Cullen Maksimowski, LSSULakers.com

OWENSBORO, Ky. — The Lake Superior State men's basketball finished the Kentucky Wesleyan Thanksgiving Classic, 2-0, after defeating non-conference Shorter, 96-71, on Saturday.

The Lakers, who defeated Delta State 61-47 in the classic opener on Friday, run their record to 5-1 to open the 2017-18 campaign. The Hawks slip to 0-6.

Laker Superior shot a season-best 63.8 percent (37-of-58) from the field in the win including a 53.3 percent (8-of-15) clip from behind the arc. Shorter shot 40.7 percent (24-of-59) and 40 percent (12-of-30) from long range.

LSSU dominated on the glass bringing down 42 rebounds compared to the 18 collected by Shorter.

Senior forward Michael Nicholson led the team with 15 points and eight rebounds. Junior Blake Marquardt posted 13 points and was 3-of-5 on triple attempts.

Senior guard Akaemji Williams finished with eight points while dishing out a season-high 11 assists. Rog Stein and Malek posted double digits off the bench posting 12 and 10 points respectively.

Drew Thomas led the Hawks offense with 17 points. Amonte Potter posted 16.

The Lakers return home to open Great Lakes Intercollegiate Conference action on Nov.30 (7:30 p.m.) against Ashland.

Tickets may be purchased at the Norris Center Ticket Office or at lssulakers.com/tickets. Call 906-635-2502 for more information.