Northeastern Huskies vs Western Michigan Broncos Basketball Recap: Haymond's 26 points lead WMU in 87-86 overtime victory

Thomas Wilder and Tucker Haymond led the way for Western Michigan as the Broncos downed the Northeastern Huskies in overtime, 87-86.

Anthony Avery came down with the ball as the clock expired in overtime to give the Broncos their fourth win of the season, but not before two great looks at the basket by Northeastern, including a floater from the games leading scorer, David Walker. Walker's shot fell into the hands of Jeremy Miller who missed the layup as time ran out on the Huskie's bid for their seventh win of the season. The win for WMU is a signature one over a Huskie team that won in buzzer beating fashion earlier in the season over the now number 17 Miami Hurricanes.

Wilder scored the first five points of the overtime period, giving the Broncos an 85-80 lead that they would not surrender for the remainder of the game. Wilder was excellent in the final five minute period, providing an immediate spark both from outside the arc and getting to the basket that kept the Huskies at bay. Wilder finished with 17 points on 7/15 shooting.

WIlder's heroics were set up by the sensational performance of Haymond who finished with a career high 26 points, including 14 in the second half and overtime. The junior from Seattle showed off a phenomenal mix of skill both inside and outside of the three point line, at times stealing the show on a night that was shaping up to be all about the Huskie's Walker.

The fact that this would be a high scoring affair was evident with the start, with both teams shooting a combined 55 percent from the field in the first half, including 12 of 23 from the arc. Northeastern led at the end of the first stanza, fueled by 8 turnovers gifted to them by the youthful Broncos as well as a 5 for 10 effort from the three point line. For the early going, it appeared as though the Broncos would be playing catch up for most of the game, unable to get out of their own way turning the ball over.

However, it would be the Huskies' turn to play catch up in the second half, as 9-1 Bronco run with around 10 minutes to play in the game propelled the Broncos to a lead it appeared they would not look back from. It was not all Haymond and Wilder for the Broncos. Freshman Josh Davis, back after missing four games due to injury, provided a much needed spark on both ends of the floor, finishing his night with 10 points and a team high 7 rebounds. Also putting in good minutes for WMU off the bench was Drake Lamont, who finished in double digits as well with 10 points - one of the five Bronco players in double figures on the evening.

Northeastern would come roaring back from their second half deficit, tying the game with less than a minute remaining. WMU got a good look at the end with 2.1 seconds remaining in the form of a Davis floater, but the Huskies would grab the rebound and call timeout. The ending became increasingly hectic as Northeastern would throw the ensuing inbound pass out of bounds, giving WMU a chance to win in regulation. The Haymond fade away shot off the inbound proved no good, and the Broncos and Huskies found themselves in overtime.

The final minutes of the game became sloppy at times, with Northeastern's final attempt at victory coming off of a mishandled inbound pass between Kellen McCormick and Thomas Wilder, but the Broncos held on for victory despite surrendering the late offensive rebound.

WMU looks to get back to .500 against Marygrove college on December 12th in Kalamazoo. The game can be viewed on ESPN 3. Northeastern will look to rebound at home versus Stony Brook on the same date.

Game Leaders

Player	HOME	AWAY
Points	T. Haymond (26)	D. Walker (31)
Rebounds	J. Davis (7)	D. Walker (6)
Assists	4 tied (2)	Q. Ford (5)
Blocks	J. Davis (1)	4 tied (1)
Steals	J. Davis (2)	T. Williams (3)