Commodores Rally Again, Defeat Lakeland CC in OT, 95-91

The Lorain County Community College men's basketball team -- ranked #10 in this week's NJCAA D-III poll -- pulled out another come-from-behind victory as sophomore guard Kevin Kelley (pictured) drove the baseline for a contested lay-up with 30-seconds remaining in overtime to give the Commodores a 92-91 lead.  Sophomore Daniel Lott converted a pair of pressure-packed free throws with 17.9 seconds left to seal the win.

LCCC trailed at halftime, 39-34, and for 34 minutes of the game.  But sophomore guard Mike Rell connected on 7-of-10 shots on his way to 20 points, five assists, four rebounds and a pair of steals.  Sophomore forward Miles Meredith scored LCCC's first seven points and totaled 14 points, seven rebounds, two assists and a steal.  Freshman guard Oscar Dorsey made 4-of-6 shots for 10 points in just 16 minutes off the bench. 

 Freshman guard Luis Santiago sent the game into OT with his third long range basket in the final three minutes; this one with six seconds remaining in regulation to tie the game at 86. 

Lakeland CC played a strong game and put five players in double figures, led by guard Jeramie Burge with a game-high 32 points plus four steals, three boards and three assists. Trey Granger added 19 points on 8-of-13 shooting, six rebounds, four steals and an assist.

The Commodores continued their strong rebounding with a 38-24 advantage on the boards, including 15 offensive rebounds.  Sophomore forward Deric Nichols collected a game-high 11 caroms along with nine points on 4-of-5 shooting in 17 productive minutes.

"Lakeland is a very capable team and they are well-coached," Head Coach Marty Eggleston said.  "I'm proud of the way our team hung in there.  It was a quality win," Eggleston added. 

LCCC held a slight shooting advantage for the game, 53% to 47% for the Lakers.

The Commodores have won six games in a row and have a record of 18-2 overall and 8-1 in the OCCAC.  The Lakers are 3-14 overall and 2-6 in the OCCAC.  The Lakers have lost six very close games including several OT losses.

LCCC will host Owens CC this Saturday, Feb. 3 at 3 p.m.  Owens is also riding a six-game win-streak and just defeated previously-undefeated and #1-ranked Cuyahoga CC on Wednesday night, January 31.