MIDLAND, Mich. – The Northwood University men's basketball team put together a second half run to overtake the Kentucky Wesleyan men's basketball team on Saturday afternoon. Wesleyan held a first half lead but dropped the Great Midwest matchup 81-77. 
 
The Panthers defeated the Timberwolves earlier this season 69-63 at the iconic Sportscenter. On Saturday, Wesleyan shot 51% in the opening half en route to a 39-36 lead. The Panthers led by as many as seven points in the first 20 minutes. Caleb Mackrey gave Wesleyan a 39-34 lead late in the first half before two late Northwood free throws brought the contest to one possession. 
 
The Timberwolves did not waste much time in tying the game at 41 less than three minutes into the second half. It was a 15-4 run in the early moments of the second half that created a 53-45 lead for the Timberwolves. 
 
Northwood led by as many as 13 points, 66-53 midway through the period. The Panthers would not go quietly and systematically marched back into the game. A 16-6 rally got the Panthers within one possession. The run was capped by three three-point buckets, one from Mackrey and two from Jorge Sanchez-Ramos. 
 
The Panthers trailed 72-69 with five minutes left in the game and continued the comeback with a Fatih Huyuk dunk that brought the deficit to a slim one point, 74-73, with 3:35 on the clock. Two free throws by Mackrey followed by a Tavion Williams dunk gave Wesleyan a 77-74 lead. 
 
Northwood ended the game scoring the final seven points to win. Three players reached double-figures for the Panthers as Huyuk and Sanchez-Ramos each finished 16 points. Mackrey added 14 points. Sanchez-Ramos also dished out six assists.
 
The Panthers will return home to host the final game of the regular season. Wesleyan will host Thomas More on Saturday. Tip-off at the Woodward Health and Recreation Center on the campus of Kentucky Wesleyan is scheduled for 2:15 PM.
 
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