Bay College sophomore Ryan Sweeney (5) drives to the basket during a game against Muskegon Community College on Jan. 18, 2025 at Bay College. (“The Big Dog” Mitch Vosburg/Daily Press)

WELLS – The Bay College Norse Men’s Basketball Team (13-4, 2-1 MCCAA) built a big lead early and cruised to a 94-66 victory over the Muskegon Community College Jayhawks (9-8, 2-1 MCCAA) on Saturday afternoon.

The early going was back-and-forth as Will Chye hit a 3-pointer to give the Jayhawks their first lead of the game. Then KaiRee Gadson answered with a shot from behind the arc to reclaim the lead for the Norse, Joe Russau knocked down a jumper, giving Muskegon an 11-10 lead.

It proved to be the last time the Jayhawks had a lead. Russau would complete a three-point play after being fouled at the rim, tying the game at 16. Bay took over from there.

D’Marco Chelley answered with a finish at the rim and Nic Williams blocked a shot on the defensive end to set up a possession that ended with Zavier Hayes burying a three-pointer. It triggered a 15-2 run that put Bay up by double-digits.

Muskegon looked to be getting back on track when Kevon Washington made a jumper and a three in consecutive possessions, but Bay’s defense started to really lock down on the Jayhawks from that point on. A 14-4 run put Bay up by 20 with just over three minutes left in the half and they finished the period strong, taking a big 61-32 lead into intermission.

The Norse shot 61.5% in the first half and got to the charity stripe ten times, converting nine of those free throws. They also forced 13 turnovers and outrebounded the Jayhawks 17-8 to take control of the game.

Bay’s offense cooled off a touch in the second half but still shot a very respectable 40% from the field. The big lead allowed the Norse to go deep into their bench. Fifteen players saw time in the period, allowing the starters to rest, which was important due to injuries and illnesses the Bay team has seen during the season.

Muskegon was able to control the basketball better in the second half, turning it over just seven times. They also outrebounded Bay 20-16. The Jayhawks were able to cut the Norse lead to 21 just past the midpoint of the half, but that was as close as it would get, with Bay running away with the 28-point victory.

Gadson led all scorers with 20 points while grabbing five rebounds. Ryan Sweeney ended with 16 points, three rebounds, and four assists, while Mykel Lindsey had 13 points. Chelley also had 13 points off the bench. Williams collected ten points, seven rebounds, and had four steals.

Russau had 16 points and seven rebounds in the effort for Muskegon. Chye also put in 16 points while grabbing four rebounds and dishing out four assists. Washington finished with 12 points, four rebounds, and three assists while Ny’Zhem Marshall had 11 points and five rebounds.

The Norse will take on Alpena Community College on Wednesday. The Lumberjacks are 1-11 on the season and have dropped all three conference matchups so far this season. The game will start at 7:30 pm in Alpena.