CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio – Lakeland men's basketball handled the early momentum from Edison State Community College in the second half and came back to win 84-73 in the District 11 semifinals at Ohio Christian University Friday evening.
With the win, Lakeland will now face Cuyahoga Community College in the District 11 final on Saturday, March 9 in Circleville for a chance to reach the national tournament. Lakeland stands at 24-6 following the victory.
In his first time facing Edison State this season, Tyreke Johnson led Lakeland with 23 points and grabbed 12 rebounds. Isaiah Washington added 19 points, John Dawson pitched in 18 points and Jonny Bowers tossed in 12 in the victory.
The first half was pretty equal as both teams scored 33 points in the first 20 minutes. Dawson and Johnson each scored seven points in the half. Lakeland scored the first five points of the first half for its biggest lead. Edison State later held a 19-14 lead with 8:35 left in the first but it was all square at 33-33 at halftime.
The second half was much better for Lakeland as the Lakers finished strong and outscored Edison State by 11 points. Johnson went off and scored 16 in the second while Washington added 13 and Dawson chipped in 11.
Edison State did come out scoring the first 10 points of the second to take a 43-33 lead with 17:14 left. Lakeland recovered to tie the game up at 46-46 after a layup by Washington. From there, Edison State never held another lead as Lakeland closed out the game strong to secure the victory.
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.
