Late Free Throws Prove Decisive on the Road for the Lakers

DRYDEN, N.Y. - The Lakers struggles continued Wednesday night as the team would suffer a 1-point loss to the host Panthers from Tompkins Cortland Community College. With 19 seconds remaining on the clock, the Lakers would hold a 65-64 advantage over the Panthers, however, a costly foul earned the Panthers an opportunity at the free throw line where they would convert on both of their attempts to take a 66-65 lead.

Those free throws proved to be decisive, as the Lakers last second attempt at a basket would fall just short. Despite the tough loss, several Lakers enjoyed productive nights on the floor, shooting 40.7% from the field as a team, and 35% from beyond the arc.

Jevonte Williams (Rochester, N.Y./ Rush Henrietta) led the team in the scoring column with 18. Williams would pull down 4 rebounds, dish out 4 assists, and block a shot to wrap up a strong overall performance. Coming off the bench, Michael Morgan (Rochester, N.Y./ Edison Tech) would make the most of his opportunities, scoring 10 points and pulling down a team-high 7 rebounds. Morgan dished out 3 assists, and enjoyed a productive night on defense with 2 blocks and 2 steals against the Panthers.

Freshman Alex Hill (Rochester, N.Y./ Fairport) drained two 3-pointers and finished the night with 10 points,4 rebounds, and an assist and steal apiece. Teammate Paxton Creek (Kalgoorie, Australia/ Eastern Goldfields) earned the start, and finished with 8 points,2 rebounds and a block on defense. The Lakers most impressive defensive performance came from freshman Arona Mane (Bronx, N.Y./ William Grady) who would snag 2 steals, and block a game-high 4 shots. Mane's defensive performance continued with 5 rebounds to go along with 5 points on offense. 

The Lakers 4-game road trip will come to an end Saturday, December 10th when the team travels to Columbia-Greene Community College for a 2 PM matchup with the Twins.