The men's basketball team traveled to Monroe Community College today to face the Tribunes in non-league action. After a strong first half, the Lakers had the tide turn on them in the second half and they dropped a 73-59 decision. In the first half, the teams traded baskets early before the Tribunes pulled out to a 17-13 lead. Lakeland immediately responded though as Eric Cook sank a pair of free throws before Devin Belle stole the ball and fed Brandon Moore for a game tying dunk. Following a Tribune miss, Amarion Glenn would feed Belle for a 3-pointer giving the Lakers a 20-17 advantage. Following a Tribune turnover, Aaron Ward was fouled and then sank 2 free throws. The teams would trade baskets for the next several minutes before Lakeland started to expand the lead after an Adam Williams layup to put the Lakers up 35-27. The Lakers would then grow the lead to 11 points after the Tribunes missed a shot and then fouled Eric Cook as he hit a jumper and then the free throw. Following another Tribunes miss, Aaron Ward made a layup to put the Lakers up  40-27. The Tribunes would then close the gap a bit as the Lakers missed a couple of shots. Lakeland maintained the advantage though and went into the break leading 40-31.

To start the second half, Lakeland committed several turnovers allowing the Tribunes to come all the way back and take the lead at 41-40 just 4 minutes into the period. The teams would then trade baskets for a few minutes before Aaron Ward's layup helped the Lakers regain the lead at 46-45. Lakeland would then pair a couple more turnovers with some cold shooting enabling the Tribunes to take a lead they would never relinquish.

Devin Belle would lead Lakeland's offense with 16 points while also adding 3 rebounds. Aaron Ward had a stong night finishing with 14 points and 7 rebounds. Eric Cook finished the game with 8 points while both Kaleb Wanamaker and Adam Williams recorded 6 points. Brandon Moore added 4 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals while Ben Hamilton had 3 points and 2 steals. Amarion Glenn finished the game with 2 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals.

Next Up: The Lakers will get back into OCCAC action on Wednesday (2/5) when they travel to Cuyahoga Metro to face the Triceratops. Tip off is scheduled for 7:00 pm.