MACOMB, Michigan -- The Lutheran North Mustangs bounced back from two straight losses with a huge 64-50 team win over the Everest Collegiate Mountaineers without Drew Arft or Jack Hilt. 

Peter Freeman led the Mustangs (8-2) in the victory at home with 23 points. He shot the ball extremely well, while also getting his teammates involved. The junior was considered a role player prior to Arft getting injured, but proved himself with serious leadership. Eli Thaut chipped in eight points, four steals and four assists. 

"I feel like I could contribute to the team by stepping up my game offensively and defensively because we have two really good players out right now," Freeman said. "So the team needed someone to step up." 

Lutheran North jumped out to a 9-0 start as Michael Barno scored the first five points of the game. The senior finished with seven points and 12 rebounds, while the other big man, Joe Milanov, scored five in the outing. The Mountaineers (4-4) got good production in the last two minutes of the first two quarters, which they dominated Lutheran North. Everest, however, was outscored by 14 in the third quarter to give the Mustangs the boost to win the game. 

Luke Allen led the way with 15 points for the Mountaineers, while Alex Legg added 14 in the loss. Allen fouled out of the game with about 1:30 to play in the game. When Allen and Legg were not scoring, Xavier Engle stepped up scoring 11 points. The efforts from the trio were not enough as the team lost the second half battle and the game to the Mustangs. 

Lutheran North fell to the Divine Child Falcons in double overtime and the Shrine Knights by 18 points, which was the game the team lost Arft, the leading scorer. With the win on Friday against the Mountaineers, it is safe to say the Mustangs will be alright. 

"The game was really big," Freeman mentioned after the game. "We fell apart in the last two games, so this last game was a test to get back on track. Everyone focused on the game."

Lutheran North has time off before traveling to Bloomfield Hills to take on the Cranbrook-Kingswood Cranes on January 26. Three days after, the team will return home to play the Our Lady of the Lakes Lakers. Meanwhile, Everest will travel to play the Cristo Rey Wolves on January 22 in Detroit. Arft and Hilt will both look to get back on the court for the Mustangs sooner than later.