KIRTLAND, Ohio – Lakeland women's basketball overcame a rough shooting start to the game to bounce back in the second half and come away with an 83-52 victory over visiting Columbus State Community College Wednesday night.
Calasia Cunningham scored 18 of her 22 points in the second half to help bolster the Lakers to a 7-0 overall record and improve to 2-0 in Ohio Community College Athletic Conference play. Columbus State fell to 0-2 in OCCAC play.
Cunningham not only led Lakeland in points with 22 but also led in steals with 10 to convert an unconventional double-double. Alicia Sephus came off the bench to secure a double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds.
Ziona William was one steal shy of a double-double as she finished with 13 points and nine steals. Selah Richardson scored 12 while Julie Hajdu and Delesha Jackson each dropped in 10 points in the win.
The first quarter was not the prettiest quarter for Lakeland basketball as the Lakers made just 2-of-24 shots including an 0-for-11 quarter behind the 3-point line. Even with the rough quarter, the Lakers only trailed 10-9 after one.
The second quarter was a little bit better as Lakeland made 7-of-25 shots from the field and Hajdu scored five points, including the first 3-pointer of the game. The Lakers outscored Columbus State 20-12 in the second to claim a 29-22 lead at halftime.
Cunningham helped Lakeland break out of a funk offensively by making three 3-point shots and making a total of 5-of-6 from the field to score 13 points. Even with Cunningham finding a rhythm offensively, Columbus State was able to keep it close in the third and was only outscored 22-19. Lakeland held on to a 51-41 lead heading into the fourth.
The fourth quarter was the difference maker for Lakeland as the Lakers forced 14 turnovers in the final 10 minutes and outscored Columbus State 32-11. Richardson scored 10 points in the final quarter to help seal the victory.
Lakeland will next play in the Skippers Holiday Classic in Port Huron, Mich. against the host team St. Clair County Community College on Friday, Nov. 30 at 6 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.
