KIRTLAND, Ohio – Lakeland Community College women's basketball was able to make key baskets and free throws down the stretch to hold of Macomb Community College and earn the TJ Memorial Championship with a 70-65 victory Saturday afternoon.
The Lakers improve to 4-0 on the young season with the victory. Aryana Jackson scored 16 against Macomb and was named the tournament most valuable player.
Jayla Sanford shook off an early leg injury and came back to lead the Lakers with 17 points and she earned a spot on the all-tournament team. Armani Jackson had a rough shooting night but still managed to score 11 points and grab 16 rebounds and she was also named all-tournament. Delesha Jackson and Brianna Williams each grabbed 10 rebounds as Lakeland outrebounded Macomb 66-52.
The first quarter was a little rough for Lakeland at the beginning as Macomb shot out to a 9-2 lead in the first three minutes. The Lakers fought back into the game before the end of the first as Armani Jackson scored five in the quarter but Macomb still led 20-19 after one.
Lakeland went after the lead in the second quarter as Sanford scored eight points after escaping injury on a scary play in the opening quarter. The Lakers outscored Macomb 21-17 to grab a 40-37 lead at the half.
The pace slowed down drastically for both teams as the defensive pressure amped up. Aryana Jackson was able to find a little space in the defense and score eight in the third as Lakeland extended its lead to 52-47 heading into the fourth.
Lakeland started fast in the fourth by jumping out to a 64-53 lead after a free throw from Brianna Williams with just 2:40 left. Macomb would not go away quietly as it came within 67-65 with nine seconds left but the Lakers were able to make 3-of-4 free throws down the stretch to close out the five-point victory.
Lakeland will next open Ohio Community College Athletic Conference play with a road game at Hocking College on Saturday, Nov. 18 at 1 p.m.
Alicia Norman and Taylor Williams earned all-tournament honors for Macomb while Samantha McHenry was named all-tournament for Pitt-Titusville.
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.
