Marian University men’s basketball (3-18, 3-11 NACC) was able to hold off a late push to defeat Lakeland 96-90 at home.
- The two squads went back-and-forth in the opening half with the largest lead being only five points.
- The Sabres had a 23-18 lead with 12:01 left in the half and brought its slim lead out to 37-35 with 2:59 on the clock.
- The Muskies then scored seven unanswered to lead 42-37.
- A late jumper from senior Tavaris McCullough would put Marian down 42-39 heading into the break.
- The Muskies maintained a slim lead to open the second before Marian was able to tie the game at 55-55.
- After a basket by Lakeland, senior Eli Vogel would hit a three-pointer and Marian wouldn’t trail for the remainder of the game.
- The Sabres were able to build a multiple-possession lead and led by as much as nine with 5:14 to play at 84-75.
- Lakeland was able to cut their deficit down to 92-90 with 16 seconds left but Marian was able to get the job done defensively and at the charity stripe the rest of the way scoring the final four points.
- Marian finished the game 32-of-54 (.493) from the field and 13-of-27 (.481) shooting from beyond the arc.
- Lakeland would go 33-of-60 (.550) from the field and 13-of-24 (.542) from beyond the arc.
- The Sabres also had one of their best games from the charity stripe going 19-of-21 (.905).
- Marian held a 21-14 advantage in points off turnovers, while Lakeland held a 38-30 edge in the paint.
- This is the third time in the last two seasons Marian has eclipsed 90 points.
- Marian has now won the last seven match-ups against Lakeland.
