Men's hoop enters break with 6-6 mark

By Jayden Hewitt
Sports Editor

The LCC men’s basketball team lost by a slim margin, 78-71, vs. Niagara County Community College at home on Sunday, Dec. 18.

The loss marks the second in a row for the Stars, who also lost to St. Clair Community College 82-73 on Dec. 15.

Against Niagara, the Stars led by 11 points at halftime and were outscored 48-30 in the second half. Head coach Mike Ingram said he believes the energy changed in the second half.

“(There’s) a lot of talk and energy from coaches and guys on the bench (in the first half),” Ingram said. “We don’t seem to have the same talking and energy in the second half, (it is) something we’re working on. We’re always up at the half.”

Guard/forward Connor Bush scored 17 points and added eight rebounds for LCC. Guard/forwards Tyshan Kelley and Cole Krause had 12 points each for the Stars. Guard Freddy Johnson added 11 points and six assists to be the fourth Star in double digits.

Ingram said missed three throws were a particular issue in the loss. The Stars shot 63.2 percent from the line, going 12-for-19.

“I think we missed seven straight free throws, including two shots on a technical (foul) when were up 71-69,” Ingram said. “And then they (Niagara) go down and hit a three, and take the lead for the first time in the second half, and kept it.”

Despite the loss, Ingram said he is proud of his team, after a tough non-conference schedule and without the Stars’ home court at LCC.

“We didn’t really have a bad loss, meaning we didn’t get beat by a team that couldn’t beat us,” Ingram said.

“To be 6-6 at the break with the schedule we had, not practicing or playing any games at LCC and starting 1-4, (that) was a pretty good finish in the non-conference schedule,” Ingram said. “(I’m) proud of the guys. It’s time to get ready for conference play with our first game in January, hopefully in our gym.”

As 2022 concludes and holiday break now starting for the team, Ingram had two words for everyone.

“Happy Holidays!” Ingram said.

For more schedule information and more updates on LCC’s home game locations, go to www.lcc.edu/athletics.