CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio – Lakeland men's basketball put together a strong second half and had enough to hold off Cuyahoga Community College for a 76-65 victory at Ohio Christian University Saturday afternoon for a District 1 championship and a berth in the NJCAA Division II National Tournament.

Lakeland improves to 25-6 overall and earns its first trip to the NJCAA Division II National Tournament since the 2014-15 season.

Chandler Fointno put together a strong game with 22 points with the help of six 3-pointers and was named the most valuable player of the tournament. Tyreke Johnson added 20 points and eight rebounds, Isaiah Washington chipped in 11 points and John Dawson added 10 points in the championship clinching game.

Lakeland got off to a good start in the first half as Fointno scored eight points and Washington added seven as the Lakers outscored Cuyahoga by seven. Johnson nailed a 3-pointer with 12:33 left in the first for a 19-10 lead.

The Lakers were largely able to maintain its lead in the first half and lead 32-25 at halftime.

Johnson came off the bench in the second half to score 15 in the second half while Fointno chipped in 14 points as Lakeland was able to outscore Cuyahoga by four in the second half.

Johnson made a layup with 5:56 left to give Lakeland a 66-51 lead with 5:56 left. Cuyahoga made it a little bit closer in the end but Lakeland was able to hold on for the 11-point victory.

Lakeland will next play in the NJCAA Division II National Tournament in Danville, Ill. in a game to be decided later.

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.