LocalSportsJournal.com
NORTH MUSKEGON–The North Muskegon boys basketball team found itself in an intense battle at home on Tuesday night with Western Michigan Conference foe, Oakridge.
The Norse were able to capitalize on crucial fourth quarter plays to escape with a 52-47 victory.
It was the Eagles who jumped ahead early in the first quarter but the Norse were able to cut down the deficit to just one point closing out the opening quarter behind 13-12.
With the help of four different Norsemen getting on the board, North Muskegon was able to grow a little 23-20 lead while wrapping up the first half of play.
Coming out of the halftime break the Eagles recaptured the lead in the third quarter outscoring the Norsemen 17-7 to take a 37-30 lead into the fourth quarter.
The momentum was working in the Norsemen’s favor well into the fourth quarter as they pushed their lead to 10 at one point before the Eagles snapped off a 9-0 scoring run to tie everything up with only 2:30 left to play.
With a few missed three point opportunities by the Eagles and some critical free throws made down the stretch, the Norse were able to capture and hold the lead to cap off the night victorious.
Leading the way for the Norse was Troy McManus who posted a double-double with 14 points, 11 rebounds and four steals while Brandon Rypstra threw in 10 points and grabbed four rebounds.
Ethan Josza led the Eagles offense recording a double-double with a game high 20 points and 13 rebounds.
North Muskegon improves to 6-3 with a record of 4-3 in the WMC and will be at home on Friday to take on Mason County Central.
Oakridge drops to 4-4 on the season and 1-5 in the WMC and are set to host Hart Friday.
