Strong Second Half Pushes Lakers Past Saints in Home Opener

Men's basketball returned home to Morey Courts on Tuesday, November 5th for a non-conference matchup with the Aquinas College Saints (JV). This game was on the heels of a 1-1 weekend in Danville, and the Lakers came in hoping to push their record over the .500 marker early in the season.

Aquinas came out firing, and the Lakers got off to a slow start offensively. After trading the lead several times in the first half, it was the Saints pulling ahead at the half 40-38.

The Lakers would tie the game multiple times in the first several minutes of the second half, but the Saints wouldn't go down lightly, maintaining a consistent 1-2 possession lead. With 13:28 to play in the second half, Jaden Clark knocked down a three pointer to take the lead 49-48. From that point on, the Lakers took over, and would lead by as many as 19 points in the second half. The Saints would hit a few shots late, but it wouldn't be enough to mount a comeback, as the Lakers won their home opener over Aquinas 83-69.

James Wright led the team in scoring with a strong double-double performance, collecting 23 points and 10 rebounds. Wright shot an efficient 9-14 from the floor, and knocked down a three pointer. De'Antre Griffin also contributed a double-double, adding 19 points and 10 rebounds. Griffin also dished 5 assists to go with his double-double numbers. Jordan Chandler rounded out the double digit scoring for the Lakers with 12 points on 5-9 shooting. Mario Johnson played 30 tough minutes, adding 9 points and 5 rebounds. 

The Lakers will return to action on Saturday, November 9th when they travel to Rockford, Illinois to take on Rock Valley College.