HOUGHTON, Mich. - Junior Ali Haidar scored a career-high 30 points and grabbed a career-high 15 rebounds to lead the Michigan Tech men's basketball team to a 77-54 win over rival Northern Michigan in the GLIAC opener Saturday (Dec. 3). Haidar shot 11-of-19 from the floor and was 8-of-12 from the free throw line.

"He played like the old Ali today," said head coach Kevin Luke. "We challenged him this week at practice. We needed a break through game from him. I hope he can continue this play."

The Huskies controlled the game from the beginning opening with a 14-3 run. Tech would lead by as many as 18 points before holding a 35-21 lead at halftime.

The Black and Gold shot 48-percent in the first half but really found its shooting touch in the second half. The Huskies shot 62-percent over the final 20 minutes to finish with 55-percent for the game.

Senior Mike Hojnacki scored a season-high 21 points to move into 18th in career scoring at Tech with 1,067 points.

Sophomore Austin Armga added 13 points for the Huskies.

Tech finished with a 38-22 advantage in rebounds, including a 10-5 lead on the offensive glass.

"When we play strong defensively, the rest of our game is elevated, shooting, passing and rebounding," said Luke.

Haki Stampley scored 18 points, and DeAndre Taylor added 17 for the Wildcats.

Tech will continue league play Thursday (Dec. 8) when it hosts Ohio Dominican.