SAULT STE. MARIE — Lake Superior State basketball was back at home Saturday afternoon, hosting Purdue Northwest in a doubleheader that saw the men extend their winning streak while the women came up just short in a tight finish.
Men’s Basketball: Lakers Pull Away in Second Half
The Lake Superior State men’s basketball team entered the matchup riding a three-game winning streak and looking to make it four in a row.
The Lakers got on the board early, with Harrison Sorrelle drilling a three-pointer just two minutes into the game. Omar Suleiman followed with a smooth mid-range jumper for his first basket of the night.
LSSU showed hustle on both ends of the floor as Dominic Krzesowiak’s layup was blocked on a fast break, but Suleiman stayed with the play and finished the follow-up. Peter Nwoke added an inside bucket through contact later in the half, while Nino Carter-Smith attacked the rim to cut the deficit to six.
Drew Hess capped the first half with a clutch three-pointer, sending the game into halftime tied at 27.
The Lakers came alive after the break, pulling away in the second half with strong offense and defensive pressure. LSSU outscored Purdue Northwest 58-31 over the final 20 minutes and secured an 85–68 victory, extending their winning streak to four.
Women’s Basketball: Late Push Falls Short
The Lake Superior State women’s basketball team entered the afternoon looking to extend its three-game winning streak after rebounding from a 0–7 start to the season.
LSSU held a slim lead heading into halftime and opened the third quarter strong. Seyyane Matthew scored on the break early in the half, followed by another layup off a long pass from Grace Bradford. Chloe Watson added a bucket in the paint, finishing through contact, as the Lakers built a lead midway through the third quarter.
Grace Bradford later found Clare Conzelmann behind the arc for a three-pointer as LSSU pushed its advantage to double digits. Purdue Northwest responded, tying the game at 45 at the end of the third quarter.
The teams traded baskets in the fourth, with Dara Capaldi finishing at the rim and Bradford powering her way to the basket before knocking down a three from downtown. Purdue Northwest, however, closed strong down the stretch and handed LSSU a 70–66 loss.