The Lakeland men's basketball team traveled to Niagara County today to face the Thunderwolves in non-league action. On January 12, the Lakers defeated the Thunderfwolves in overtime, but today, they fell in overtime by a final of 102-97. The Lakers jumped out to a quick 9-2 lead on the strength of a pair of layups and a 3-pointer from Marlon Landingham sandwiched around a Jadallah Suleiman jumper. Unfortunately, over the next several minutes, the Lakers committed several turnovers and the Thunderwolves took advantage - eventually knotted the score at 20 with under 10 minutes to play in the half. Amarion Glenn then hit a 3-pointer to regain the Lakers lead. Following a NCCC turnover, Alikai Creque scored a layup to put the Lakers up 25-20. Lakeland would then go cold and allowed the Thunderwolves to take a 41-32 lead with 2:03 to play in the half. This time the Lakers battled back as Marlon Landingham drained a 3-pointer. Later in the period, Juwan Turner was fouled and made both free throws to make the score 41-37. NCCC would then connect on a free throw before Landingham made another 3-pointer to make the scpore 42-40.The teams battled the rest of the half with the Lakers trailing 45-43 going into the break.

In the second half, the two teams traded baskets for the first 12 minutes. NCCC then went on a little run and took an 83-76 lead with under 5 minutes to play. A Jadallah Suleiman jump shot was then answered with an NCCC basket. Marlon Landingham then connected on a 3-pointer to bring the Lakers within 4 points, 85-81, with under 4 minutes to play. The teams would again trade baskets before Alikai Creque made an old-fashioned 3-point play as he scored the basket and made the free throw after being fouled. The two teams would again trade baskets before NCCC hit a jump shot to go up 91-88 with just over a minute to play. The Lakers would miss their next shot. Niagara would try to run the clock out during the next possession, but the Lakers defense forced a turnover with 10 seconds to play. Coming out of a timeout, Lakeand's Marlon Landingham drained a 3-pointer to tie the score at 91 with 2 seconds to play and eventually force overtime.

Lakeland started strong in overtime as Marlon Landingham made a layup off the tip. After a Niagara turnover, Micah Blackmon grabbed an offensive rebound and scored a layup putting the Lakers up 95-91. After a Niagara missed shot, Jadallah Suleiman made a jumper to put the Lakers up 97-91 with 3:53 to play. The Lakers then had 5 turnovers and a missed shot in their next 6 possessions allowing Niagara to come back and take a lead they would never relinquish as the Lakers ran out of time.

Lakeland finished with 4 players in double digits. Marlon Landingham led the way with 29 points and 7 rebounds while Jadallah Suleiman finished with 25 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists. Alikai Creque recorded a double-double (18 points and 15 rebounds) while Isaiah McAdams finished his afternoon with 14 points and 6 assists. Amarion Glenn picked up 5 points and 2 rebounds while Micah Blackmon added 4 points and 4 rebounds. Juwan Turner added 2 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists in the Laker loss.

Coach Anton's Analysis: "We shot well from the field and dominated inside, but 20 turnovers proved too costly. Niagara's depth really showed as they had strong bench play that created many second-chance opportinities. We need to get back and put this behind us quickly as we have a tough road game coming up Wednesday." 

Next Up:  The Lakers will head to TriC-Metro on Wednesday (2/18) to face the Triceratops in OCCAC action. Tip off is scheduled for 6:30 pm.