SAULT STE. MARIE - An event-filled Thursday night in Bud Cooper Gymnasium included the solemnness of a moment of silence for former Lake Superior State equipment manager Gil Somes, the rowdiness of a student pajama party, a career-high 21 points by sophomore guard Jordan Dasuqi and a season-high 18 points by rookie guard Akaemji Williams.

Not to mention a 78-66 LSSU men's basketball victory over Grand Valley State. Somes, who died Jan. 19 following a lengthy illness, would have enjoyed it all.

No. 24-ranked Lake Superior State (20-4 overall, 15-3 Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference) moved into sole possession of second place in the GLIAC North Division and secured the men's basketball program's ninth 20-win season in its 69-year history. It was LSSU's third 20-win campaign with eight-year coach Steve Hettinga.

The Lakers play host to third-place Ferris State at 3 p.m. Saturday while continuing their four-game homestand. The Bulldogs look to rebound from Thursday's 79-66 loss at Northwood.

Dasuqi opened the first and second halves with three-pointers and set the tone for LSSU, which shot 52 percent from the field for the game.

Tony Harris, who was also impressive with 18 points, made back-to-back layups near the 6 1/2 minute mark of the first half to give LSSU a 23-12 lead. The Lakers enjoyed a double-figure lead throughout most of the remainder of the game. Their biggest lead was 18 points.

Dasuqi was 5-for-8 from three-point range, while Akaemji Williams was 2-for-3 and added six assists. Harris, who has contributed 16.5 points per game in his last two outings, was 7-of-8 at the free-throw line. LSSU scoring leader Alex Williams was 1-for-3 from the field and played a strong defensive role. He finished with six rebounds, while Jake Blake led LSSU rebounders with seven.

LSSU made 9-of-23 three-point attempts and 17-of-29 free throws. The Lakers committed only seven turnovers.

Ryan Sabin and Luke Ryskamp scored 21 points each to lead Grand Valley State (10-14 overall, 6-12 GLIAC). GVSU shot 37.8 percent from the field, including 5-of-13 from three-point range, and made 27-of-30 free throws. GVSU out-rebounded LSSU, 31-29.

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