DETROIT—The Lake Superior State men's basketball team opened its 2017-18 season in impressive fashion Saturday knocking off No.24 ranked Kentucky Wesleyan,96-66, in a non-conference tilt in the Battler Classic at Wayne State University.

The Lakers came out of the gates firing going on a 14-4 run to open the contest. The Panthers closed the gap to within four with four minutes left in the half but a late surge staked Lake Superior to a, 39-29, lead heading into the half.

LSSU never let up in the second half as they outscored KWU, 57-37, to seal the victory.

Lake Superior finished the game shooting 52.5 percent (32-of-61) from the field and were 12-of-24 from long distance. Kentucky Wesleyan shot 48.1 percent for the game.

The Lakers won the battle underneath holding a, 33-30, rebounding advantage in the win. LSSU finished with just 12 turnovers on the night while the Panthers gave up the ball 21 times on the night.

Senior guard Akaemji Williams paved to way offensively for the Lakers tallying 23 points on 6-of-9 shooting performance from the field. Josh Goldschmidt finished with 17 points and was 3-of-5 from behind the arc.

Sophomore guard Malek Adams provided a spark off the bench with 11 points on a perfect 4-of-4 shooting night.

Senior big man Michael Nicholson lead Lake State on the glass bringing down six rebounds. Junior forward Blake Marquardt had four boards to go along with 12 points offensively.

Rashiede Bell led the Kentucky Wesleyan offense with 14 points. Amir Warnock finished the game with 12 points.

LSSU will wrap up the Battler Classic tomorrow with non-conference matchup with Alderson Broaddus. Tipoff is slated for 1 p.m.

The Lake Superior men's basketball team returns to Bud Cooper Gymnasium on Nov.30. Find all of your Basketball ticket information at LSSULakers.com and be sure to ask about the LSSU All-sport Pass.