Chicago, Ill. – The Roosevelt men's basketball team made the opening night of the inaugural Lakers Classic a memorable one, collecting its first win of the season with a 63-60 triumph over 19th-ranked Midland at the Lillian and Larry Goodman Center.
Freshman Jake Ludwig continued the torrid start to his collegiate career with a game-high 16 points and three assists. Senior Kevin Priebe and junior Korey Ryan joined the rookie in double figures with 13 and 10 points, respectively, while sophomore Adam Alexander led the way on the glass with 12 rebounds.
"This was a great program win," said Roosevelt Head Coach Joe Griffin. "Eleven guys got in and all 11 made a contribution, whether it was Damian (Zalewski's) big first-half three or Pete (Mroz's) charge.
"Midland is a very talented team with a solid style of play that really wears on you, and I felt that for the first time this year we actually got stronger as the game went on," Griffin continued. "Our post defense was team-oriented and it really bailed us out at times. We made it a little dicey at the end, but give Midland credit for that. I loved our composure down the stretch. This was a much-needed win."
The Lakers (1-3), who overcame an 11-point deficit early in the second half, appeared to have the contest salted away leading 63-55 with 26 seconds left on the clock. The Warriors, though, proved why they are a perennial national power, not giving in and turning up the pressure on the Green and White to force their way back into the game.
James Kaiser converted a lay-up for Midland and was fouled on the play with 20 seconds remaining. He would miss the free throw, but the Warriors got the ball back and splashed in a quick three-pointer to whittle the Lakers' lead to 63-60.
Midland put Roosevelt on the line with 12 seconds left, but Ludwig was unable to connect on either charity toss. The Warriors raced the ball up the floor following the second free throw miss and Nolan Cass let a contested, game-tying three fly with five second remaining. The shot drew iron and the Warriors could not get another shot off before the final horn sounded, signaling a victory for the Lakers.
Trevor Bryant recorded a double-double for Midland (1-4) with 11 points and 11 rebounds. Kaiser chipped in with a team-best 13 points for the Warriors, who have advanced to the NAIA National Tournament in each of the last three seasons and were the national runner-up in 2014.
The win over the Warriors marks the second in as many years for Roosevelt over a nationally-ranked foe. The Lakers toppled #15 Saint Xavier, 76-64, back on Dec. 18, 2014.
Roosevelt will have little time to enjoy its triumph, squaring off with Governors State University on Saturday at 5:00 p.m. to close out the Lakers Classic. The Jaguars fell on Friday night to Cardinal Stritch, 89-74.
Cardinal Stritch will take on Midland to open second-day action of the Lakers Classic at 3:00 p.m.
