Valiant Effort by Commodores But Cougar’s Fastbreak Too Much

February 13, 2019 - - It was a valiant effort by the Commodores of LCCC, but the fast break of the Cougars of Columbus State proved too much to overcome in the end, as LCCC dropped a heartbreaker 93-87.

LCCC got down by as many as 11 points in the first half before they went on a rampage blocking shots, hitting the boards, and nailing some key buckets to take a 37-34 lead at the half.

The game stayed close throughout most of the second period until the Cougars tightened up their defensive effort, forcing several turnovers, which they converted to 14 fast break points in the second half. Columbus State extended their lead to 11 with 7:56 to go but Lorain stayed aggressive and continued to battle.

LCCC cut the margin to 75-72 with 3:23 on the clock, when a scramble for a defensive rebound resulted in an LCCC foul and put Columbus guard Keshawn Underwood (Zanesville) on the line. He hit both shots from the stripe, extending the lead to 77-72. The Commodores kept answering on the offensive end but were forced to foul Underwood several more times down the stretch. He finished a perfect 10-10 with the game on the line.

Coach Marty Eggleston said after the game, "That was a good match-up. This is a team we will need to get past in the playoffs so we need to learn how to beat them. I have a lot of respect for Columbus State - they are a well-coached team and bring out the best in their opponents. We will keep learning and working to get our game to the next level."

Five players finished in double-digits for the Commodores, with Justin Newman (Cincinnati/Robert A. Taft) leading the team with 24. Thomas Hronis (North Ridgeville) had 21, plus tied for a team-leading 9 boards. Jacob Marsh (Elyria) and Jovon Jones (Elyria/F.B.C.S.) each had 14 points, while Andrew Nelson (Strongsville) added 12. Jones pulled in 9 rebounds and Ny'Jere Hodges (Wilmington, DE/Mount Pleasant) led the team with 6 assists and 3 steals.

LCCC falls to 13-13 overall and 4-9 in the OCCAC.  Columbus State improves to 13-7 and 10-3 on the season.

The Commodores head to Edison State at 3 p.m., Saturday, February 16, 2019 for an OCCAC game.