Wright State Lakers took on #16 Andrews University Monday afternoon in Celina. The Lakers were focused on avenging a loss to the Cardinals one week prior. The Lakers opened up the game very fast jumping out to a 14-2 lead, forcing the Cardinals to burn two early timeouts, but the Lakers could not keep up the pace as Andrews responded with their own 9-0 run of their own. The first half the Lakers owned the offensive glass and was able to consistently turn the Cardinals over. The Lakers were led by a strong effort from Tyrone Auzenne Jr. The first half ended with the a 5 point lead for the home team. In the second half the Lakers started fast again but the Cardinals again responded with their own run and was able to build a fourteen point lead before Coach Westerlund called a timeout to break the Cardinal run. Out of the timeout the Lakers responded and were able to cut into the lead but the Lakers cold shooting would not allow them to get any closer than five. Andrews won by the final score of 75-61. Isaac Clay led the Lakers in scoring with 15 points.
Inside the Box Score:
- The Lakers shot a cold 29% on 24/84 shooting while the Cardinals shot 28/62 for 45% shooting
- Battle of the Boards: After being outrebounded by 30 in the first game the Lakers pounded the class and outrebounded the Cardinals 48-36. The Lakers grabbed 25 offensive boards in the contest
- Turnover Battle: WSU-LC: 15 TOs AU: 30 TOs
What Coach Says:
Coach Richard Westerlund had this to say about the game today, "I thought we came out with great energy today. I loved that we jumped out to a nice lead, but we need to develop consistency. We ended up playing into their pace in the second half which was not what we wanted, when we played our style we dictated tempo and was able to get what we wanted. We did a great job on the glass and turning them over, but unfortunately we had another cold shooting day. I believe at this point it comes down to us mentally preparing ourselves better." Coach Westerlund said this about Tyrone Auzenne's play, "Ty has really been awesome for us lately. He stayed out of foul trouble which was crucial to our success. He plays so hard and his motor was contagious. I am really proud of him."
Who's Next:
At Ohio State University Lima, Tuesday January 16th. Tip-Off at 7:30pm