Eastern Wayne Today

The Wayne State University men's basketball team secured a 74-66 victory against Northwood University on Thursday evening at Riepma Arena. The Warriors overcame a 14-point deficit in the second half to claim the win.

In the first half, Northwood's Elijah Watson scored the initial points, and Wayne State struggled to score until Tamario Adley made a three-pointer. The teams exchanged leads, but Northwood extended their advantage to seven points before halftime, leading 33-23.

Northwood started the second half by increasing their lead to 14 points. However, Wayne State responded with a series of scores led by Carmelo Harris and Kelvin Tamakloe, eventually tying the game at 39-39. A crucial three-point play by Harris gave Wayne State their first lead of the second half.

Wayne State maintained control for the remainder of the game after an Adley steal and dunk put them ahead permanently. Despite Northwood's efforts to close the gap, Wayne State secured their victory by making all six free throws in the final seconds.

Statistically, Wayne State shot 39 percent from the field compared to Northwood's 32 percent. The Warriors excelled at free throws with an impressive 89 percent success rate. Although Northwood won the rebounding battle, Wayne State outperformed them in scoring off turnovers and fast breaks.

Tamario Adley led Wayne State with a double-double performance of 26 points and ten rebounds. Carmelo Harris contributed 14 points, while Rob Lee Jr., returning to action, added 13 points.

For Northwood, Will Young II scored 18 points followed by Elijah Watson with 15 points and Brayden Szamrej who added 12 off the bench.

Wayne State will next face Redeemer University on Saturday at home for their final non-conference game of the season.