The NJCAA's 15th ranked Lakeland Lakers played host to the Bryant & Stratton Bobcats tonight and came away with a convincing 80-60 victory. With the win, the Lakers improved to 22-3 and 13-2 in conference play. In the first half, the Lakers appeared a bit sluggish early while the Bobcats caught fire with their 3-point shooting. Still, after falling in an early 10 point hole at 17-7, the Lakers battled back and trailed the Bobcats by 2 at the half, 28-26.
In the second half, the Lakers took charge of the game and put the game out of reach quickly. Alex Benson set the tone for the half as he stole the ball on the Bobcats first possession and raced down for a layup to knot the score at 28. The two teams kept it close over the next 7 minutes before the Lakers exploded. With Lakeland leading 41-38, Ansoumane Oulare pump faked the Bobcat defender in the air at the free throw line and then drove the lane for a layup while being fouled. Oulare hit the free throw and the Lakers led 44-38. After a Bobcat miss, Brandon Lane fed a cutting Alex Benson for a layup and a 46-38 lead. The Lakers then put on a press and Dondi Harper stole the ball and scored for a 48-38 lead. After another Laker steal on the Bobcats next possession, Alex Benson hit a jumper to increase the lead to 50-38. Following a Bobcat basket, Chris Tackett grabbed an offensive rebound and fed Benson who floated it in for a 52-40 lead. The Bobcats would miss on their next possession and foul Benson who connected on both free throws for a 54-40 lead. After another Bobcat miss, Tackett was fouled and hit 1 of 2 free throws. The Bobcats would miss their next shot before Adam Williams stuck a 6-footer for a 17 point, 57-40 advantage. In the 4 minute span, the Lakers outscored the Bobcats 13-2 and then cruised to the victory.
Lakeland exercised a very balanced scoring attack as 11 different players scored. Alex Benson led the way with 23 points. Chris Tackett finished with 11 points and several offensive rebounds while both Dondi Harper and Jareon Mayo added 8 points. Dasjaun Williams and Ansoumane Oulare each recorded 7 points while Justin Covington finished the evening with 5 points in the Laker win.
T's Thoughts: "Give credit to Bryant & Stratton as they came out with a lot of energy and shot the ball well in the first half. We were able to pick it up defensively in the second half and that was key. I was happy we were able to play everyone and play a solid second half. We have a big game coming up on Saturday - we'll need a more consistent effort."
Next Up: The Lakers will play host to the Edison State Chargers on Saturday (3/2) in their final regular season game. The game will have a special 12:30 tip. It will be sophomore day for the Lakers and sophomores will be recognized starting at approximately 11:50 am. Additionally, Lakeland's first ever men's basketball team and cheerleaders (1968-69) will be recognized at halftime of the men's game.
