HILLSDALE, Mich. - Hillsdale opened up a 17-7 lead in the first six minutes and never looked back in a 79-55 GLIAC men's basketball victory over Michigan Tech today. The Chargers (12-12, 12-8 in the GLIAC) had 10 more rebounds, eight fewer turnovers and a six-percent better shooting percentage in defeating the Huskies (8-17, 7-13 GLIAC).

Hillsdale built up a 19-point lead by the 9:17 mark of the first half before senior Georgio Holt got going. He scored eight points over the next six minutes to keep Tech within 38-22. The Chargers responded with the next four points for a 44-22 margin at the break.

Tech allowed only four HC points through the first six minutes of the second half but could only climb within 19. The Chargers nailed a 3-pointer at the 13:58 mark to push the margin back over 20, where it stayed for the remainder of the game.

"Mentally we were sharp enough to compete against a good team today," said head coach Kevin Luke. "Our defensive intensity was not good and our rebounding was bad."

Three Huskies scored in double figures led by Mike Hojnacki's 14 points. Ali Haidar added 13 points. Holt finished with 10 points in his first start of the season. Matt Esters tallied six points and a team-high six rebounds.

Hillsdale was paced by Luke Laser's 19 points.

Final shooting percentages were 44 for HC and 38 for Tech. Rebounds were 41-31 in favor of the hosts.

Michigan Tech will return home to wrap up its regular season next week with games against Lake Superior State Thursday (Feb. 25) and Saginaw Valley State Saturday (Feb. 27).