KENOSHA, Wis. — For the second straight year, Michigan Tech and Wisconsin-Parkside played to overtime in the men's basketball season opener. For the second straight year, the home team prevailed. Last year, Tech won, 80-69, at the SDC Gym. Tonight, the host Rangers made 9-of-10 free throws in the overtime session to claim a 75-69 victory at DeSimone Gymnasium.

Huskies' senior Tim Strom scored 20 points in the contest but left the game with 1:11 to go in regulation because of severe cramping. His absence was felt as the team tacked on just four points in the five minutes of extra time.

Michigan Tech overcame a nine-point deficit with 10:20 to play to force overtime. A 14-3 run was capped by Sean Geary's first three-pointer in more than a year leaving the visitors on top, 58-56, at the 5:43 mark of the second half. A UWP layup at 1:45 tied the game at 67 and were the last points of the second half.

The Huskies had chances to take the lead down the stretch of the regulation. Fedrick Bowe missed attempts near the basket with 41 seconds left that could have been the game-winning points. Parkside's LaVontay Fenderson committed a turnover on the hosts' chance at winning at the end of 40 minutes.

Both teams tallied just one field goal in overtime, but four Tech turnovers proved too costly. Despite the mistakes, the Huskies were still within 74-71 with 31 seconds left. Kevin Maloney's 3-pointer to tie the game missed, and Fenderson iced the game at the foul line.

"We sure missed Strom in the overtime," said Michigan Tech head coach Kevin Luke. "That said, we still had plenty of chances. We just turned the ball over in critical situations."

Strom and Kris Alpers (13 points) were the only two Huskies in double figures. Geary added nine points, while Bowe tallied six points to go with a game-high seven rebounds.

Tech shot 50 percent from the field but committed 22 turnovers. UW-Parkside was 46 percent from the floor and 83 percent (24-of-29) from the free throw line. The Huskies converted 11-of-17 foul shots.

Michigan Tech (0-1) will return to action in the GLIAC/GLVC Challenge tomorrow vs. Lewis. Tipoff is slated for 4 p.m. (ET).

Notes: UWP led 34-31 at halftime ... Junior Brandon Ball got the start in his first official game at Michigan Tech ... Freshmen Don Fowler and Mike Szatko both played their first collegiate games.