The Lakeland women's basketball team played host to the Cuyahoga Triceratops tonight in OCCAC action and suffered a hard-fought 63-60 loss to the Triceratops. Lakeland was again playing with a short bench and tonight it came back to haunt them. The Lakers came out strong offensively in the first quarter as all starters scored. Jai'Lynne Hitt-Swartz hit three 3-pointers while Trinity Jackson scored 5 points and Monica Devine recorded a couple of baskets to give the Lakers a 23-17 lead after one period. The Lakers continued to play well in the second quarter both offensively and defensively as their lead grew to 37-25 at the break.

In the 3rd quarter, the fouls started to add up for the Lakers and Cuyahoga took advantage of a Lakeland cold stretch where they missed some open looks and committed some untimely turnovers. Despite that, Lakeland still held a 51-45 lead after 3 quarters. In the 4th quarter, the Lakers controlled play for the first 5 minutes, but then were whistled for a crucial charge with 4 minutes to play while holding a 7 point lead. The charge forced the Lakers to play the rest of the game with 4 players and Tri-C was able to take advantage. The Lakers were scrambling on defense and had difficulty getting quality offensive looks while short-handed and that enabled the Triceratops to take a 62-57 lead. Monetta Hilory was then fouled taking a 3 pointer with 6.4 seconds to play. Hilory connected on all 3 free throws to bring the Lakers within 2 at 62-60. The Lakers then fouled quickly twice to put the Triceratops in the bonus. Tri-C missed both free throws giving the Lakers life. Unfortunately they were unsuccessful in their offensive set and fouled again sealing their fate. 

The Lakers played a strong team game and had a balanced scoring attack as 4 players finished in double digits. Jai'Lynne Hitt-Swartz was the high scorer for Lakeland with 16 points while Trinity Jackson finished her evening with 14 points. Monica Devine recorded 13 points while Monetta Hilory finished with 11 points. Nitzy Rios finished with 6 points on a pair of 3-pointers.

Overall, this was a very even game that either team could have won. The two teams will get to go at it again next Wednesday (2/5) at the Cuyahoga Metro Campus. Tip off is scheduld for 5:00 pm.

Gardy's Gab: "That was a difficult loss as we played well enough to win. Credit Cuyahoga for continuing to play hard and coming back."

Next Up: The Lakers hit the road as they travel to Monroe CC on Saturday (2/1). Tipoff is scheduled for 1:00 pm.