Lasell defeated Southern Vermont, 75-72, in
the consolation game of the Williams Invitational. The win was the
Lasers' first of the season.
Sophomore forward Javon Williams led the way
for Lasell with 24 points and an impressive 21 rebounds. Senior
guard Charles Horton added 23 points for the Lasers. Freshman guard
Justin Harris was the only other Laser to score in double digits,
picking up 13.
Four of five Mountaineers starters scored in
double figures, with senior forward Joe Karnik leading the way with
19 points. Karnik also led the team in rebounds with 12.
Lasell, playing with high pressure, was able
to open up a sixteen point lead midway through the first half.
However, the Lasers let up, and the Mountaineers took advantage,
closing the gap to three by half time behind Harrington's 13
first-half points.
The second half was a battle back and forth. With one minute
left and the Mountaineers down three, junior Southern Vermont guard
Lance Spratling stole the ball at half court was intentionally
fouled; he hit the free throws to bring the game within one.
Spratling then missed a three on the ensuing possession, forcing
the Mountaineers to foul. The Lasers closed out the game behind
three free throws from Cortland, and after the Mountaineers scored
on a foul shot, the game ended 75-72.
