March 26, 2008

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Springfield, Mass. - Grand Valley State dropped a 67-54 decision to Winona State in NCAA Division II Elite Eight action Wednesday (March 26) night in Springfield, Mass. Winona State advances to the Thursday night's semifinals, while the Lakers conclude their season with a 36-1 mark. The Lakers' 36 wins is a single-season school record and is tied for the most wins in a single-season in NCAA DII history.

Grand Valley State fell behind 24-11 early in the contest, but an 18-0 run over the final 10:41 of the first half enabled the Lakers to take a 29-24 lead into the half. GVSU held WSU scoreless for the final 10:41. Winona State opened the second half with 20-5 run to take a 44-34 lead with 11:44 left in the game. GVSU's Justin Ringler hit a pair free throws followed by a layup and Callistus Eziukwu scored on a dunk to pull the Lakers within four (50-46). However, Winona State's John Smith scored in the paint, Quincy Henderson rattled home a three-pointer and Jonte Flowers scored on a layup to put the Warriors up 57-46. Eziukwu scored on layup and Jamerson hit a three-pointer to pull GVSU within six (57-51) with 3:23 remaining. The Lakers had the ball down six twice, but couldn't get a shot to fall and Winona State hit eight free throws down the stretch to clinch the win.

"I'm extremely proud of my guys, but it just wasn't in the cards tonight," said fourth-year head coach Ric Wesley. "We played hard and our effort was good, but Winona State just made some shots early in the second half and we were just never to get any rythm going to make a run," added Wesley.

Callistus Eziukwu led the way with 19 and eight rebounds. Justin Ringler turned in a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds, while Jason Jamerson added 14 points. GVSU shot a season-low 35.7 percent from the floor and connected on just 2-of-19 three-pointers. The Lakers held a 37-36 rebounding advantage. Jonte Flowers led Winona State with 29 points, while Quincy Henderson added 10 points and 11 rebounds. Winona State hit 11-of-25 three-pointers.

"This senior class set a mark that will be very difficult to match," added Wesley. "This is the group that has been with me for the entire time and I will never forget what they accomplished on and off the court."

The Laker senior class finished with a 110-20 mark. The Lakers were 92-10 during their final three years, with two NCAA DII Elite Eight appearances, two Great Lakes Regional titles, two GLIAC titles and three GLIAC North Division titles.