The Lakeland men's basketball team played host to the Bryant & Stratton Bobcats tonight and came away with a 78-67 victory. With the win, the Lakers improve to 18-4 overall and 11-1 in the OCCAC. This was a back and forth affair for most of the evening. The teams traded baskets and stayed within 4 points of each other until the last 3 minutes of the first half. With Lakeland leading 33-32, Jaidon Lipscomb drained a 3-pointer from the corner on a nice assist from Landon Tillman. After the Bobcats hit a jumper, Brandon Lane converted a layup on a pass from Lipscomb. The Bobcats then missed their next shot and Lane grabbed an offnsive rebound and made a layup as he was fouled. He connected on the free throw to send the Lakers into the break with a 41-34 advantage. In the second half, the Bobcats battled back with some accurate shooting. Coupled with a few Lakeland turnovers, the Bobcats actually led 57-56 with about 9 minutes to play in the game. The Lakers then went on a run. First, Elhadji Thiam scored on a put back to regain the Lakers lead at 58-57. After a Bobcat miss, Thiam was fouled and converted both free throws for a 60-57 lead. On the Bobcats next possession, Lipscomb picked off a pass and fed Thiam for a thunderous dunk and a 62-57 lead. After a Bobcat miss, Lane was fouled and converted 1-2 free throws. Lipscomb stole the ball again on the next possession and Thiam was eventually fouled. Thiam converted both free throws for a 65-59 lead. The Lakers then pressured the Bobcats and Lane stole the ball. While lying on his back, Lane passed to Landon Tillman for a layup and a 67-59 lead. The Bobcats would then miss their next shot and Brandon Lane would convert a Lipscomb pass for a 10 point 69-59 lead with 5:45 to play in the game. The Lakers would use the shot clock on their next few possessions and run out the game in convincing fashion.
Lakeland had five different players score in double figures. Elhadji Thiam led the way with 28 points. Brandon Lane finished his night with 13 points. Jaden Woods, Landon Tillman, and Jaidon Lipscomb each recorded 10 points in the Lakers win.
T's thoughts: "Bryant & Stratton played hard and sped us up a little bit. We were out of rhythm for a good part of the game. Fortunately, we were able to settle down a little bit and feed Brandon and Elhadji the ball in the paint to help us take control of the game. Good effort in general for our team."
Next Up: The Lakers will play host to Community Christian out of Detroit on Saturday in a non-league matchup. Game time is scheduled for 1:00 pm.
