The Lakeland women's basketball team hosted the Niagara Thunderwolves in non-league action tonight and dropped an 84-56 decision. With the loss, the Lakers record is now 9-5 (5-1 in OCCAC). The teams came out battling in the 1st quarter as they exchanged baskets throughout. Lakeland would take an 11-9 lead with under a minute to play on a Joh'niqua Clay baseline jumper. Both teams would then miss a shot before Niagara tied the score at 11. On the Lakers final possession of the quarter, they committed a turnover and the Thunderwolves took advantage as they scored to end the quarter with a 13-11 advantage. In the 2nd quarter, the Lakers had a stretch of 6 straight possessions where they either turned the ball over or missed shots. Again, Niagara took advantage as they grew their lead from 4 to 17 points. Lakeland was unable to recover as they fell to the Thunderwolves.

Lakeland had 3 players finish in double digits. Kanija Kimbrough was the high scorer (17 points) as she had a high energy game in the paint. Joh'niqua Clay finished her night with 15 points while Kennedy Coleman scored 13 points for the Lakers. Monetta Hilory (5 points), Raegan Perkins-Hirz (4 points), and Gabriella Moore (2 points) each played strong games in the defeat.

Gardy's Gab: "We had a good first quarter, but then were unable to match their energy level most of the rest of the night. We had a really tough stretch in the second quarter where we didn't handle the pressure well and it cost us. Credit Niagara as they are a good team and played well. We will take this in and learn from it - and then turn the page quickly as we play two more times this week." 

Next Up:  On Wednesday (1/14), the Lakers will travel to Ursuline College to play the Bryant & Stratton Bobcats in non-league action. Tip off is scheduled for 6:00 pm.