SOUTHFIELD, Mich. - Madonna University used a string of late transition baskets to pull away from Lawrence Tech University, handing the Blue Devils an 84-74 defeat on Saturday afternoon at Don Ridler Fieldhouse.
Trailing just 80-74 inside the final two minutes, Lawrence Tech had life before Madonna's pressure and efficiency in the open floor closed the door. Makyle Doss converted a fast-break layup and completed a three-point sequence with 1:47 remaining to restore a six-point cushion, and Anthony Weston followed with another transition layup at the 33-second mark to push the margin to 10 and effectively seal the outcome. Madonna, which led most of the way, outscored the Blue Devils 47-41 after halftime to extend a 37-33 edge at the break.
Lawrence Tech stayed close despite shooting 39.4 percent from the field (28-for-71) by relying on the perimeter attack. The Blue Devils knocked down 13 3-pointers, using timely long-range makes to erase several small deficits, including a quick burst early in the second half that tied the game 39-39 on a Karem Sariaslan 3-pointer at the 18:52 mark. Madonna answered immediately, however, as Doss hit three straight free throws to nudge the visitors back in front, a lead they would not surrender again.
The Blue Devils' inability to match Madonna at the foul line proved decisive. While Madonna converted 21 of 25 free throws (84 percent), Lawrence Tech finished just 5 of 9 at the stripe. That 16-point disparity in made free throws offset Lawrence Tech's edge from beyond the arc and limited the impact of several key second-half possessions in which the Blue Devils drew contact but could not generate the same volume of trips to the line.
Individually, Lawrence Tech was paced by Lake McIntosh, who delivered 19 points on 8-for-14 shooting, including three 3-pointers, while adding five rebounds and three assists. McIntosh's scoring helped the Blue Devils keep pace through much of the afternoon as he repeatedly answered Madonna runs with drives and perimeter jumpers. Lawrence Tech also generated 12 offensive rebounds and 15 assists as a team, creating extra chances that kept the game within reach until the closing stretch.
On the other side, Madonna's balanced attack put constant pressure on the Blue Devils' defense. Weston led all scorers with 23 points on 8-for-17 shooting, hitting 3 of 6 from 3-point range while adding six rebounds and six assists. Doss provided 17 points on 4-for-5 shooting, went a perfect 7-for-7 at the line and added five rebounds and four steals, a stat line that reflected his impact on both ends. In the frontcourt, DeAntwan Randell posted a double-double with 18 points and 12 rebounds, and Joey Liedel chipped in 16 points and seven assists, including the jumper that opened the second half and briefly pushed Madonna's lead to six.
Despite the loss, Lawrence Tech's ability to generate perimeter offense and compete on the glass against a strong Madonna front line offered positives as the Blue Devils move deeper into the conference schedule. Cleaning up late-game execution, particularly in transition defense and at the free-throw line, will be central points of emphasis as the team looks to convert close contests into wins in the weeks ahead.
