Wright State Lake Men's Basketball came into Saturday's game versus Southern State fresh off their first win, but like the Lakers the Patriots of SSCC were coming off their first win of the season the night before. The Patriots although small in size used their effort and work rate to give the Lakers fits all afternoon. Ultimately the Lakers were able to snag their second win of the season 88-79, behind Gilbert Carter's 41 points on 14/27 shooting including 9/18 from three point land.
How It Happened:
Out of the gate the Patriots from Southern State played with urgency and were able to control much of the first half. The Lakers were unable to get much going offensively early. SSCC held a 26-24 lead 11 minutes into the first half, which was the point where Gil Carter started to heat up scoring 19 points in the first half to pace the Lakers offense and regain control of the game. At the half the Lakers led 40-38. The Lakers did a great job turning the Patriots over with their pressure. On the other hand the Patriots were able to keep themselves in the game with the relentless approach on the offensive glass and scrapping defensively to create offensive opportunities. Jakarr Fry and Caleb Allen led the Patriot attack with 15 points a piece. Foul trouble in the first half affected the Lakers as Sean Saintelus, Tyler Daniel, and Seamus Anglin all had 3 fouls a piece.
In the second half the Lakers were successfully able to build the lead up to 11 points on three different occasions but could not put away the scrappy Patriots as they consistently battled back to stay in the game. In the second half Gil Carter continued to pour the points in bunches, but also got help from Blake Stephens. Stephens coming off an ankle injury was able to score a career high 18 points including 11 in the second half. Vonzell Groom had a solid game at the point scoring 6 points, grabbing 9 rebounds, and dishing out a career high 13 assists.
By the Numbers:
In Gil Carter's last 5 games he has averaged 31.2 ppg... Kyler Johnson despite only 4 points today impacted the game with 9 rebounds, 6 steals, and 4 assists... Groom 13 assists were season high from any player in Laker uniform. Wright State Lake Men's Basketball held the advantage in turnovers with only 14 turnovers compared to the Patriots 32. Patriots shot 28 free throws compared to the Lakers 6.
What Coach Says:
Head Coach Richard Westerlund said, "We will take a win any way we can get it. I give a lot of credit to Southern State they play really hard. I thought they outworked us today over the course of 40 minutes. No one should out work us, we have to commit to putting together a complete 40 minutes." Coach Westerlund also said, "Gil continued his run of great play, but I was really encouraged with how Blake played, and the activity Kyler had on the defensive end of the floor. We need to have a good practice Monday. Ohio Christian is a very strong team, and we have to have better mentality to execute as we head into Thanksgiving break."
Up Next:
Lakers return home after 7 straight games on the road to take on Ohio Christian, November 22nd with a 7:30pm tip-off.