KIRTLAND, Ohio – The Lakeland Community College men's basketball team was in action today as they were victorious over Pittsburgh-Titusville, 123-72 in the first round of the TJ Memorial Classic. With the win the Lakers improve to 2-0 on the season.
In the first couple of minutes the teams were feeling each other out before the Panthers went on an 8-0 run that saw them take a 16-9 advantage. The Lakers instantly responded with an 11-0 run to regain the lead with just under 13 minutes remaining in the half. The run was sparked by Donald McCain (Euclid, Ohio / Lutheran East) as he scored five of the 11 points for the Lakers. The Panthers tied the game at 22 points apiece before the Lakers went on a 9-0 run to take a 31-22 advantage. Once again the Lakeland run was sparked by McCain as he had seven of the nine points during the run. After a couple of minutes of the teams trading baskets the Lakers went on an 11-4 and took a 48-33 advantage. The Lakeland run was highlighted by a three pointer from Jeramie Burge (Shaker Heights, Ohio / Shaker Heights). Lakeland continued their strong play and entered the half with a 58-42 lead.
McCain led the Lakers with 16 points in the first half. Burge also pitched in with 10 points and two assists in the half.
The second half start with both teams trading baskets for the first five minutes, before Lakeland opened up a 84-54 lead with a 13-2 run. The run was sparked by Trevon Granger (Bedford Heights, Ohio / Bedford) as he had six of the 13 points including a breakaway dunk. A minute after the Lakers 13-2 run they went on a 16-1 run and stretched their lead to 103-60, with eight minutes remaining in the game. The run was a team effort as Najee Lucky (Plainfield, New Jersey / Piscataway), Crysjawn Waters (Akron, Ohio / Garfield), and Aaron Blake (Cleveland, Ohio / Martin Luther King, Jr.) all scored during the run. The Lakers continued to dominate the game and went on to win, 123-72.
The Lakers offense was on fire in the game as eight players scored double digit points. McCain scored a game high 22 points and also grabbed seven rebounds. Larnell Nealy (Norton, Ohio / Copley) played a well-rounded game as he scored seven points, had four assists, and four steals.
The Lakeland Community College men's basketball team will be back in action tomorrow (Nov. 12) as they play in the championship game of the TJ Memorial Classic against Mercyhurst Northeast, with the game set to begin at 4 p.m.
-Lakers-