Cullen Maksimowski, LSSULakers.com
SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich.—The Laker Superior State men's basketball team came away with a hard fought win over a bitter rival Thursday evening as they took down Ashland, 82-73, in its Great Lakers Intercollegiate Conference opener inside Bud Cooper Gymnasium.
The Lakers run their record to 6-1 overall with the win and start GLIAC competition 1-0. The Eagles fall to 5-2, 0-1.
Laker Superior came out firing in the first half shooting 56.3 percent from the field and led, 44-33 heading into the break.
Ashland came roaring back to start the second half to tie the game, 46-46, at the 17:15 mark. LSSU was able to respond down the stretch to seal the win.
"I thought it was a hard fought and well-played game by both teams tonight," said Lake Superior coach Steve Hettinga. "I was most pleased with how we hung in there. We got off to a great start with a big lead early.
"I knew they were going to make a run at us and they came back and tied it to start the second half but were able to hang in there and make some big shots at the end."
For the game, the Lakers shot 51.8 percent (29-of-56) from the field with a 36.4 percent (8-of-22) clip from behind the arc. The Eagles shot 46.3 percent from the field, 43.3 percent from three. Ashland owned the slim, 28-27, advantage on the glass.
Senior guard Akaemji Williams led the charge offensively for LSSU posting a team-high 21 points and five assists on the night.
Carson Manger posted 14 points on night and Malek Adams played a pivotal role of the bench once again tallying 12 points in 16 minutes of floor time.
Freshman forward Rog Stein posted five rebounds, a season high, to lead the Lakers on the glass in the win.
Malek Adams played a pivotal role of the bench once again tallying 12 points in 16 minutes of floor time.
Wendell Davis led Ashland offensively 21 points. Ben Haraway finished with 12.
The Lakers return to GLIAC action on Saturday (Dec.2) as they host Tiffin at 3 p.m.
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