Harrison Sorrelle scored 22 points, but Lake Superior State dropped a 77-71 result to Wayne State in GLIAC play on Sunday afternoon in a highly engaging, physical tilt.

Two teams aiming for the top of the league squared off at Bud Cooper Gymnasium and set about trying to pound the other into atoms. No quarter was asked and none was given as players attacked every possession, dove headfirst into benches and refused to let their opposition out-compete them in a thrilling basketball game.

Lake Superior State (7-6, 1-3 GLIAC) shot 29 free throws, while the Warriors (5-5, 2-2 GLIAC) shot 28. The game saw nine ties and 12 lead changes. But Devin Belle hit a jumper with 15:10 remaining in the second half to put Wayne State in the lead, and the Warriors didn't trail again.

But the Lakers rallied, attacking the basket and drawing free throws. Karter Richards scored a massive bucket for LSSU with just 39 seconds remaining, drawing a foul in the process. While the Bud Cooper Gym didn't get a capacity crowd for this game, the fans erupted with a playoff intensity when Richards, a 6-foot-3 guard, attacked the rack and finished through contact. He hit the ensuing free throw to cut the Warrior lead to 71-70, But the visitors hit their free throws to secure the result in Sault Ste. Marie.

The energy, intensity and focus from fans, coaches and players elevated the atmosphere to a fever pitch. Both teams hit a number of extremely difficult shots, battling through tight defense to score from in close or at range. The Lakers found the most success passing the ball, with 15 assists on 22 made field goals and only eight turnovers.

Nino Carter-Smith scored 13 points for LSSU and snatched seven rebounds. He also passed for a pair of assists. Omar Suleiman scored 15 for the Lakers. Richards finished with seven from the bench, providing a major spark at key moments in the game.

LSSU heads to Wisconsin Parkside on Thursday to face the Rangers, then takes on Roosevelt on Saturday. The following week, LSSU hosts Northern Michigan and Michigan Tech in U.P. rivalry games. Buy your tickets online or at the Norris Center box office to see these games.