DEARBORN, Mich. – After a low scoring first 20 minutes, the University of Michigan-Dearborn battled the University of Northwestern Ohio in a high-scoring second half Wednesday at the UM-Dearborn Fieldhouse.
The Wolverines trailed by as many as 10 in the second half but rallied late to eventually put the Racers away 80-72 to improve to 7-4 overall and 4-1 in the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference.
Down 58-51 with just over eight minutes to play, senior Jason Penn (SR/Detroit, MI) heated up, scoring nine straight Wolverine points, including a three-point play and a highlight dunk. Junior Mafiaion Joyner (JR/Battle Creek, MI) hit two 3-pointers in the final five minutes and UM-Dearborn hit its free throws down the stretch to secure the win.
Junior Xavier Crofford (JR/Detroit, MI) scored 16 of his team-high 22 points in the second half, shooting a perfect 6-of-6 from the field in the final 20 minutes. Senior Ashton Curd (SR/Detroit, MI) scored 10 points in the first half, helping the Wolverines to an early lead. He finished with 16 points on 6-of-9 shooting. Joyner added 14 points and six rebounds off the bench, while Penn finished with 12 points, four rebounds, and three steals.
The Wolverines shot 29-of-60 from the field, 7-of-20 from deep and 15-of-19 from the line.
Sadeeq Bello led the Racers with 19 points, including five 3-pointers. Nathan Bradley and Corbin Pierce each finished with 14 points. UNOH won the rebounding battle 29-23.
The Wolverines continue WHAC play against Siena Heights University at 3 pm Saturday in Adrian, Mich.
