Mike Barrett, LSSULakers.com
SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. — Tipping off the 2018-19 campaign, the Lake Superior State men's basketball team hosted Olivet College in an exhibition game at the Bud Cooper Gymnasium. The Lakers, under head coach Steve Hettinga, prevailed by a 102-92 score.
The first half saw the Comets jump out to a quick 5-0 lead before the Lakers got on the board courtesy of two free throws by sophomore Rog Stein. Moments later, Stein hit a layup that put Lake Superior in the lead. Aided by foul trouble incurred by Olivet, Lake Superior (who found themselves in the double bonus midway thru the half), continued building their lead throughout the first half. Capping off the half for the Lakers was Brandon Allen, whose 3 point buzzer beater sent his team back to the dressing room with a 50-30 lead.
Starting the second half trailing by 20, Olivet slowly whittled away at the Laker lead, eventually pulling within 2. Lake Superior, aided in part by Olivet's Diangelo Carlton and Keyon Rainey fouling out, regained control of the game, however, muscling their way to a 102-92 victory.
Lake Superior was led by Tim Cairnduff and Rog Stein with 20 points each. Leading the Comets was Spencer Naffzinger with a game high 26 points. Following close behind was Tracy Edmund, who had 25.
The Lakers will hit the road for the entirety of November. Lake Superior will return home on Thursday, December 6th against Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) opponent Saginaw Valley State. Tip-off is at 7:30 p.m., following the women's game. Tickets may be purchased at the Norris Center ticket office or online at lssulakers.com/tickets.
