Lakeland College

Muskies drop contest to UW-La Crosse, 91-81

Athletics - posted on 11/24/2006

Lakeland suffered their second loss of the season, falling to UW-La Crosse 91-81 in men's basketball action in La Crosse on Friday night.

Lakeland jumped out to an early 24-16 lead with just 10 minutes into the game, then the Eagles responded with a 14-2 run of their own. The Eagles would go on another 13-2 run late in the first half and head into the locker room with a 46-40 lead.

Lakeland would never recover from the first half deficit. With just 3:41 left in the second half, the Muskies would get within two points when junior Danny Ehnert nailed a three-point shot, making it 80-78. However, the Eagles would respond with an 11-2 run to end the game on top.

The Eagles were able to take advantage of the Muskies mistakes in the second half, scoring 12 points off of the Muskies' 10 turnovers.

"We played great for 34 minutes of the game and we did a good job of making them play at our pace," said Lakeland head coach Kyle Brumett. "It was those three minute stretches that we didn't, that they were able to capitalize on."

Junior Shane Grube would lead the Muskies with 17 points and six rebounds.

"Shane played well," said Brumett. "He was getting points and rebounding the way we need him too."

Three other Muskies would reach double digits. Junior Kris Saiberlich and sophomore Matt Rogers would both tally 16 points apiece, while junior Danny Ehnert would add 13 points and five rebounds. Junior Aaron Regal would lead the team in assists with seven and also added nine points.

"Matt had great game," said Brumett. "He scored 14 of his 16 points in the first half of the game. Aaron Regal also played great too. He played most of the game and led the team in assists."

The Muskies shot 43.6 percent from the field, including 42.1 percent (eight-of-19) from three-point range. Lakeland was 25-of-35 (71.4 percent) at the line.

Brumett also mentioned UW-La Crosse is as good as anyone the Muskies will face all season and believes they are an NCAA Tournament caliber team.

Lakeland is now 0-2 as they will open Northern Athletics Conference play against pre-season favorite Aurora next Saturday. Game time is set for 4:15 p.m. in the Moose and Dona Woltzen Gymnasium at Lakeland College.

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