MBB: Lasers Fend off Falcons, Improve to 3-0 in GNAC Play

Newton, MA - The Lasell men's basketball team hosted the Falcons of Albertus Magnus in the second game of a doubleheader on Saturday. 

The Lasers came out and set the tone early as they were able to open a 13-4 advantage in the first five minutes of the game. This charge was led by Marcus Lewis and Esmer Madesko who were each able to find some early buckets. After another Esmer Madesko 3-pointer, they were able to earn a lead of a dozen, 18-6. With a couple of baskets exchanged, the Lasers then saw back-to-back possessions where Cameron Foster-Martez was able to notch baskets, the second of which was a 3-pointer that pushed the Laser lead to 15, 23-8. The Falcons then were able to find some momentum of their own as they methodically chipped at the Laser lead and completely erased the once 15-point deficit after an 18-3 run, tying the game at 26. Going into the half the game was tied at 33-33.

In the second half, the game tightened up with the game being within 5 points for the first several minutes. Being up by 5, buckets by Karim Belhouchet, Che Hanks, and Marcus Lewis expanded the lead to 11, 58-47 with about 12 minutes left to play. Similar to the first half, as soon as the Lasers found a lead, it was responded with a run by the Falcons. With 6 minutes left the once double-digit Laser lead was trimmed down to just 4. The Lasers were able to remain calm under pressure, and a series of stops and buckets gave them back their double-digit lead down the stretch, as Andy Madesko sank two free throws putting them up 80-69 with 90 seconds left. From this point they were able to sink their foul shots and ice the game, winning 86-73. This was also the first time they were able to beat the conference foe dating back to the 2021-22 season. 

Marcus Lewis led the way scoring with a productive 23 points and 10 rebounds. Andy Madesko also had a double-double as he chipped in 10 points to go with his 12 boards. Che Hanks and Esmer Madesko were the other two Lasers in double-digits with 18 and 16 points respectively. The Lasers as a whole shot very well from behind the arc on the day with a 9-21 effort (42.9%) which was a key factor in the win. 

Up Next - The Lasers will also travel to Emmanuel on Wednesday to square off in a GNAC matchup.