Cullen Maksimowski, LSSULakers.com

OWENSBORO, Ky. —The Lake Superior State men's basketball team downed non-conference Delta State, 61-47, Friday afternoon in the opening game of the Kentucky Wesleyan Thanksgiving Classic.

The Lakers improve to 4-1 overall with the win. The Statesman slip to 2-3.

Lake Superior shot 45.3 percent (24-of-53) from the field in the contest and 36.8 (7-of-19) percent from long distance. A solid defensive effort form the Lakers limited Delta State to just a 35.4 percentage (17-of-48) from the field and a 28.6 percent (4-of-14) performance from three-point range.

LSSU held a slim, 34-33, advantage on the glass in the win but only turned the ball over four times compared to the 13 turnovers committed by DSU.

Senior guard Akaemji Williams led the Lake State offense 14 points while dishing out seven assists. Josh Goldschmidt tallied 12 points and was 4-of-7 from behind the arc.

Senior forward Michael Nicholson led LSSU on the glass posting 13 rebounds to go along with six points offensively.

Ravion Henry led the Statesman offensively with 19 points. PJ Davis led the team in rebounding with eight.

Lake Superior wraps up the KWU Thanksgiving Classic tomorrow with a non-conference tilt with Shorter at 3 p.m.

The Lakers return home Nov.30 to open Great Lakes Intercollegiate Conference play against Ashland (7:30 p.m.).

Tickets may be purchased at the Norris Center Ticket Office or at lssulakers.com/tickets. Call 906-635-2502 for more information.