The NJCAA's DII 9th ranked Lakers traveled to Kent State Tuscarawas to face the USCAA's DII 8th ranked Golden Eagles. In a tightly contested game, the Lakers dropped their first game of the season by a score of 71-67. The game was tightly contested for the first 15 minutes of the game as the teams traded baskets throughout. The half ended with a couple of Lakeland turnovers and a basket interference call that gave the hosts a 40-32 lead at the break. 

In the second half, the teams continued to battle. The teams traded baskets with Lakeland slowly cutting into the lead and then finally taking a 67-66 lead with 1:34 to play. The Golden Eagles were then fouled and sank both free throws to regain the lead at 68-67. On Lakeland's next possession, they missed an open layup. The Golden Eagles rebounded only to have the Lakers steal the ball back. As the clock wound down, the Lakers turned the ball over on an errant pass. With that, Lakeland was forced to foul and KSU Tusc was able to close out the game at the line.

Jareon Mayo led Lakeland with 19 points while PJ Daniels finished his evening with 16 points. Adam Williams added 9 points while Ansoumane Oulare chipped in 7 points in the Laker defeat.

T's Thoughts: "Credit KSU Tusc for their effort this evening. We didn't have our best effort and didn't do a great job taking care of the ball. It's difficult to win when you don't take advantage of/convert your opportunities. We have to put this behind us quickly as we face another tough test tomorrow. After these games, we'll take some time to work on some correctable things and we'll get better."

Next Up: The Lakers will travel back to Kent State Tuscarawas again tomorrow as they face off against the USCAA's DI 3rd ranked team, Bryant & Stratton Buffalo. Tip off is scheduled for noon.