The Wayne State University men’s basketball team faced a tough overtime loss against Lake Superior State on Saturday. This was the second consecutive season where the Warriors, now with a 15-13 overall record and 11-9 in the GLIAC, played an overtime game against the Lakers, who boast a 25-5 overall record and 16-4 in the GLIAC. The final score was 79-77 in favor of Lake Superior State.
In the first half, Wayne State started strong with a 12-2 run but saw their lead shrink to five points by halftime as Lake Superior State closed in with a 23-12 rally. In the second half, both teams battled for control, with multiple ties and lead changes. Despite taking back the lead briefly, Wayne State could not hold off Lake Superior State’s late-game push.
Overtime saw Wayne State maintaining a slight edge until Lake Superior State’s Kingsley Perkins scored a decisive jumper to secure their victory. Wayne State shot 47.8% from the field compared to Lake Superior State’s 44.3%. However, LSSU had advantages in rebounding and paint scoring.
Wayne State’s Rob Lee Jr., Jordan Briggs, Kelvin Tamakloe, and Carmelo Harris each scored in double figures. For Lake Superior State, Devin Womack led all scorers with 26 points.
The game also marked Senior Day for redshirt-senior guard Ray Williams Jr., recognized alongside graduate assistant coach Kyle Lorentzen before tip-off.
Looking ahead, Wayne State will face Ferris State in the GLIAC Tournament quarterfinals on March 5th at Big Rapids.
