SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. - Lake Superior State men's basketball cruised to a 95-76 victory over NAIA Division II member Davenport Thursday (Oct. 27) evening at Cooper Gymnasium in a preseason exhibition game.
The Lakers shot 50.8 percent from the floor, including 55.2 percent (16-for-29) from three point range. Sophomore forward Blake Marquardt propelled the Lakers with a game-high 30 points and added 11 rebounds for the double-double. Fellow sophomore, Carson Manger scored 25 and also chipped in four assists, four rebounds and three steals.
Led by Manger's 22 and 19 points from Marquardt in the first half, the Lakers cruised to a 56-35 lead at the break. Manger went four-for-six from three-point range in the half and was eight-for-nine at the free throw stripe, while Marquardt drained five-of-six from deep in the opening 20 minutes.
The Panthers led early to open the game, hitting their first two shots out of the gate to claim a 5-3 lead. The next possession senior Jordan Dasuqi hit a three to put the Lakers ahead 6-5, a lead they would not relinquish. LSSU went on a 14-0 run following the Dasuqi three and eventually led the Panthers 27-7, not even five minutes into the game.
The Lakers largest lead, a 29-point margin, came with 12:53 remaining in the second half but the team's shooting eventually cooled off. The defense, however, remained consistent throughout, limiting Davenport to 48.6 percent from the field and 27.3 percent from behind the line in the second half.
LSSU committed 25 turnovers, while the Panthers tallied 19, but the Lakers held a 27-21 advantage in points off turnovers and produced 17 points on the fast break.
Michael Nicholson, a junior center, had the Lakers' second double-double with 17 points and 10 boards. Nicholson also had three steals and two blocks defensively.
Senior guard Akaemji Williams scored 11 points and had a team-high seven assists while looking to get others involved all night.
Kevin Rich scored 23 points and nine rebounds and Javon Haines had 21 points and eight rebounds to lead Davenport in the loss.
The Lakers host Alma next Saturday (Nov. 5) at 4 p.m. in their final exhibition game. LSSU opens the 2016-17 regular season with a Nov. 17 matchup against Indianapolis at home.
