MBK: Top fall to #10 Lakeland, 88-79

The Tri-C Men's Basketball team dropped to 14 – 5 with a heartbreaking loss to rival Lakeland at the Metro gym on 18 Jan 2024.

Lakeland came into the game ranked #10 in the lastes NJCAA Division II Poll. The home team started slow but battle to a 35-31 half time deficit despite Ezra McKee sitting due to foul trouble.

Devonte Greene continues to impress, Greene finished with 20 points and led the team with eight boards and connected on 66.7% of his free throw attempts. 

The Lakers shot 55.4% from the field and out rebounding the Tops by nine. The Tops struggled from the field. Shooting only 37.7% from the field did not bode well for the Tops. Marcos Vazquez (19 pts) lead the team in assists along with Manny Hill (4). Howard Jefferies chipped in 15 pts.

Although the loss extended the losing streak to four games, Coach Nixon can look into the numbers for a few bright spots. The team missed on 10 free throws and shot a dismal 10.7% from the arc. Improving on these areas will result in a turnaround and put the team back into the winning column.

The Tops look to turn things around on 24 Jan when they visit Terra State for a conference contest. Terra State is coming off an impressive 104-85 win over Lorain and are on the heels of the Tops in the conference standings. The Tops return home on 31 Jan to revenge a loss when they tangle with the Bobcats of Bryant and Stratton at the Metro gym 6p, admission is free come support the TOPS!!!