Box Score Before Lake Superior State battled Grand Valley State on Saturday afternoon, LSSU honored its graduating senior class.

For each of these seniors, the afternoon was a special moment to share with friends, family, teammates and fans. And those in the packed crowd roared their approval of the 2026 class.

First, student assistant coach Brendan Gross was recognized. A Brimley, MI native, Gross graduates at just 20 years old. A highly regarded and valued member of the staff, he's earned the trust and praise of Laker Head Coach Steve Hettinga throughout his time at LSSU.

Then, the Lakers recognized Marcus Watson, Jr., a graduate student from Chicago, IL that's appeared in 10 games this season. With his family unable to attend the game because of falling ice closing down the Mackinac Bridge, Watson was joined by his LSSU teammates at center court.

Brimley, MI native Marcus Harris drew a huge cheer. A local high school star, Harris has been a vocal leader for his team and one of the most proud Lakers to wear the blue and gold. His commitment, passion and dedication have endeared him to fans who have watched him throughout his basketball journey.

Drew Hess, from Oscoda, MI, was recognized. A sharpshooter who has grown into a key role off the bench for the Lakers, Laker fans have grown used to seeing him punish teams from beyond the three-point line.

Forward Kendall Smith was also honored on Senior Day. The son of proud Laker alumni, Smith hit one of the biggest shots in Laker history - a corner three at the Sweet Sixteen against Missouri-St. Louis. Affectionately known as "Big C," Smith has become a beloved figure and leader around campus.

The Lakers prepared something special for forward Peter Nwoke. His family was able to video call the Bud Cooper Gym, live from their home in Nigeria. Nwoke, a powerful interior presence as an athlete and remarkable student in the classroom, wiped away tears as he stood at center court with close friends at his side and his family watching on. It was an incredible scene on a Saturday afternoon in the Soo.

When the game started, it quickly brewed into a classic. A thunderous crowd lived and breathed with every moment of one of the most intense contests of the year, as LSSU (15-11, 10-8 GLIAC) dueled #15 GVSU (20-6, 13-5 GLIAC) to a 105-95 win Saturday afternoon.

Omar Suleiman scored 24 points while shooting 9-of-15 from the field. Harrison Sorrelle scored 23 for the Lakers, while Nino Carter-Smith scored nine with 11 assists. 

The pace, tempo, skill and intensity of the game were off the charts. Both teams shot over 50% from the field, and LSSU shot 64.5% in the second half. Lake State hit 14th threes, and the two teams combined for 60 free throws. The Bud Cooper Gym watched a war between two teams with their sights firmly set on March.

Grand Valley took a 45-42 lead into halftime, after shooting 55.6% in the opening 20 minutes. While both halves saw several breaks for video reviews, the intensity never dipped, only building and powering the Lakers as the game moved into the second half. LSSU quickly tied the game after the break, but couldn't take the lead until 13:50 of the half when Sorrelle stuck a triple. He hit three in the second half. Suleiman hit another three three-pointers in the second half for LSSU.

While GVSU fought hard and fought well, LSSU had taken the lead for good, and the Lakers continued to make key plays to keep Grand Valley from erasing the hard-earned lead.

LSSU has won five in a row, taking out several rivals and climbing to fourth in the GLIAC with just two games remaining in the regular season. Lake State heads to Wayne State on Thursday before taking on Purdue Northwest Saturday to close out the regular season. With home court in the first round of the GLIAC Tournament still on the line, the stakes remain high in these final two games. Watch all the action on FloCollege, the official home of the GLIAC.