SAULT STE. MARIE - The Lake Superior State men's basketball team once again earned coach Steve Hettinga's praise for its defensive effort against Northern Michigan. The Lakers held NMU to a season low in scoring to win Thursday's Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference showdown 57-43 Thursday at Bud Cooper Gymnasium.

LSSU (14-8 overall, 8-7 GLIAC) held NMU (7-15 overall, 2-13 GLIAC) to six second-half field goals. The Wildcats' 16 field goals for the game ties their season low, and their shooting percentage of .356 is their second-lowest of the season.

Derek Kinney totaled 13 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Lakers. Center Justin Williams (6-7) scored 11 points and had three steals despite having his hands full with 6-10 Wildcat center Jared Benson, who blocked five shots. LSSU guard Micah Hudson added 11 points, while guards Khalid Wells and Derek Billing each added nine points and three steals.

Lake Superior State pulled away from a 28-24 halftime lead with a 6-0 second-half opening run that included two layups by Williams and a jumper by Billing. The Lakers held a double-figure lead several times during the second half. Their biggest lead was the final margin.

LSSU shot 44 percent from the field, including 3-of-10 from three-point range, and made 10-of-13 free throws. The Lakers out-rebounded the Wildcats, 34-28.

DeAndre Taylor totaled 13 points and eight assists, and Benson added 11 points and five rebounds to lead NMU. The Wildcats were 3-of-18 from three-point range and 8-of-12 at the free-throw line.

LSSU plays host to Michigan Tech at 1 p.m. Saturday as part of Laker Basketball Alumni Weekend.

LSSU vs. NMU Boxscore