HANCOCK, Mich. – The Lakeland College men's basketball team built a big lead early in the second half and withstood a late rally to defeat Finlandia (Mich.) University 79-71 Wednesday afternoon at the Paavo Nurmi Center.
The Muskies led by 21 early in the second half before the Lions rallied within three points late. Lakeland still held on to improve to 7-3 overall and defeated Finlandia for the sixth straight year.
The Muskies trailed only briefly by a point in the game's early minutes before leading the rest of the way. Lakeland built an 18-point halftime lead by holding the Lions (1-8 overall) to 26.7% shooting in the first half and pushed the lead to 21 early in the second half before the hosts suddenly warmed up.
Finlandia made 15 of 27 shots (55.6%) in the second half and chipped away at the Muskies' lead. Lakeland still led 63-48 with 9:46 left after a jumper by
Travis Kell (
Jr.-Madison, Wis.), but the Lions went on an 18-6 run and got within 71-68 with 2:58 left after a layup by Jordan LaPlant.
Pat McDonald (
Fr.-Port Washington, Wis.) helped fend off Finlandia's challenge, first with two free throws to up the lead back to five, and then with a three-pointer with 54 seconds left to make it 76-69. The Muskies closed it out at the free throw line to win their fourth straight game.
Kell and
Tanner Hackl (
Sr.-West De Pere, Wis.) both notched double-doubles, the third time this season both have accomplished the feat in the same game. Hackl led Lakeland with 17 points and added 11 boards for his fourth personal double-double, while Kell scored 10 points and posted a game-high 13 rebounds in his fifth double-double of the year.
Brandon James (
So.-Rockford, Ill.) also scored 14 points and added a game-best five assists, while McDonald chipped in 13 points. The Muskies shot 43.1% (28 of 65) and outrebounded the Lions 41-32.
Brandon Robinette scored 24 points to lead Finlandia, hitting five three-pointers. LaPlant also added 17 points for the hosts, who shot 40.4% for the game (23 of 57).
The Muskies are back in Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference play Saturday when they travel to take on Rockford (Ill.) University at 2 p.m.
