The Lakeland women's basketball team played host to the Schoolcraft Ocelots tonight in Lakers Gym. In a hard-fought battle, the Lakers would fall 61-53 to the Ocelots in overtime. With the loss, the Lakers record drops to 2-4. The teams remained close throughout the game and finished the 1st quarter with an 11-10 Laker advantage. Mya James scored a basket and a couple of free throws while Trinity Jackson hit a 3-pointer to pace the Lakers. The teams would remain close throughout the second quarter as well as neither team was able to pull away. Jackson would add 5 more points in the quarter while Batoul Khaleefah added 3 points for the Lakers. The Ocelots went into the break with a 25-24 lead. The 3rd quarter continued the same type of play as the teams traded baskets throughout. The Lakers would regain the lead, 35-32, at the end of the period. Lakeland had their biggest scoring output in the 4th quarter, but so did the Ocelots. Lauren Perry, James, and Khaleefah would each score 4 points as the Lakers built a 12 point lead with 4 minutes to play. Unfortunately, the Lakers faltered down the stretch as they went cold from the field and committed a few turnovers allowing Schoolcraft to crawl back into the game. The biggest basket for the Ocelots was a game tying 3-pointer with 4 seconds to play that would send the game into overtime tied at 51. Overtime was not kind to the Lakers as they were whistled for several fouls that sent the Ocelots to the line. In total, Schoolcraft was 8-8 from the line in overtime which decided the game.

Lakeland spread the scoring around tonight as three players finished in double figures. Mya James led the Lakers in scoring with 15 points while Trinity Jackson finished her night with 13 points. Lauren Perry scored 11 points while Batoul Khaleefah chipped in 7 points in the Laker loss.

Gardy's Gab: "It was really a competitive game tonight. Both teams worked really hard. Unfortunately, we made some mistakes late that really cost us. That's happened to us a couple of times already this season so it's something we're going to have to work to improve on. We'll take a little time and enjoy the short break before getting back at it to get ready for next week.  We're not far away - just need to stay together, have positive energy, and keep working."

Next Up: The Lakers will play host to the Jamestown Jayhawks on Tuesday, November 28th at 5:30 pm. The Lakers fell to the Jayhawks at Jamestown in the season opener. The Lakers are proud to work with the Veterans Center in hosting Military Appreciation Night on that Tuesday night.