Health & Fitness
One & Done! Mustangs Bow Out Early.
There is an old basketball axiom that says it is hard to beat a team three times in a season. That sure held true tonight as the Northville Mustangs fell to the Novi Wildcats, a team they had beaten in their previous two meetings this season. The Mustangs entered this evening's game in Canton as the favorite, but left with their tails between their legs after a dismal defensive effort left them on the short end of the 60-58 final. It was a sad ending to a promising season for the 5 Northville Seniors who had their final season cut short prematurely. Ironically, the Mustangs were looking forward to a third game against Salem, who had beaten them twice this season. Now that task will fall to the Wildcats as they advance to Wednesday's semifinal.
Novi came out of the blocks as the aggressor from the opening tip. They led 14-11 after one, and despite a late rush by the Mustangs to cut into a 12 point lead, took a 33-28 advantage into the half. The third period was a push, and the Wildcats led by 4, 46-42 with one period to play. Northville, with one last run, tied the game in the closing minutes on a basket and 5 straight free throws by Junior Nathan Kellum. It wasn't to be enough tonight though as the gritty Wildcats continued to slip by the Mustang defenders to score in crunch time and put away the victory.
Andrew Meacham again led the Mustangs with 22 points. Kellum was a bright spot for the Mustangs, coming of the bench with an intensity not seen before, to score 16 huge points, 12 of which were during late game crunch time when they were most needed.
The Northville fans were out in force tonight to support the Mustangs, but the magic ran out and they left disappointed but thankful for a great season of Mustang basketball. Thanks to all who helped make this an exciting and memorable year for the Northville Varsity Basketball team......GO MUSTANGS!