Lasers Outlasted by Lyons

On Tuesday night the men’s basketball team lost to the Wheaton Lyons 93-88. The Lasers fall to 3-3 on the season.

The Lasers struggled during the first half, giving up a 12-4 run to the Lyons to start the game. The Lyons continued to win on the glass, out rebounding the Lasers on both ends of the floor. With a few minutes remaining in the half, the Lyons would expand their lead scoring eight straight points which created a fourteen-point deficit for the Lasers. Wheaton junior forward Aaron Williams had 32 points at halftime.

Graduate Student Almando Marinez going for a layup, guarded front and back by Lions defenders. Photo was taken by Joe Giacco.

Entering the second half, the Lasers trailed 56-44. Helping the Lasers get back into the game, however, was sophomore forward Aidan Morin who led his team with 11 rebounds.

“Not many people are willing to do the dirty work,” said Morin. “I know my role on the team and I know they are counting on me to do my job.”

The Lasers would tie the game 63-63 with about thirteen minutes remaining. Capping off a 13-0 run with a three-pointer was sophomore guard Karim Belhouchet who gave the Lasers their first lead of the game.

With six and a half minutes remaining, the Lyons tied the game after the Lasers failed to hold onto a six-point lead. Although veteran guard EJ Day managed to score 28 points, most of which he scored in the second half, a 10-0 run by the Lyons put the Lasers in trouble. Getting within four points was Coach Aaron Galetta’s squad, but the Lyons were able to close out the game 93-88.

After being asked about the team’s potential following the defeat, freshman forward Connor Duffy says the team has not reached their expectations so far this season and will move on from their past losses.

“On to the next game,” said Duffy.

The Lasers will return to the Athletic Center on Thursday, November 29th at 7 p.m. where they will try to earn their first home win of the season in a matchup against Worcester State.