WESTVILLE, Ind. – Lake Superior State men's basketball defeated Purdue Northwest 82-72 in Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference play on Saturday afternoon.

Lake Superior State (14-11, 10-9 GLIAC) outscored Purdue Northwest (7-20, 3-16 GLIAC) 43-37 in the first half. The Lakers trailed by as many as seven points twice in the half, including when the score was 23-16 in favor of the Pride with under 11 minutes remaining. However, the Lakers closed the deficit and then built a six-point lead as they outscored the Pride 27-14 over the remainder of the half. 

In the second half, the Lakers outscored the Pride 39-35 to complete the 82-72 victory. The Laker lead grew through the second half to as many as 16 points with the score 77-61 and under four minutes remaining in regulation. The Lakers held on for the 82-72 win. 

Four Lakers scored in double figures: sophomore forward Rog Stein (16 points), junior forward Malek Adams (16), senior forward Blake Marquardt (14) and senior guard Tim Cairnduff (13). Junior forward Ke'Montrece Collins grabbed a game-high eight rebounds for the Lakers.

Lake Superior State shot 46.8 percent from the field, including 40 percent on three-point shots. Defensively, Lake Superior State held Purdue Northwest to 40.7 percent shooting, including 26.3 percent from behind the three-point line. The Lakers held the Pride to 0-of-11 on three-point shooting in the second half.

The Lakers conclude the regular season with a game against Ferris State, the reigning NCAA Division II National Champions, at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 28 inside Bud Cooper Gymnasium. The Lakers are holding 90s Throwback Night. Come to the game wearing your favorite 90s apparel and cheer on your Lakers.

Tickets for Laker basketball home games can be purchased online or in person at the LSSU ticket office. For additional ticket information, please call (906) 635-2602. Children ages 13 and under are admitted to all Laker basketball home games free of charge.  

The Lakers have clinched a spot in the 2019 GLIAC Men's Basketball Tournament, which begins on March 5. The Lakers will play a road game at a yet to be announced opponent. 

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