The men’s basketball team won their seventh straight game on Tuesday night, defeating the Johnson & Wales Wildcats by a score of 67-51. The win improved their overall record to 14-6 and 8-1 in the conference. After going up one with 12 minutes to play in the first half, the Lasers did not look back and held the lead for the remainder of the game.
The first half was a showing of the Lasers' offensive firepower, as they shot 53% from three and 51% from the field. The efficient offensive attack early was a result of constant motion off the ball and getting double-digit first-half performances from both of their first-year guards, Andy Madesko and Cam Foster-Martez. The Lasers' defense was also on display, holding the Wildcats to only 22% from the field by disrupting passing lanes, closing out on all shooters, and grabbing rebounds ready to run in transition. This quick play style allowed the Lasers to outrun the Wildcats and sparked a 25-5 run in the last 10 minutes of the half.
The second half felt like a much different game altogether, as the Lasers were forced to change their play style completely. The Wildcats were not allowing the Lasers to continue to shoot as many three-pointers. Their main objective appeared to be protecting the perimeter. The Lasers began to take what they could get and started attacking the rim, reaching the line nine times in the quarter. With their defense continuing to play fast and their offense playing a physical second half, the Lasers survived a late 11-0 run and went on to win 67-51.
The next challenge for the Lasers will be back in the Athletic Center when they host the Colby-Sawyer Chargers on Thursday at 7:30 pm. as they try to extend their win streak to eight.
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