Wright State Lake Men's Basketball came into the game versus Elizabethtown (KY) battle tested through the first month of the season with a tough NAIA laden schedule. The Lakers came out of the gate sluggish but were able to turn things around with high pressure defense and up tempo offense to win 98-84. 

How It Happened: Early on the Barons of Elizabethtown controlled the game draining their first three 3 pointers at the hands of Jansen Flood. The Lakers came out sluggish and without urgency through the first 9 minutes of the half. Head Coach Richard Westerlund called a timeout to talk with the guys with 10 minutes to go in the first half down 23-11. After the timeout the Lakers pressured the basketball and pushed the tempo forcing the Barons into multiple turnovers. Gilbert Carter led the offensive attack in the first half scoring 19 of his game high 36 in the first frame. Wes Bellegarde and KylerJohnson length gave the Baron offense fits. When the buzzer sounded in the first half the Lakers regained control and had 48-42 lead.

In the second half the tempo continued to push and wear down the Barons. Tyler Daniel found an offensive rhythm in the second half. Vonzell Groom had a career high 9 assists in the game many of those coming in transition off of his game high 6 steals. Sean Saintelus continued his run of strong play scoring on four straight possessions late in second half. Saintelus finished the game with 15 points and 7 rebounds. The Lakers lead got as high as 19 in the second half, and never relinquished the lead in the final frame.

By the Numbers: Gilbert Carter had a season high 36 points on 14/26 shooting... Tyler Daniel had his second double double of the year chipping in 20 points and 10 rebounds... The Lakers forced 34 turnovers while only committing 15 themselves... Wright State Lake shared the rock tonight having 27 assists compared to the Barons 3 assists. 

What Coach Says: "I am really happy for my guys. It is always great to get the first win of the year. We had a very tough first month with the schedule we play. I don't think we were perfect, but I was pleased with the way we pushed tempo tonight. Our pressure really turned the game around, but we need to be more disciplined in our half court D." Coach Westerlund also said, "I liked the way our guys got after it. Every guy contributed to our win tonight. We need to continue to embrace the process. We know we have more work to do."

Up Next:

Wright State Lake Men's Basketball will take on Southern States at SSCC, November 19th with a 2pm tip-off.