In Hall of Fame Induction Day, the Lakers faced off against their OCCAC rival, the Owens Express. Prior to the game, there was a special presentation as Lakeland newest HOF inductee, former men's coach Terry Bowe, was introduced. While at Lakeland, Coach Bowe was known for his tireless work ethic, fiery attitude, and success both on and off the court. On this day, it was also announced that Terry and his wife Monica, are starting a scholarship at Lakeland to recognize their son TJ. It was also announced that the Lakeland court will be renamed and now be called Terry Bowe Court.
The excitement of the morning carried over into the game as the Lakers jumped out to a 16-0 lead to start the game. Right at the tip, Micah Blackmon won the tip to Isaiah McAdams who hit a slashing Jadallah Suleiman for a layup ad a 2-0 lead about 2 seconds into the game. Following an Owens miss, Suleiman scored again on a driving layup. Both teams missed their next shots before Marlon Landingham was fouled. Landingham hit both free throws to extend the lead to 6-0. The Express would miss their next shot before Lakeland's Landingham drained a 3-pointer for a 9-0 lead. Following another Express miss, Jadallah Suleiman also sank a 3-pointer. The Express would then committ a turnover and Marlon Landingham hit a 15 foot jumper. The Express would then miss one more shot before Alikai Creque scored on a thunderous dunk to make the score 16-0. The Lakers would continue to play well both offensively and defensively as they tok a 59-29 lead into the break.
In the 2nd half, if the Express were going to make a run, they would need to start early. Any momentum they would try to get would be thwarted as the Lakers hit three 3-pointers (Juwan Turner hit 1 and Marlon Landingham hit 2) in the first 3:30 of the half. Lakeland would then sub freely throughout the half as they cruised to the final 102-74 victory.
Lakeland had a very balanced scoring attack as 11 different players scored - 4 finishing in double digits. Marlon Landingham was the games leading scorer as he finished with 24 points on six 3-pointers. Jadallah Suleiman scored 22 points, all in the first half, while Alikai Creque recorded 13 points. Isaiah McAdams scored 10 points for the Lakers while Chauncey Brashers added 9 points on three 3-pointers. Juwan Turner finished his afternoon with 7 points while Nathan Tadiello, Taylor Blanton, and Micah Blackmon each added 4 points. Amarion Glenn also chipped in a bucket in the Laker win.
Coach T Talks: "I was pleased with our first half - we came out and played. In the second half we lost our focus a bit. Really though, it was a very good day as we were all able to be a part of the HOF Induction for Terry Bowe - he represents the best in college basketball - our entire team congratulates Terry and his family."
Next Up: On Wednesday (1/28), the Lakers will head to the Cuyahoga Metro Campus to face off against the Tri-C Triceratops. Tip off is at 7:30 pm.
