Lakers Slip by #21 Oilers 70-62
The 21st-ranked Oilers men's basketball team lost 70-62 to Lake Superior State University on Dec. 6 in Croy Gymnasium to even their record at 2-2 on the year.
The Oilers fell behind by a score of 31-19 at the half, but fought back in the second period. Findlay cut the Lakers lead to six on a three pointer from freshman guard Nick Ruthsatz with only 1:12 remaining, but the Oilers would not get any closer down the stretch.
Findlay, who has only lost three conference games at home in their last 100 contests, shot 43.8 percent (21-of-48) from the floor. They hit 9-of-22 (40.9%) shot attempts from behind the three point line, but made only 52.4 percent (11-of-21) of their tries from the free throw line.
The Lakers, who received a game-high 18 points from Alex Williams, shot 45.5 percent (25-of-55) from the field and out-rebounded the Oilers by a 36-31 margin.
Junior guard Dylan Kaufman led the Oilers with 15 points on the strength of a 4-of-7 performance from three point land while Ruthsatz came up with 14 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals off the bench in 24 minutes.
Senior forward Jake Heagen had nine points, six rebounds and five assists while freshman guard Elijah Kahlig scored seven points on 2-of-5 shooting.
The Oilers will now prepare to face 20th-ranked Michigan Technological University on Dec. 11. The game is scheduled to tip at 7:30 p.m. in Houghton, Mich.