Wright State Lake Men's Basketball came into Saturday's game coming off two frustrating losses and a week of practice to take on Edison State Community College. The Lakers were challenged by the coaching staff to play a focused forty minutes of basketball, and the Lakers responded well. Wright State Men's was able to control the game start to finish to win 87-74 to defeat the previously undefeated ESCC team.
How It Happened:
From the tip the home team used their defense to set the tone for the game. In the first half the Lakers forced 19 Charger turnovers while holding them to 29 first half points, which is the lowest amount the Lakers have allowed all season. The Carter brothers led the way in the first half for the green and gold, combining for 20 of the Lakers 41 first half points. The Lakers saw their lead push to as much as 17 on a transition three from Kyler Johnson. Tyler Daniel provided a spark off the bench in the first half scoring 8 of his 18 in the first frame.
In the second half the Lakers came out strong again, the lead consistently staying between 16-22 points for much of the second half. Tyler Daniel picked up where he left off in first half training 3/4 threes in the second half. Seamus Anglin provided great energy as well pounding the offensive glass. The Lakers saw their lead trim the last two minutes with some poor free throw shooting and sloppy ball handling, but was able to maintain control and keep the scrappy Chargers at an arms length.
By the Numbers:
The Lakers held the Chargers to 4/26 shooting from the 3 point line, while the Lakers were able to shoot 10/26 from distance... The home team held the turnover advantage forcing 30 turnovers, but committed 20 turnovers themselves... The Lakers typically very good from the charity stripe shot a mere 17/35 from the free throw line today.
What Coach Says:
Coach Westerlund said this about the game today, "I am happy to get the win today. I am proud of our guys effort. I thought we played a really solid 38 minutes. We have to clean up the last two minutes but I am really encouraged. Going into the game we made a point of hitting the glass hard and staying disciplined defensively. I thought we executed those things very well." Coach Westerlund also said, "This win is nice because we've been competing hard and lost a few close ones recently. We're hoping to build some confidence off this win as we prepare for a very strong Central Penn squad next friday."
Up Next:
The Lakers last home game of the semester is December 9 against #2 Central Penn College, last years national runner up for USCAA DII. Tip-off is 6pm.