SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. — The Davenport men's basketball team was defeated by Lake Superior State by a final score of 99-79 on Thursday night at Bud Cooper Gymnasium in a key GLIAC matchup. Despite having a better shooting night and recording more rebounds, the Panthers could not overcome a host of turnovers totaling 23. LSSU took full advantage of those miscues with a 29-6 edge in points off turnovers for the contest. DU now has a one-game lead for eighth place over Saginaw Valley State, who picked up an upset win over Grand Valley State on Thursday.
Davenport opened the contest with offensive efficiency in the first half, shooting 56 percent (14-of-25) from the field, including 2-for-5 from beyond the arc.
Dylan Smith was instrumental in the half, contributing 13 points, three rebounds, and two blocked shots. Despite their efforts, the team struggled with turnovers, committing 12, of which five occurred in five straight possessions to open the game.
Burt Paddock used a timeout after a 7-0 beginning for the Lakers. Lake Superior State would not trail in the first half and led by double figures at the 11:03 mark. The half ended with Davenport trailing 46-37, as LSSU's perimeter shooting, highlighted by eight 3-pointers, kept the home team ahead.
Davenport (13-12, 7-10 GLIAC) launched a strong start in the second half, with
Aidan Moon connecting on a 3-pointer at 19:16 and Smith completing a three-point play by 18:34, closing the gap to 48-45.
Ken Walker's three free throws at 17:44 tied the game at 48-48 and a technical foul on the bench allowed Walker to make another free throw for DU's first lead at 49-48. The Lakers (15-11, 9-8 GLIAC) responded with a 7-point run in the next four minutes to regain the advantage at 59-51.
Curtis Jackson would score five straight points to cut the deficit to 59-56 at the 12:53 mark. LSSU used a quick 8-1 run to extend their lead to 67-57 with 10:50 remaining. The Lakers pulled away from there and finished with the 99-79 victory.
Jackson led DU with 21 points and contributed eight assists, despite fouling out of the game. Walker added 18 points, making 2-of-3 from beyond the arc. Smith posted 19 points, converting 7-of-12 free throws and collecting eight rebounds.
Marshaun Flakes recorded eight rebounds and two steals, impacting the defensive side.
Omar Suleiman topped the Laker scoring with 21 points, shooting 4-for-6 from beyond the arc and adding five rebounds. Karter Richards added 19 points, converting 6-of-9 field goals and 6-of-7 free throws, while also contributing seven assists. Tyler Jamison made a defensive impact with seven steals and also scored 10 points on 4-of-5 shooting. Nino Carter-Smith recorded five steals and five assists, adding 13 points to the effort.
Game Notes:
- Flakes tied for the team lead with eight rebounds for the first time this season.
- Jackson had a season-high 10 made field goals and scored 20-plus points for the second time this season.
- DU's 23 turnovers are the second-most this season.
- The Lakers had six players score in double figures. It is the second time this season that has happened with the first coming against Claflin on Nov. 28.
- LSSU's 15 triples made are the second-most by an opponent this season.
- Davenport outrebounded the Lakers, 38-31.
Looking ahead, Davenport will travel to face Saginaw Valley State on Saturday, Feb. 21. The matchup is set for 3 p.m. at University Center, Michigan.
