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 Wynn Sarden scored a game-high 23 points in the loss to Mercyhurst. |
Jan. 26, 2008
DETROIT - The Wayne State University men's basketball team (9-9 overall, 3-7 GLIAC) suffered its fourth consecutive defeat falling 68-60 at home on Saturday afternoon to Mercyhurst College (10-10 overall, 4-6 GLIAC).
The visiting Lakers only trailed once in the first 30 minutes of the game (3-2) and that came just 34 seconds into the contest following a conventional three-point play by WSU senior Wynn Sarden (Sterling Hts., Mich./Warren Cousino).
MC built up an 18-point advantage at 29-11 at the mid-point of the first half. The Warriors were able to outscore the guests 17-6 over the final 10 minutes before intermission to pull with seven at halftime at 35-28.
WSU shot 46 percent (10-22) in the opening 20 minutes compared to 52 percent (14-27) for Mercyhurst. The Warriors were only able to convert 8-of-16 free throw attempts before the break.
The Lakers had a nine-point lead at 47-38 with 13:30 remaining before the Warriors went on a 13-3 run over a four minute span to grab a 51-50 lead. Sophomore Lendyn Davis (Lansing, Mich./Sexton) hit three triples during the comeback.
Despite a four-minute scoring drought for Mercyhurst, WSU was able to increase its lead to three at 53-50 on a lay-up by junior Lorenzo McClelland (Oak Park, Mich.).
Mc's Brian McTear made a three-point basket with 4:22 remaining erasing a one-point WSU lead and giving the Lakers the lead for good. After a shot clock violation by the Warriors, McTear earned three points the conventional way with a field goal and foul shot. Sarden split a pair from the foul line with 2:01 left, but Laker Ronnie Williams scored from inside for a six-point Mercyhurst lead.
WSU was never able to get closer than four, that coming with 21 seconds remaining following a four-point play by freshman Tim Giles (Southfield, Mich./Southfield-Lathrup). Giles made a triple after grabbing an offensive rebound, was fouled by Terry Smith, and made the free throw to pull WSU within 64-60.
Sarden scored a game-high 23 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for his seventh double-double of the season. Saddler added 16 points and a game-best 12 boards for his fifth double-double of the campaign.
McTear led three Mercyhurst players in double figures with 20 points.
Wayne State closes out its three-game home stand on Thursday, Jan. 31, when the Findlay Oilers visit the Matthaei for a 7:30 p.m. tip-off. The game will be televised live by Comcast Local.
