SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. - The Lake Superior State men's basketball team earned a road victory against the Ferris State Bulldgos by a final score of 80-69 on Tuesday, Jan. 26 in the Jim Wink Arena in Big Rapids, Mich. in a Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) game.
First Half
Following the first twenty minutes of play, the Lakers held a 38-33 lead over the Bulldogs.
Ferris State jumped out to an early five point lead over the Lakers in the first two minutes of play but the Lakers would tie the game in the next minute. David Wren got the Lakers on the board with a dunk and Brandon Allen followed with a three pointer. With 16:26 remaining in the half, Justin Fischer gave the Lakers their first lead of the game (8-5).
After five minutes of action, the Lakers built a six point lead over the Bulldogs as C.J. Robinson netted a shot from the three point line (13-7). Malek Adams made a three point jump shot a few plays later and then would add a pair of successful free throw attempts to give the Lakers a nine point lead.
In the next stretch of play, the Bulldogs would go on a run of seven straight points to bring the Lakers lead to two points (20-18). However, the Lakers would not allow the Bulldogs to tie the game and would hold onto the lead for the remainder of the half.
Kemon Bassett and Wren would each add a layup and a free throw in the final five minutes. Nigel Colvin, Adams and Fischer would all score two points for the Lakers in the closing minutes to propel the Lakers to a five point lead at the end of the first half (38-33).
Second Half
The Lakers would go on to outscore the Bulldogs, 42-36, in the second half to secure the win.
Wren would score on a three point jump shot to put the Lakers ahead by eight points (43-35) with 16:34 left in the game. Less than a minute later, the Lakers lead would improve to a double digit margin when Adams made a layup (45-35).
Lake Superior State was able to hold off the Bulldogs offense while also keeping a solid lead over the home team. With another Laker three pointer at the 13:37 mark, scored by Adams, the Lakers held onto a ten point lead (52-42).
With under ten minutes left in the game, LSSU freshman Andy Soma scored on a shot from behind the arc to take an 11 point lead (62-53).
The Lakers defense would prevent the Bulldogs from rallying late in the game and Lake Superior State would earn an 80-69 road win against their conference rival.
Breaking Down the Win
Five Lakers recorded double-digit point totals in the game with Bassett leading the way with his second double-double of the season. The junior forward scored 16 points and added 10 rebounds in the Laker victory.
Adams finished the game with 15 points and led the team in three pointers with three in his 17 minutes on the floor. Wren had another strong game in the Laker uniform with 10 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Colvin (13 points) and Fischer (11 points) rounded out the Lakers top five scorers in the game.
The Lakers finished the game with a 49.1 shooting percentage, going 28-for-57 in the game. On the other end of the floor, the Bulldogs went 24-for-55 in the game to total a 43.6 shooting percentage. Lake Superior State outrebounded Ferris State, 35-31, in the game.
What's Next
The Lakers will travel to Marquette, Mich. for a pair of road games against the Northern Michigan Wildcats this weekend. The two teams will play on Saturday, Jan. 30 and Sunday, Jan. 31 in the PEIF Gym with both games set for a 1:00 p.m. tipoff.
Follow the Lakers
Due to State of Michigan, GLIAC and Lake Superior State University mandates, fans are not currently permitted to attend any Laker sporting events. Even though spectators cannot currently attend Laker home games, there are still a number of ways that fans will be able to follow the game action. All Laker home games during the 2021 season will be available to watch live on Stretch TV. For more information or to sign up for a subscription, visit https://portal.stretchinternet.com/lssu/. Fans can also tune in to the radio broadcast on ESPN 1400, the official radio station of Laker basketball.
For more information, visit lssulakers.com
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