The men’s basketball team at MSU-Northern was in Arizona for the Cactus Classic just outside of Phoenix. Competition took place over the course of two days earlier this week and the Lights would split a pair while there.
Against the No. 9 team in the country in the Master’s (California), the Lights lost, (76-66), but were able to stay toe-to-toe in the second half after losing by 10 in the first 20 minutes of play. Xavier Bailey had his best game of the season with 20 points, while Jack Reardon continued his nice stretch by putting up 13 points.
The momentum used in the latter parts of the first contest provided a spark against the very next day’s opponent, Benedictine Mesa, as Northern secured an (81-75) victory. As in most games this season, the Lights were down at halftime, but were able to come out hot in the second half and outscore the Hawks, (41-33) in the final 20 minutes. Reardon went off for 30 points on 9-of-14 from the floor, while JJ Thomas added 18 points on 70 percent shooting.
Northern will regroup after a (4-7) start to the season as the Lights will host teams from Canada after the Christmas break. More information will be coming up in the week ahead on New Media Broadcasters.
