BEMIDJI, Minn. - Junior Ali Haidar scored 16 points and senior Mike Hojnacki chipped in 13 to lead Michigan Tech to a 68-61 win over Southwest Minnesota State Friday (Nov. 25). Sophomore Austin Armga added 11 points, including 10 in the first half, for the Huskies who improve to 2-2 on the year.

"I am really happy we finished a game," said head coach Kevin Luke. "Tonight we were able to execute both offensively and defensively down the stretch. I need to give Southwest credit. They played really hard and gave us a tough game."

The Mustangs offense clicked early and SMSU enjoyed its largest lead of the game 23-13 at 10:18 of the first half. The Huskies answered with a 14-2 run to take its second lead of the game. The two teams would trade baskets for the remainder of the half, and the Huskies would enjoy a 34-31 lead at the break.

Mike Hojnacki jump started the Huskies with a pair of 3-pointers to open the second half. The Huskies would hold a slim lead for the first 10 minutes of the half, but the Mustangs would take its first lead of the half after a jumper by Nick Smith at 10:07.

Sophomore Alex Culy made a pair of free throws to extend Tech's lead to four points with 26 seconds remaining.

"It was awesome to see Alex in the same situation but be able to make his free throws," said Luke.

Sophomore Austin Armga made a steal at the other end of the floor and the ensuing free throw. Ali Haidar completed the scoring for the Huskies with a pair of free throws following a missed 3-pointer by SMSU.

Tech shot 45-percent (24-53) from the floor and was 80-percent (12-15) from the free throw line.

Tech will face Bemidji State Saturday (Nov. 26).