DEARBORN, Mich. - For the first time since 2009, the University of Michigan-Dearborn men's basketball team is headed to the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference Tournament semifinals after topping the University of Northwestern Ohio in the opening round 61-54 Thursday in Lima, Ohio.
The win gives the Wolverines 20 in a season for the first time in program history. UM-Dearborn took over the game against UNOH with a 17-1 run to close the first half, as the Wolverine defense held the Racers without a made field goal for more than 10 minutes of game time. Xavier Crofford (SO/Detroit, MI) led the Wolverines with 16 points and eight rebounds, while Jason Penn (JR/Detroit, MI) added 13 points and 11 rebounds for a double-double. Senior Marcus Williams (SR/Lagos, Nigeria) added 11 points and six rebounds. Down 20-12, UM-Dearborn raced to the end of the first half, sparked by a 3-pointer from Cody Kegley (FR/Yale, MI) and a fast-break dunk from Ashton Curd (JR/Detroit, MI).
WHAC Awards
The Wolverines picked up several postseason WHAC awards, including All-WHAC First Team honors for Marcus Williams and Jason Penn. Cody Kegley was named to the WHAC All-Freshman Team, while Penn picked up All-Defensive Team recognition. The WHAC All-Academic Team included Hassan Doghman (SO/Dearborn, MI) and Jeff Cain (SR/Lansing, MI ) was named the UM-Dearborn representative on the Champions of Character Team.
History
UM-Dearborn and Cornerstone have met twice this season, with the Golden Eagles taking both games. Cornerstone edged UM-Dearborn 75-72 in Dearborn and won the return game 83-54 earlier this month.
