By: Justice Steiner, Assistant Manager of Athletic Communications
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - The Davenport University men's basketball team is set to host crosstown rival Grand Valley State University at 3 p.m. this Saturday in Grand Rapids, Mich. at the DU Student Center. The contest marks the third consecutive home contest in the midst of a five-game homestretch for the Panthers (6-15, 2-9 GLIAC).
The Panthers dropped a pair of conference games last week against Parkside and Purdue Northwest. Marcedus Leech Jr. led the way for DU in both contests, scoring a combined 49 points, including a 31 point performance against PNW, marking his second highest career scoring output in a single game. As a team, Davenport shot above the 40-percent mark in both of last week's contests.
The Panthers split the regular season contests with the Lakers (12-9, 6-5 GLIAC) in the 2021-22 season as each team won on the opponents home court. GVSU edged DU in the first matchup this season 87-73 in Allendale, Mich. on Dec. 11.
Scouting the Opponent
Grand Valley State
Series Record: GVSU leads 9-5
Last Meeting: Dec. 11, 2022 - GVSU defeated DU 87-73 in Allendale, Mich.
About the Lakers:
Grand Valley State is currently tied with Saginaw Valley State for the No. 5 spot in the GLIAC standings. The Lakers hold the tiebreaker over SVSU as they defeated the Cardinals 66-62 in Allendale on Saturday, Jan. 14 at the GVSU Fieldhouse earlier this season. GVSU will travel to University Center, Mich. on Thursday, Feb. 16 for its second meeting of the season against SVSU.
After starting the season 3-6, the Lakers have begun to find their stride midway through the regular season. Despite falling short their last time out against Wisconsin-Parkside, GVSU has won nine of its last 12 games, which includes two four-game winning streaks during that span.
The Lakers lost all five of their starters from the 2021-22 season, including all three of the teams All-GLIAC performers. Among those starters was forward Jake Van Tubbergen, who was a five-time All-GLIAC performer, four of which were first team selections. Overall, GVSU returns seven players from last year's team, led by junior Marius Grazulis. The 6 foot 11 inch forward averages 11.6 points and six rebounds per game this season and was named GLIAC player of the week earlier this season following his performances against Northern Michigan and Michigan Tech. Grazulis led the Lakers to two victories while averaging 15.5 points and 10 boards in the road trip to the Upper Peninsula.
Up Next:
The Panthers will make their annual trip to the Upper Peninsula to take on Northern Michigan Thursday, Feb. 9 at 7:30 p.m. followed by Michigan Tech on Saturday, Feb. 11 at 3 p.m.
Live Coverage:
Saturday, Feb. 4 vs Grand Valley State (3:00 PM) - Live Video (FloSports) - Live Stats
