GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - The Davenport University men's basketball team fell to crosstown rival Grand Valley State University 87-61 Saturday afternoon at the DU Student Center. Hot three-point shooting helped the Lakers (13-9, 7-5 GLIAC) pull away from the Panthers (6-16, 2-10 GLIAC) in the second half of action, shooting 50 percent from beyond the arc in the game. 

Jordan Sterling led all scorers with 19 points while adding five rebounds, three assists, and three steals for DU. Marcedus Leech Jr. poured in 16 points, marking the sixth straight game he has eclipsed double-digit points and 21st time this season. Jeff Carrier chipped in with nine points, six rebounds, two assists, and two steals in the loss.

The game began in back-and-forth action, as Davenport was able to get out to an early 10-7 lead over Grand Valley State. Midway through the half, Leech Jr. scored on a driving layup to give DU a slim 20-18 advantage with 9:20 remaining until the break. 

GVSU was able to regain and grow its lead down the stretch of the first half. Trevon Gunter hit four three-point shots in the final 4:53 of the first half, including two three-point makes on ensuing possessions to help give the Lakers a 44-30 halftime lead. 

Leech Jr. hit a shot from deep 12 seconds into the second half to get things started for the Panthers. GVSU responded, taking a 20-point lead with 14:30 remaining in the contest. Luke Bara spurred a quick 7-0 run eclipsing 2:04 with a three-point shot at the 13:30 mark.

The Lakers answered with a layup to halt the Panther run and were able to maintain their double-digit lead for the remainder of the contest.

Gunter led the Lakers with 15 points, all of which were in the first half. Marius Grazulis finished with a double-double, scoring 14 points and grabbing 11 boards. Chinedu Kingsley Okanu added 11 points and five rebounds for GVSU. 

Looking ahead, the Panthers will host Northern Michigan on Thursday, Feb. 9 at 7:30 p.m. at the DU Student Center in Grand Rapids, Mich.