A big first-half deficit proved to be too much for the Hillsdale College men's basketball team to overcome.
The Chargers trailed by 21 at halftime, and ended up on the losing end of an 87-60 decision to the host Lake Superior State University Lakers. Hillsdale falls to 12-9 overall and 8-9 in the GLIAC with the defeat.
In the first half, the Lakers built a 41-20 lead by outscoring the Chargers 21-6 on 3-point shooting. LSSU was 7-for-14 from behind the arc, while Hillsdale was able to make just two of its first 11 from that range. By the time the Charger offense found any rhythm, the game was well in hand for Lake Superior State.
The Lakers dominated the boards, outrebounding Hillsdale 40-24, while holding an 11-2 edge on second-chance points. The Chargers shot 39 percent for the game, but only were able to get two offensive rebounds on 31 missed shots. Hillsdale was 3-for-17 on 3-pointers in the game.
Senior center Jason Pretzer was effective in limited time, leading the team with 14 points in 14 minutes, on 6-for-9 shooting. Senior Kyle Cooper was limited to 10 points and 6 rebounds. They were the only players to hit double figures in scoring.
UP NEXT: Hillsdale returns home Thursday to host Michigan Tech University at 8 p.m.
PHOTO CREDIT: Jim Drews