SAULT STE. MARIE - After struggling to hit shots during the first half, the Lake Superior State men's basketball team found its touch in the second half and came back to beat Hillsdale 66-57 Saturday at Bud Cooper Gymnasium.

The Lakers (13-6 overall, 10-4 Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference) overcame an eight-point deficit by shooting 52 percent from the field in the second half. They avenged an early-season 18-point loss to the Chargers.

Ryan Kuhl made a field goal and Tim VanOudheusden converted a three-point play during the final 1:34 of the first half as LSSU trimmed Hillsdale's lead to two points, 33-31. Prior to that mini-run, the Lakers were shooting 9-of-25 (36 percent) from the field.

The first 10 minutes of the second half was fairly even until Kuhl made two field goals and one-of-two free throws to help LSSU build a six-point lead, 52-46. LSSU maintained the lead the rest of the way. VanOudheusden traded field goals with the Chargers with four minutes to go to protect an eight-point Laker advantage.

Kyle Hunt came off the bench and sank four free throws during the final 24 seconds to seal the win.

VanOudheusden finished with 19 points and three assists, while Kuhl totaled 16 points, five rebounds and two steals to lead the lakers. Mark Morse contributed eight points, five rebounds and three assists.

The Lakers shot 45.5 percent from the field, including 5-of-18 from three-point range, and made 11-of-15 free throws.

Keith MacKenzie scored 24 points to lead Hillsdale (9-9 overall, 7-7 GLIAC). The Chargers shot 43.1 percent from the field, including 9-of-20 from three-point range. They made 4-of-8 free throws and outrebounded LSSU, 32-29.

LSSU plays at Northwood at 8 p.m. Thursday.

Box Score