FINDLAY, Ohio-- The Lake Erie College men's basketball were unable to overcome a fast start from the University as Findlay as they fell against the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) South Division leading Oilers, 67-41, on Saturday (Feb. 16) in Findlay, Ohio.

The Oilers (17-6, 14-5 GLIAC) started the first-half on a 18-4 run. The Storm (7-15, 4-15 GLIAC) started the game shooting just two-of-16 (12.5%) from the floor. The Storm fought back, going on a 8-2 run to bring the game to 20-11 before Findlay closed the half outscoring Lake Erie 15-5. 

Riley Thomas (Cardington, Ohio/Cardington-Lincoln) led the Storm with six first-half points while Rich Austin (Cleveland, Ohio/St. Ignatius) added five. Lake Erie ended the half shooting 25% (six-of-24) from the floor while holding a slight edge in the rebounding department, 19-17. Jake Heagen and Dylan Kaufman led the Oilers with eight points a piece. Findlay ended the half shooting 37.5% (nine-of-24) from the floor. 

Findlay continued to roll into the second-half, scoring six of the first nine points to increase their lead to 41-19. Leading 46-27, the Oilers pulled away on the heels of a 13-4 run to defeat the Storm 67-41. 

Thomas led the Storm with eight points and Austin finished with seven. The Storm ended the game shooting 32.1% (18-of-56) from the floor. Lake Erie shot an uncharacteristic 7.1% (one-of-14) from the floor. On the defensive side of the ball, the Storm forced 17 turnovers. 

Three Oilers ended the game with eleven points: Greg Kahlig, Heagen and Kaufman. As a team , the Oilers shot 47.6% (20-of-42) from the field. Findlay owned a slight edge in rebounding, 34-32. 

The Storm is back at home to kick-off their final homestand of the season, hosting Tiffin University Thursday, February 21.

 -LEC-