SOUTHFIELD, Mich. - A furious second-half comeback came up just short for Lawrence Technological University on Saturday night, as the Blue Devils fell 78-73 to Cleary University in a WHAC matchup at Don Ridler Fieldhouse.
Cleary's Nick Ellis delivered the decisive blows in the final minute, tipping in a missed shot and converting the ensuing free throw with 45 seconds remaining to break a 73-73 tie and put the Cougars ahead 76-73. After a defensive stop, Ellis returned to the line with 17 seconds left and split a pair, pushing the margin to 78-73 and sealing the game despite Lawrence Tech's late push from the foul line.
The Blue Devils trailed 32-28 after the opening period and spent much of the second half clawing back into contention behind aggressive drives and timely free throw shooting. Lawrence Tech went 21-for-28 at the line in the second period, methodically trimming Cleary's advantage and forcing multiple lead changes down the stretch. However, Cleary's work on the glass proved critical, as the visitors finished with a 43-35 edge in total rebounds, including 12 offensive boards that extended key possessions.
Offensively, Lawrence Tech leaned on strong efforts from its primary scorers. Luka Uzelac led the Blue Devils with a game-high 18 points on an efficient 8-for-11 shooting night and added seven rebounds, including five on the offensive end, to keep possessions alive. Davin Walker complemented that performance with 16 points, going a perfect 9-for-9 at the free throw line while contributing six rebounds, four steals and an assist as a two-way presence for the Blue Devils.
Cleary countered with a balanced attack. Chaz Cobbs Jr. paced the Cougars with 16 points on 6-for-12 shooting, using a pair of early drives and a key 3-pointer at 13:17 of the second period to steady Cleary's lead during a Blue Devils surge. Ellis finished with 14 points and a game-high 11 rebounds, including two blocks and the late-game sequence that swung the outcome. Zane Kemp added 13 points on 5-for-8 shooting, hitting a layup and a 3-pointer early in the second period to help Cleary regain the lead at 34-32 and then 40-39.
Despite being outshot from the field—Lawrence Tech finished at 34.9% compared to Cleary's 43.3%—the Blue Devils stayed within striking distance by generating 15 assists on 22 made field goals and matching Cleary in the turnover battle, with both sides committing 12. Lawrence Tech also connected on eight 3-pointers to Cleary's five, but the Cougars' efficiency inside the arc and their rebounding advantage, particularly in late-game situations, ultimately proved to be the difference.
The result drops Lawrence Tech to a narrow defeat in conference play but also highlights the Blue Devils' resilience in a tightly contested WHAC matchup. With strong individual showings, especially from Uzelac and Walker and an aggressive approach that produced consistent trips to the line, the Blue Devils showed elements to build on as they continue through the league schedule and prepare for their next conference tests at Don Ridler Fieldhouse.
