Lincoln Memorial Edges Northern Michigan 72-69
Ryan Nutter's late three-pointer helped Lincoln Memorial hold off Northern Michigan in the final game of the Midwest Tip-Off Challenge.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Basketball
Lincoln Memorial defeated Northern Michigan University 72-69 on Sunday at Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, in the final contest of the Midwest Tip-Off Challenge. Northern Michigan led 68-67 with 2:18 remaining before Ryan Nutter's three-pointer gave Lincoln Memorial a 70-68 advantage.
Why it matters
The loss closes Northern Michigan's stretch at the tournament after a defeat to Harding and a win over Central Oklahoma earlier in the event. The result shows how late possessions and turnovers decided a close game for both programs.
Northern Michigan shot 24 of 54 from the field (44.4 percent) and 6 of 20 from three-point range (30 percent), while Kyle Olagbegi led all players with 15 points and 11 rebounds. Turnovers were the difference, as Northern Michigan gave the ball away 22 times compared with 11 for Lincoln Memorial.
The players
Kyle Olagbegi
Northern Michigan forward who led all players in the game with 15 points and 11 rebounds, and who missed a potential game-tying three-pointer at the buzzer.
Ryan Nutter
Lincoln Memorial guard whose three-pointer with 1:59 remaining gave his team a 70-68 lead and who contributed four steals in the win.
The details
Northern Michigan took a 68-67 lead with 2:18 left, but Nutter's three-pointer with 1:59 remaining put Lincoln Memorial ahead 70-68. Northern Michigan missed four shots in the final minutes, and Miles Gurske made two free throws with three seconds left to secure the win; Olagbegi's buzzer-beating three-point attempt missed.
Timeline
Sunday: Lincoln Memorial defeated Northern Michigan 72-69 at Wisconsin Dells, Wis.
Friday, Nov. 13: Northern Michigan plays Missouri-St. Louis at 2 p.m. EST.
Thursday, Jan. 7: Northern Michigan hosts Michigan Tech at Vandament Arena at 7:30 p.m.
Season Trajectory
The Midwest Tip-Off Challenge gives programs like Northern Michigan an early read on their rotation and ball-security issues before conference play begins. Turnover margins like the 22-11 deficit in this game often shape how a team's early-season record and confidence develop.
Fantasy managers tracking Olagbegi should note his 15-point, 11-rebound double-double against a physical frontcourt. Northern Michigan's 22 turnovers are a concrete concern for anyone watching the program's ball-handling heading into its next game.
The takeaway
Close games like this one often come down to a few possessions, and Northern Michigan's turnover total was the margin that mattered most. Teams that protect the ball in the final minutes give themselves the best chance to convert late leads into wins.
What happens next
Northern Michigan plays Missouri-St. Louis on Friday, Nov. 13 at 2 p.m. EST, and hosts Michigan Tech at Vandament Arena on Thursday, Jan. 7 at 7:30 p.m.
Further reading
For more college hoops coverage, see Basketball on the site.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Mining Journal.
