MARQUETTE - Lake Superior State overcame one of its worst shooting nights with defensive intensity to beat Northern Michigan 60-48 Thursday at the Berry Events Center.

The Lakers (16-3 overall, 11-2 Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference), ranked 18th in the Bennett Rankings and receiving votes in the NABC Division II Men's Basketball Poll, were out-rebounded 22-8 during the first half by a NMU team ranked 14th in the league in rebound margin. They were a different team on the boards during the second half after trailing the final five minutes of the first.

LSSU made the most of its 22-10 second-half domination of the boards. The Lakers also out-scored NMU 17-6 in points off turnovers (for the game) after forcing 18 Wildcat turnovers.

Northern Michigan (6-13 overall, 4-9 GLIAC) led until it fell victim to a 16-0 Laker run during a five-minute scoreless stretch. Freshman guard Akaemji Williams ignited the run with a three-pointer at 11:07, cutting NMU's lead to 37-35. He also added a layup, and Devin Daly made three field goals.

Two steals by Akaemji Williams, and one each by Alex Williams and Harris led to half of those Laker points.

Alex Williams led LSSU for the game with 12 points and six rebounds. Harris finished with 10 points, and Daly added nine points and six rebounds. Akaemji Williams totaled four steals, and Harris and Alex Williams added three each.

Lake Superior State shot 38.7 percent from the field, including 4-of-18 from three-point range, and made 8-of-16 free throws.

NMU's Chavis Mattison led all scorers with 20 points. The Wildcats shot 40 percent from the field, including 1-of-13 from three-point range, and made 11-of-13 free throws.

LSSU plays Michigan Tech at 3 p.m. Saturday in Houghton. The Huskies trail the Lakers by one game in the GLIAC North Division standings.

Boxscore