a two-year absence, during which he underwent Tommy John ligament replacement surgery and back surgery.

Half of the Brewers played to a 4-4 tie with the Mariners yesterday. Vinny Capra homered. Freddy Peralta pitched into the fifth, gave up three runs on five hits, and struck out nine. The other half of the Brewers thumped the Royals 11-5. Garrett Mitchell and prospect Brock Wilken homered.

The Brewers will play the Cups today. Wade Miley will start.

Local Sports Broadcasts

• March 29-31 – High School Softball – Houghton, Calumet at the Spring Swing tourney at the Superior Dome – TBA.
• Thursday, April 11th – Gibson Cup Hockey – Calumet Wolverines at Portage Lake Pioneers – 7:15 pregame on KBear 102.3.
• Friday, April 12th – Gibson Cup Hockey – Portage Lake Pioneers at Calumet Wolverines – 7:15 pregame on KBear 102.3.
• Saturday, April 13th – Gibson Cup Hockey (if needed) – Calumet Wolverines at Portage Lake Pioneers – 7:15 pregame on KBear 102.3.

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