Western Wayne Today

The Wayne State University men's basketball team faced a tough defeat against Lake Superior State in a double overtime game on Thursday night. The match ended with Lake Superior State clinching the win at the buzzer, defeating Wayne State 92-90.

In the first half, both teams exchanged early three-pointers, with Devin Womack and Carmelo Harris scoring for Wayne State. The Warriors took control after several lead changes, eventually securing an eight-point advantage thanks to Rob Lee Jr.'s three-pointer. Despite a late rally from Lake Superior State that tied the game at 32-32, Wayne State entered halftime leading 37-34.

The second half saw Wayne State maintain their lead initially, extending it to double digits with Jordan Briggs' three-pointer. However, Lake Superior State closed regulation with a 10-0 run to tie the game at 73-73 after a sequence of offensive rebounds culminated in Hunter Soper's lay-up.

During the first overtime period, neither team managed more than a three-point lead. Tamario Adley's jumper gave Wayne State an edge late in the period, but missed opportunities allowed Soper to level the score and push the game into a second overtime.

In this decisive period, Lake Superior State took an early lead before free throws by Colin Golson Jr. and a shot from Briggs equalized the score again. Xander Okerlund's foul shots put LSSU ahead until Ray Williams Jr.'s lay-up tied it once more. The match seemed destined for another overtime until Peter Nwoke scored at the buzzer following Womack's missed shot and offensive rebound.

Wayne State outshot their opponents slightly from both field goals and beyond the arc but were unable to capitalize fully on these advantages due to turnovers converted into points by LSSU. Carmelo Harris led Wayne State with 27 points while four other players also reached double figures in scoring.

For Lake Superior State, Okerlund was instrumental with 25 points and nine rebounds while Womack achieved a double-double performance contributing significantly to their victory.

Wayne State will continue its road trip facing Ferris State next in Big Rapids on Saturday afternoon at Jim Wink Arena.