KIRTLAND, Ohio – Lakeland Community College women's basketball had a commanding lead in the third but allowed Columbus State Community College to storm back and tie the game late. The Lakers were able to get the lead back and hold on for a 76-72 victory Monday night.
With the win, Lakeland has now won three games in a row and improve to 14-5 overall and 6-3 in Ohio Community College Athletic Conference play.
The Lakers had a balanced scoring attack with three players in double figures with Armani Jackson leading the way with 20 points and 13 rebounds. Brianna Williams also recorded a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds.
Delesha Jackson added 17 points while Angel Cannon and Cary Morin each scored nine in the win.
The first quarter was very a sluggish one for Lakeland as the Lakers only scored 10 points and trailed 15-10 after one.
Armani Jackson helped to get the Lakers back on track in the second quarter by scoring 11 points on 4-of-6 shooting in the quarter. After Lakeland tied the game at 18-18 with 7:59 left the Lakers rolled off 10 straight points that was capped by two free throws by Armani Jackson for a 28-18 lead with 4:56 left.
With 17 fouls called in the second quarter, time moved at a snail's pace but Lakeland was able to outscore Columbus 26-15 to take a 36-30 lead into halftime.
Lakeland kept the momentum in the third with the help of Brianna Williams and her seven points. Williams nailed a 3-pointer in the quarter to help the Lakers outscore Columbus State 24-18 to take a 60-48 lead into the fourth quarter.
Momentum slipped away from Lakeland in the fourth as the Lakers only shot 26.3 percent in the final quarter. The Lakers slowly watched their lead disappear as Columbus State tied the game at 65-65 with 5:08 left.
Technical fouls by the Columbus State coaching staff and a layup from Armani Jackson helped give the Lakers a 74-69 lead with 2:10 left. Columbus State would make it a little closer in the end but Lakeland held on for the four-point victory.
Lakeland will be back home on Wednesday, Feb. 14 against Cuyahoga Community College at 5:30 p.m. Lakeland beat Cuyahoga 64-54 on Jan. 17.
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.
