SOUTHFIELD, Mich. - In a gripping encounter at the Don Ridler Fieldhouse, the Lawrence Tech University Blue Devils basketball team fell short against Madonna University, concluding their participation in the WHAC Tournament first round with a score of 82-90 on February 27, 2025. Despite a strong start, Lawrence Tech couldn't keep up with Madonna's surge in the second period.

The first period began promisingly for the Blue Devils as they captured an early lead, supported by Cameron McEvans and Blake Lund. Each player scored 22 points, demonstrating their capability from beyond the arc and within the paint. The team went into the halftime break leading 45-41, driven by strategic plays and effective scoring runs. Key players Jimmy Salamone and Luka Uzelac were instrumental, with Salamone adding crucial three-pointers and Uzelac securing 7 rebounds alongside Ioannis Giannoultsis.

However, the tide turned in the second period as Madonna University clawed back into the game. Highlight plays from Madonna's Brendan Young and Ahmoni Weston reversed the game dynamics, with Weston scoring 25 points overall. Despite defensive efforts led by Ramon Zapater, who led with 1 steal for Lawrence Tech, Madonna's intensified defense and successful free throws from Ethan Emerzian shifted the momentum in their favor, culminating in a 12-point lead by game's end.

The Blue Devils finished the regular season 16-12 and 14-6 in Conference play while earning a bid to host the first round of the WHAC Tournament for the first time in school history. Looking ahead, this match was the final game of the season for the Lawrence Tech Blue Devils. They will regroup and aim to return stronger in the next academic year, reflecting on the lessons learned from this challenging but instructive season.