MBB: Lasers Hold on Late, Hoist Senior Day Victory Over Norwich

Newton, MA - Lasell men's basketball faced off against the Cadets of Norwich University on Saturday afternoon.

In another important conference game, the Lasers came into the contest hosting the third-best record in the GNAC (9-2) with Norwich just two spots behind sitting at (7-4) in fifth place. It was also senior day for the Lasers as Marcus Lewis, Conan McCusker, Gabe Qua, and Karim Belhouchet were all recognized. 

Opening up the game, the Lasers fell behind 7-2 before a Che Hanks three and Marcus Lewis turnaround jumper pulled the game back even. This was part of a 9-0 Lasers stretch that ended putting them up by 4, 11-7 about six minutes into the first half. Norwich then responded with an 8-0 burst of their own catapulting them back in front by 4. From this point, the game went back and forth for the majority of the first half with the game being knotted up at 29 with just under 3 minutes to play. It was then that Lasell found a 7-0 run capped by a Karim Belhouchet three-pointer, giving them a 36-29 edge. Norwich did hit a three of their own on their last offensive possession of the half, which cut the Laser halftime lead to 4. 

The Cadets struck quickly to open the second half as two back-to-back buckets earned them a 37-36 lead in the opening minute. The Lasers settled back in though as they got the lead back up to 6, 51-45 just before the 13-minute mark in the half. It continued to stay a close contest however as the Cadets brought it back to within a point on multiple occasions. As the game got deeper into the half, Norwich eventually tied the game up 64-64 going into the final minutes. In need of momentum to try and take control of the game both Marcus Lewis and Che Hanks rose to the occasion, combining for a 12-3 run which mounted the biggest Laser lead of 9, 76-67. The run was capped by Hanks who spun his defender around and nailed an elbow jumper, followed by Lewis who drilled a transition three on the next trip down the floor. Up by 9 with just under two minutes left, the Lasers just needed to hold on to beat the Cadets who gave them a scare narrowing the lead to 3 but then committed a costly turnover which sealed the 78-73 Laser win. 

Che Hanks had a game-high 24 points on the night with Marcus Lewis also adding 21 of his own. Esmer Madesko posted a double-double with 12 points paired with 13 rebounds. His brother Andy Madesko stuffed the stat sheet also with 9 points, 8 assists, 7 rebounds, and 5 steals. 

Up Next - The Lasers will have another crucial conference battle with the Bluejays of Saint Joseph Connecticut on Tuesday evening.