SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. - Plagued by a 15-point deficit in the first half, the Davenport University men's basketball team was never quite able to gain any traction on Thursday at Lake Superior State for the GLIAC opener. The Lakers went on to lead by as many as 29, 67-38, in the second half before the final 20-point margin, 81-61. Next up, DU will be at Ferris State on Sunday for a 3 p.m. opening tip against the Bulldogs.

Marcedus Leech Jr. (pictured) paced the Panthers with 17 points (4-of-8 from deep), five rebounds, two assists, and a steal. Jakub Dombek was the other DU scorer in double-figures thanks to 13 points to go with five boards, two dimes and a swipe. Chaz Birchfield was on top of the rebound department with six, Jordan Sterling and Jeff Carrier each had a block, while Jaylen Hodges racked up four steals.