The Lakers came into Tuesday night welcoming Ohio State Lima to Celina. The Lakers fresh off of two losses against NCAA DII Oakland City, came in focused to get back into the win column. In the first half the Lakers started slow and allowed Ohio State Lima to hang around, but late in the half Coach Westerlund went to a big lineup of Jordan Gorman, Jahod Lang, Tyrone Auzenne Jr., Chaz Painter, and Noah Benson. The big lineup worked, as the Lakers ended the half on a 8-0 run to close the half up 10. Noah Benson and Chaz Painter were able to effectively establish themselves inside, while Jordan Gorman was all over the place offensively and defensively.

In the second half the Lakers continued to pound the ball into the paint and use their size advantage over the Barons. The big men for the Lakers combined for 47 of the home team's 84 points. Noah Benson dominated inside all night. Chaz Painter and Nick Passino also did a great job carving out space inside. The big men picked up the slack for Isaac Clay, as Clay was held in single figures for the first time in 16 games. The Lakers defense did very well on the night limiting the Barons to only 56 points and 28% shooting from the field. Noah Benson finished with a career high 18 points 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Gorman had a career night as well as he finished with the program's first triple double, as he finished the night with 11 points, 11 assists, and 10 rebounds. 

Inside the Box Score:

• The Lakers held OSU Lima to only 28% shooting, which is the lowest percentage the Lakers have held an opponent all year
• Chaz Painter chipped in 8 points and 9 rebounds 
• Quincy Green scored 15 points, which is his fifth time in double figures in this last six games.
• Lakers shared the rock well tonight with 25 assists compared to OSU Lima's mere 2 assists

What Coach Says:

Coach Westerlund had this to say about the game tonight, "I didn't think we were the sharpest tonight, especially defensively but I am very happy to get the win. I am also happy about how well our bigs played tonight, particularly Noah Benson. This was the first game we've had that all our bigs dominated in the game. Noah just was a force tonight. I was really happy with the energy he brought off the bench. Nick Passino brought some great energy defensively and Chaz did a great job opening up lanes for Benson by sealing and carving out space." On Jordan Gorman's triple double, "I mean at this point JG never surprises me. He has been a game changer for our program. He impacts the games in so many different way, and tonight was a small example with how he does that." On holding OSU Lima to season low 56 points, "It is obviously very nice to hold a team to 56, but I believe we can definitely sharpen things up and get better defensively. We don't have much time to make adjustments as we take on Cincinnati Clermont tomorrow."

Who's Next:

Lakers take on #18 Cincinnati Clermont Wednesday February 14th. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30pm.