On sophomore day, the Lakeland men's basketball team played host to the Hocking Hawks in OCCAC action. This was the premiere matchup in the league today and the Lakers responded with an 83-76 victory. With the win, Lakeland improved to 11-3 in OCCAC play and 17-7 overall. This game tested the Lakers resolve as the Hawks came out fired up early and lead by 10 points 12 minutes into the game. Hocking kept the pressure on and increased their lead to 30-18 with 5:30 to play in the half. Lakeland kept their composure. The Lakers were working hard and knew if they stuck with the plan, they would battle back into this game - and that's what they did. Keenan Hughes was fouled on a 3-point attempt and hit 2-3 free throws. Later, Aaron Ward would have a blocked shot which led to a Devin Belle layup. After both teams missed shots, Brandon Moore would get a steal and hit Ward for a layup to bring the Lakers within 6 points at 30-24. The teams would trade baskets before the Hawks were whistled for a technical. Belle would sink both free throws. The Lakers maintained possession and Kaleb Wanamaker hit a 3-pointer to bring the Lakers within 1 possession at 34-31. Hocking would go into the break leading 36-31, but the Lakers had shown that they were right back where they needed to be.
In the 2nd half, Devin Belle hit a 3-pointer and a turnaround jumper in the first 40 seconds to tie the score at 36. The teams would then battle over the next 17 minutes with neither team able to take control. During that time period, there were 11 lead changes and 5 ties until Lakeland took control late. With 4:40 to play and the Lakers trailing 69-65, Brandon Moore fed Eric Cook for a layup to make the score 69-67. After a Hawk basket, Devin Belle drained a 3-pointer to bring the Lakers within 1 at 71-70. Lakeland would then foul and the Hawks hit 1 free throw before Brandon Moore hit a 3-pointer to give the Lakers a lead at 73-72. On the Hawks next possession, they would turn the ball over and Kaleb Wanamaker would score a driving layup. After a Hawk basket, Adam Williams would drive the lane and draw a double team leaving Wanamaker open. Wanamaker nailed the 3-pointer to give the Lakers a 78-74 lead with under 2 minutes to play. Both teams would miss on possessions before the Hawks scored making the score 78-76. On the Lakers next possession, Kaleb Wanamaker was fouled setting up a 1 and 1 situation. Wanamaker drained both free throws to put the Lakers up 80-76. Following a Hocking miss, Adam Williams was fouled in a 1 and 1 situation. Williams also connected on both free throws as Lakeland salted away the victory.
Lakeland had a very balanced scoring attack as 4 players finished in double digits. Devin Belle led all scorers with 28 points while both Kaleb Wanamaker and Adam Williams finished with 16 points. Aaron Ward added 10 points while Brandon Moore recorded 7 points. Eric Cook chipped in 4 points while Keenan Hughes added 2 points on free throws in the Lakers win.
AC Chrsitian's Corner: "We had this game circled on the calendar for a while - we took our loss there personal. We see it as a battle of two of the better teams in the conference and we stepped up. It was a very good defensive effort and everyone contributed. We were proud of the team as they all stayed together and supported each other the whole game - no one got down - we just stuck together and played. It was one of our better efforts of the year and so now we just need to finish strong and get ready for District play."
Next Up: The Lakers will travel to Ursuline College on Wednesday (2/26) to face the Bryant & Stratton Bobcats in OCCAC action. Tipoff is scheduled for 6:00 pm.
