PAINESVILLE, Ohio — The Lake Erie College Storm Men's Basketball team had a memorable game for the college Saturday, November 18, as they hosted their first ever division one opponent in the Utah Tech University Trailblazers. Lake Erie battled in the second half but would ultimately lose by a score of 69-81. This brings Lake Erie to 1-3 on the year.
After being down 20 points at halftime, Lake Erie came out with fast pace and caused a few Trailblazer turnovers to cut the deficit to just 50-57 with 10 minutes to go. Leon Hughes had a crucial series of plays for the Storm with a three point shot made, followed by a steal, and then an immediate two pointer made, cutting the lead to 54-63 with seven minutes left in the game. Lake Erie continued to battle down the stretch bringing the score back within 10; 59-69 with 4 minutes left. Utah Tech would eventually outlast the pesky Storm's comeback attempt and win.
The Storm shot a combined 27-46 at 42.2% on the night. They had a huge turnaround in the second half with a shooting stint of 17-34 at an impressive 50%. As a team, the Storm also shot 9-27 from behind the arch and 6-11 from the stripe. Lake Erie hauled in 26 team rebounds on the day. The Storm won the turnover battle 19-21 causing 21 Trailblazer turnovers off of 13 steals for the Storm. This resulted in 23 points off turnovers for Lake Erie. The Storm bench outscored Utah Tech's bench by double, scoring 30 to their 15. Lake Erie also won the second chance points battle 10-7. Lake Erie outscored Utah Tech in the second half 43-35 showing great fight, determination, and key halftime adjustments by the coaching staff. This was a promising look of what is to come for a successful Storm season.
Lake Erie had four double-digit scorers tonight, with two coming off the bench. Led by guard Jake Leibacher posting a team high 15 points off of a 6 for 14 shooting night. Leibacher also added in three rebounds, two assists, and two steals in a game high 37 minutes of action. Caleb Piks and Leon Hughes provided a much needed spark off the bench combining for 25 of the 30 total bench points scored by the Storm. Hughes ended the game with 12 points, two rebounds, two assists, and three steals. Piks ended with 13 points, two boards, two assists, and one steal and took over the starting duties for an injured Jacob Plantz in the second half.
Kelvin Swims also ended the contest with 12 points, a team high of five rebounds, four assists, and one steal. The Storm's leading scorer and rebounder on the year, Jonny Manning, found himself in foul trouble early and often in the game, only playing a season low 22 minutes. Manning shot 4-7, with eight points, three boards, one assist, and a game high four steals showing he is critical for the Storm's success down the stretch.
Lake Erie will have a quick turnaround as they travel to Youngstown, Ohio, for an exhibition matchup on Sunday, November 19, as they take on their second division one opponent of the season in the Youngstown State University Penguins. Tipoff is at 3 PM with the game being aired on ESPN+.
