LAKELAND, Fla. — Michigan Tech edged past Dallas Baptist University with a 75-70 victory at Jenkins Field House on Saturday, overcoming a 13-point deficit with a strong second-half performance.

The game opened with Dallas Baptist University taking an early lead, thanks to a layup by Jaden Shelvin at 16:02. Michigan Tech responded with a 3-pointer from Nate Abel to briefly go ahead. However, Dallas Baptist regained control with a 9-0 run, highlighted by a dunk from Jackson McCabe at 14:23. Michigan Tech's Gabe Smith kept his team within reach with a dunk at 10:12, but the Patriots maintained their advantage. A late 3-pointer by Daniel Figueira extended Dallas Baptist’s lead to 32-24. Despite a 3-pointer from Marcus Tomashek for Michigan Tech in the final minute, DBU closed the half with two free throws by Justin Haire, leading 34-27.

Marcus Tomashek initiated the momentum for Michigan Tech in the second half, scoring five consecutive points to narrow Dallas Baptist’s lead. Michigan Tech then tied the game at 34 with a three-pointer by Tomashek at 18:08, followed by Dawson Nordgaard's layup to take the lead. Dallas Baptist’s Trevor Frank responded with a layup at 14:35, but Michigan Tech maintained a slight edge through Gabe Smith's free throws. In the final seconds, Josh Terrian's three-pointer put Michigan Tech ahead 63-60, but Dallas Baptist’s Daniel Figueira hit a buzzer-beater three-pointer, assisted by Xavion Brown, to tie the game at 63.

Michigan Tech extended their lead in the second half with an efficient offensive performance, shooting 4-for-6 from the field. Marcus Tomashek's layup at 4:21, followed by a free throw, pushed the score to 66-63. Ty Fernholz then hit a three-pointer with 3:26 remaining, assisted by Josh Terrian, extending the advantage to 69-63. Drew Calderon kept Dallas Baptist close by converting four free throws, cutting the deficit to 72-70 with 45 seconds left. However, Michigan Tech's Tomashek sealed the half with a jumper at 16 seconds, and Josh Terrian added a free throw, finalizing the score at 75-70.

Drew Calderon led the scoring for Dallas Baptist with 19 points, connecting on two three-pointers and converting seven of nine from the free-throw line. Brown showcased his defensive skills with six steals and added six assists to his stat line. Shelvin contributed 10 points off the bench, shooting 50% from the field and blocking two shots. Cody Stevens made a defensive impact with five steals and grabbed five rebounds.

Tomashek led Michigan Tech with 26 points, adding 12 rebounds and two steals. Smith contributed 17 points while hitting 9-of-10 free throws and securing three steals. Fernholz provided a spark with nine points, all from beyond the arc. Abel was active defensively, recording three steals alongside five points.