SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. - The Lake Superior State University men's basketball team will return home to face two fellow Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) members this weekend as the Northwood Timberwolves compete against the Lakers at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb 6th. The Cardinals from Saginaw Valley State will make the trip to the Sault to face the Lakers on Feb. 8th at 3:00 p.m. Both matchups will be held in the Ronald "Bud" Cooper Gymnasium.
Lake Superior State Lakers (9-12, 6-7 GLIAC)
The Lakers are returning home following a road trip where the team went 1-1. In the game against Wayne State on Jan. 30th, the Lakers squeaked out a 74-73 victory as senior forward Ke' Montrece Collins would net the game winning layup with :07 seconds remaining in the contest. The Lakers would be led by Collins in scoring with 18 points as well as rebounds as Collins grabbed 8 boards in the contest. The Lakers then traveled to Ashland, Ohio as they faced the Eagles on Feb. 1st. The Lakers would trail by 15 points at halftime. Despite both squads scoring 34 points in the second half, the Lakers could not make up any ground to the Eagles and the final score was 81-66 in favor of the Eagles.
Earlier this season, the Lakers fell to Northwood by a mere five points. Despite the Lakers balanced offensive attack, the team dug themselves a hole in the contest as they allowed Northwood to take a 16-0 lead in the beginning minutes of the game. On Jan. 9th, the Lakers competed against the Cardinals in Saginaw, Mich. The Lakers held on to a four point lead at halftime, but the Cardinals would respond to take the victory by a score of 79-66. The Lakers will be looking to gain back two more wins in some valuable GLIAC matchups this weekend.
Northwood Timberwolves (11-10, 6-7 GLIAC)
The Timberwolves are red-hot after their last three contests have ended in close victories for the team. Northwood's leading scorer, Trey McBride, recorded a double-double in the Timberwolves 76-64 victory against Northern Michigan on Jan. 30th. The Timberwolves are currently averaging 67 points per game, three points fewer than Lake State. Northwood is coached by the seasoned 10th year veteran, Jeff Rekeweg.
Saginaw Valley State Cardinals (14-7, 8-5 GLIAC)
The Saginaw Valley State Cardinals have won three of their last seven contests. Currently on a two game winning streak, the Cardinals came from behind to win their last game against Michigan Tech. SVSU is currently averaging 73.5 points per game and 35.6 rebounds in each contest. Sophomore guard Myles Belyeu has proven to be a quick scorer as he averages 20.5 points a game. The Cardinals are coached by Randy Baruth who is in his 8th season as the headcoach of the Cardinals.
Senior Day
Saturday's game will include a special ceremony honoring the graduating class for the Lakers. The team will recognize Ke'Montrece Collins, Cody Ley, and Jackson Schrameyer.
Up Next
Next weekend, the Lakers will host their Upper Peninsula rivals in the Ronald "Bud" Cooper Gymnasium on Thursday, Feb. 13th at 7:30pm against Northern Michigan and Saturday, Feb. 15th at 3:00pm against Michigan Tech.
For more information, visit lssulakers.com
To purchase tickets, click here or call (906) 635-2601.
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