The Red Hawks traveled to Muskegon Community College in a battle for second place with both teams coming into the day with Michigan Community College Athletic Association (MCCAA) Western Conference records of 6-1. The men used a balanced attack to take them to a 105-86 victory and now currently stand alone in second place.
Muskegon took an early lead on a three point basket, but the Red Hawks quickly responded scoring five points right after in the first half and never trailed again.
Throughout the first half, the Red Hawks were able to make plays for one another and find open shots from the three point range. Adam Nicks (SO/Indianapolis, IN) made three of those three's as part of his 11 first half points. Overall the men shot 48% from the field, 43% from outside the perimeter, and 100% shooting from the free throw line. The strong offensive performance took them to the half with a 50-36 lead.
The Red Hawks came out firing again in the second half forcing Muskegon to call two quick timeouts as the lead ballooned to over 20 points. The Jayhawks adjusted and were able to use their zone defense to slow down the Red Hawks and cut the lead back down to 12 points. Lake Michigan was able to switch gears and extended the lead considerably. The men took advantage of Muskegon's full court pressure defense, shutting them down, and came out on top with the 105-86 win.
For the game the Red Hawks shot 53% from the field, 39% from the three point range, and 67% from the free throw line. It was another balanced effort for the men as all five starters scored in double figures. Malik Hall (SO/Benton Harbor, MI) led the men with 21 points as Gavin Rasler (SO/Niles, MI) followed suit with 20 points on the night. James Smith (SO/Chicago, IL) had 19 points while Deion Gatson (SO/Cassopolis, MI) had 16 points and 14 rebounds. Adam Nicks also finished the night with his 11 points.
The Red Hawks next game is at home on Wednesday, January 31, 2018 as they host first place Ancilla College at 7:30 pm.
