HOUGHTON, Mich. -- Behind 13 first half points from Radayl Richardson, seven consecutive points by Tim Strom, and clutch free throw shooting in the closing minutes of the game, the Michigan Tech men's basketball team recorded their seventh straight victory with a 54-44 triumph over Hillsdale.

The Chargers took an early 17-10 lead before Richardson and the rest of the Huskies went on an 8-0 run. Richardson, who scored nine of Michigan Tech's first 13 points, nailed a three-pointer to start the run, and a Josh Makela layup at the 7:10 mark of the first half gave the Huskies their first lead of the game, 18-17.

A jumper by Richardson late in the first half tied the game, 26-26, heading into the break.

Makela gave the Huskies a 29-26 lead less than a minute into the second half on a three-pointer. The lead would then change hands eight times within the next 12:37, until Richardson freed himself up for a layup to give Michigan Tech a 41-40 advantage at the 6:32 mark of the second stanza.

With the Chargers trying to fight their way back, Strom took over the game, making two layups and adding a three-point play to give the hosts a 48-44 advantage with 2:19 remaining. Hillsdale would not get on the board again, and Richardson, Bob Evans, and Robby Springborn nailed a pair of free throws each to ice the game.

Richardson led all scorers with 19 points and tied a career-high with three blocked shots. Strom finished with 13 points and a career-best 14 rebounds.

Neither team shot over 40 percent from the field. The Huskies were aided by a 42-30 rebounding advantage

Michigan Tech (9-8, 6-3 GLIAC) will remain at home for their fifth and sixth straight home games next week. Saginaw Valley State heads to Houghton for a 7:30 p.m. league tilt on Thursday.