LAKELAND, Fla. — Michigan Tech edged out Lenoir-Rhyne with a 66-65 victory on Sunday at Jenkins Field House, highlighted by Michigan Tech's 85.7% free-throw shooting.

Michigan Tech and Lenoir-Rhyne played a tightly contested opening half, with Michigan Tech holding a slight 29-24 edge by the buzzer. Marcus Tomashek led Michigan Tech's efforts, contributing a fast-break jumper at 18:54 and a three-pointer at 10:56, among other crucial plays. Lenoir-Rhyne's Junior Hodnett made impact plays, including a three-pointer at 13:29, assisted by Amarion Savage, to keep the game close. Michigan Tech's defensive efforts included four steals and two blocks, helping them maintain their lead.

The second half saw Michigan Tech and Lenoir-Rhyne locked in a closely contested battle. Michigan Tech initially extended their lead with Tomashek hitting a jumper at the 19:30 mark, followed by Gabe Smith converting a three-point play at 18:13 to make it 34-27. Lenoir-Rhyne responded with a series of fast-break baskets, including a layup by Akili Evans at 10:30, tying the score at 42-42. The teams traded leads throughout the half, with Conrad Luczynski's free throw giving Lenoir-Rhyne a slim 61-60 advantage with 51 seconds remaining. Tomashek's free throw tied the game at 61-61 with 41 seconds left, but neither team managed to score in the final moments, leaving the game tied at the end of regulation.

In a tightly contested overtime, the Moccasins edged past Lenoir-Rhyne, 5-4. Lenoir-Rhyne initially gained momentum with a fast-break dunk by Blessin Kimble at the 2:47 mark, assisted by Junior Hodnett, giving them a brief lead. Michigan Tech responded with two made free throws from Tomashek, bringing the score to 63-63. The turning point came in the final seconds when Ty Fernholz hit a 3-pointer with just four seconds remaining, assisted by Nate Abel, securing the Huskies a narrow 66-65 advantage. Luczynski missed a last-second attempt for Lenoir-Rhyne, allowing Michigan Tech to maintain their lead.

Luczynski led Lenoir-Rhyne with 16 points on 6-of-10 shooting, adding seven rebounds and two blocks. Junior Hodnett contributed 13 points, including three 3-pointers, and secured three rebounds. Evans scored 11 points and grabbed a team-high eight rebounds, while dishing out three assists. Sam Martin made his presence felt defensively with two blocks and added eight points on 75% shooting.

Tomashek scored 33 points, including four three-pointers, and secured seven rebounds to lead the offense. Abel contributed defensively with three steals and added five points. Grant Warren provided a defensive presence with two blocks while also scoring six points from beyond the arc. Dawson Nordgaard facilitated the ball movement with four assists and added four points.