LIVONIA, Mich. - The Lawrence Technological University men's basketball team fended off a fierce second-half comeback attempt to edge Marian University (Ind.) 86–82 on Friday evening in the opening game of the Bernie Holowicki Classic hosted by Madonna University in Livonia, Michigan. With the victory, the Blue Devils remained unbeaten on the young season, improving their record to 2–0 overall.
Lawrence Tech came out firing in the first half, mounting a lead of up to 15 points behind sharp shooting from Lake McIntosh and Relja Nagulic to take a 47–38 advantage into the locker room. Marian roared back in the second half, briefly seizing a 60–58 lead midway through the frame. The two squads traded blows in a tight contest featuring 4 ties and 5 lead changes down the stretch. Clinging to an 83–81 lead in the final seconds, Kerem Sariaslan and Lake McIntosh sank clutch free throws to secure the four-point win for the Blue Devils.
Lake McIntosh spearheaded the Lawrence Tech offense with a team-high 25 points, draining five 3-pointers while adding 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Relja Nagulic knocked down 14 points and pulled down 7 rebounds, while Alberto Morati delivered a major spark off the bench with a 14-point, 8-rebound performance. Jovan Jovanovic added 11 points, and Vuk Zarubica chipped in 7 points and 4 rebounds. Marian was led by Kody Clancy, who scored a match-high 33 points.
Lawrence Tech will look to sweep the weekend showcase as they return to Alliance Catholic Credit Union Arena tomorrow afternoon to face Union College (Ky.) in the second game of the Bernie Holowicki Classic at 1:00 PM.
