SANBORN, N.Y. – Missed free throws and a few poor decisions hurt Lakeland Community College men's basketball in an 88-86 loss at No. 15 Niagara County Community College Wednesday night.

The Lakers start the season off 0-1 following the loss but Lakeland turned in an impressive performance on opening night. Jeramie Burge led the Lakers with 27 points and added nine rebounds. Ty Howard finished with 26 points and seven rebounds.

Chandler Fointno reached double figures with 12 points and seven rebounds. Ben Sternberg only score five points but those points came in the clutch and kept the Lakers close in the final minutes.

Niagara County used the energy from a good opening night crowd and jumped out to a 40-37 lead at the half.

Niagara County shot out to a 60-50 lead with 12:20 left and again led by 10 with the score 82-72 with 2:54 left. Lakeland crept back into the game in the final minutes to put itself in a position to steal away a victory.

Missed free throws down the stretch and shaky decision-making in the final minutes hurt the Lakers as Niagara County held on for the two-point victory.

Lakeland will play in its home opener on Friday, Nov. 3 against Erie Community College at 7:30 p.m.

For more information about Lakeland athletics, visit www.athletics.lakelandcc.edu.

About Lakeland Community College

Founded in 1967, Lakeland Community College was the first college in Ohio created by a vote of the people. True to our mission, Lakeland provides quality learning opportunities to meet the social and economic needs of the community.

Offering day, evening, weekend and online classes, the college serves more than 10,800 credit and 2,800 noncredit students (2016). For more information about the College, visit www.lakelandcc.edu.