PAINESVILLE, Ohio – The Lake Erie College Storm men's basketball team fell to the Hillsdale Chargers Feb. 15, 79-69 in Painesville, Ohio. The loss halts the Storm's recent win streak, dropping their record to 12-10 and 6-9 in conference play.

The Storm got off to a slow start against the 16-6 Chargers, failing to make shots but were helped out by similar struggles by Hillsdale. Lake Erie would pick it up about halfway through the half and take a 38-33 lead at the end of play. 

The Storm managed to knock down 14-33 from the field (42.4%) and 5-14 (35.7) from beyond the arc.

Lake Erie would continue to keep a lead until halfway through the half when Hillsdale would start to pull away. Four straight free-throw misses by the chargers late, kept the Storm still in the game but ultimately would not be enough as they ran into foul trouble, resulting in a final score of 79-69.

On the day the Storm shot 38.8% (26-67) from the field and 26.7% (8-30) from beyond the arc. Leon Hughes and Jonny Manning led the way with 14 points each with Jacob Plantz (13), Jordan Burton (12), and Jackson Burdyshaw (10) closely behind. Manning would also record a double-double by pulling in 10 rebounds.

The Storm currently sit at seventh place in the conference, three games behind Cedarville for the 6th and final tournament seed. With four games remaining in the season, they will have their work cut out for them if they wish to make a run.

Lake Erie will be back in action on Feb. 17 at 7:30 PM on the road against Findlay.